Bio

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Sandra Hughes

Sandra Hughes creates original arts programs for and with communities – locally, nationally and internationally. Sandra is a professional writer, director, choreographer, actor, storyteller, mime, musician, mask performer and educator. Her classes and original productions for the live stage, television, radio and virtual platforms have been presented throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Eastern and Western Europe.  

Sandra offers virtual classes in creative writing and acting/script writing through Gateway Performances Productions, where she is the Producing Artistic Director of this non-profit arts organization, located in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Sandra’s extensive experience includes teaching as an adjunct professor, instructor and artist in residence at Lake Erie College, Antioch College, the University of Akron, Emory University and Phillips Exeter Academy. She served as an acting coach for Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company’s National August Wilson Monologue Contest, an acting instructor for the Dekalb School of the Arts and a drama coach for the National Trial Lawyers Institute.

Sandra’s  CD Album — Kairos — features her original spoken word performances, flute music and lyrics with piano accompaniment written and performed by GRAMMY nominated composer John Burke.

AWARDS (examples)

American Film Institute Video FestivalBring Me Yellow FlowersCreator/Choreographer – Robert Bennett Award – 2nd place

Regional EMMYOutstanding Entertainment Program of the Year – Creator/ Writer/Choreographer

City of Atlanta Outstanding Partner & Outstanding Community Service Awards

South ArtsSouthern Artistry Award, Outstanding Theatre and Literary Artist

Ford Foundation Professional Development Awards (3) though Alternate ROOTS

HONORS (examples)  

Public Television – National Distribution – Concept/Writer 

Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute – Sandra L. Hughes Theatre Collection –  documents Sandra’s professional career

Art on the Atlanta Beltline (5) Commissions for original performance pieces with (3) large scale outdoor art installations – Writer, Director, Choreographer, Designer, Project Director  

The Ohio State University – Irish Collection – Playwright – Designated Works of Significant Cultural Merit

MEMBERSHIPS

National League of American Pen Women Letters

Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences Fellow

CLIENTS (examples) 

Georgia institute of TechnologyInclusive Leadership Academy – Writing & Storytelling Coach

Fort McPherson Domiciliary Arts Programs for Military Veterans – Creative Writing/Theatre Arts

Art PharmacyArts Programs by prescription from medical doctors, therapists, and certified social workers for youth ages 12 -24 suffering from anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation and elders age 65 and up for anxiety, depression and isolation

Many thanks to the Fulton County Commissioners under the guidance of Fulton County Arts and Culture, City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Georgia Council for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and Fulton County Veterans Services Program for their support of Sandra’s performances and classes through Gateway Performance Productions