Meet Robert J. Townsend – SDMT Academy’s New Director of Education!

We are thrilled to announce SDMT’s new Director of Education – Robert J. Townsend.

Robert has been a professional actor for almost 30 years. His appearances range from Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tour, and countless regional theaters across the country. A proud recipient of LA Ovation Awards for his portrayal of the title role in Jekyll and Hyde, and for his performance as Thomas Weaver in The Story of My Life. In San Diego, he has appeared on many of the stages of our thriving theater community, taking part in productions at The Globe, San Diego Rep, Moonlight, Starlight, and of course his home away from home, San Diego Musical Theatre. Nominated for numerous San Diego Critic Circle Awards, he received the Outstanding Lead Performance award for his portrayal of Georges in La Cage Aux Folles at SDMT.

Other performance skills include voice overs, commercials, television, and big band crooning with Ray Conniff and His Orchestra. He has devoted the last five years (and counting) to Westview High School and the Westview Theatre Company (WVTC) as the Theater Director and Advisor. WVTC has grown to over one hundred acting and technical student collaborators and received much acclaim and acknowledgment for the performances and quality of the productions. Robert is beyond excited to continue to help SDMT bring incredible instruction and guidance to the wonderfully talented youth and adult performers in San Diego.

Robert’s shares his goals for SDMT Academy: 

The talent and passion for the theater arts runs deep in our San Diego community, and that desire to develop and thrive begins at a very young age here. In my years in San Diego, I’m always impressed, delighted, and stunned by the performances our young pre-professional performers bring to our classrooms and stages. I couldn’t be happier to be assuming the role of Director of Education for the SDMT Academy, where I’ve already seen incredible work happening, even during the challenge of a pandemic!

I’m bringing years of work in education, along with many more years of professional work on and off the stage, and together with the support of the amazing team at SDMT will provide continued excellent programming, along with some new ideas!

I so look forward to seeing you, you wonderful students of the theatrical arts, and the supportive parents that help their youngsters achieve their dreams. Let’s get to creating together!