Artist Profile: Bob Farley

By Samantha Canuel

With each project, you are always starting over. There is an old adage in the theatre that says, You are only as good as your last show. Its true.

So said Robert Farley, artistic director of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre and Conservatory (GET), who has been putting together new shows since GETs inception in 1992. He was a founding member of the theatre and has been an influence in the Roswell community ever since.

Farley founded Georgia Ensemble Theatre together with his wife, Anita Allen-Farley. GETs productions at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center have earned numerous awards for both Farleys, including being named as Public Broadcasting Atlantas Lexus Leaders of the Arts.

Farley stated that one of his greatest passions is selecting GETs season of plays and musicals. The 2017-2018 season is GETs 25th anniversary. Thus, this season will be a celebration of the success and longevity of Georgia Ensemble Theatre throughout the years.

GETs first production of the season, Once on this Island, was a wonderfully successful Broadway musical, and its current production, MorningSide, is a shrewd and very funny new comedy that takes the audience to a sunny spring afternoon in the Morningside neighborhood of Atlanta, where different generations are thrown together to battle it out. Imagine a baby shower, nine women with secrets, and a case of champagne. What could possibly go wrong?

Farley went on to share that his experiences in the theatre started in high school when he was recruited to operate the light board for a variety show, In the moment, I could see the stories that light, shadow, and color could only tell, and I was hooked, he said.

Farleys suggestion for new actors, sound techs, set designers and all others interested in theatre is simple: Get your education. In the theatre arts, a masters degree is the new bachelors degree. Its through that education that you discover your vision, and never let go of it.

Outside of the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Farley spends time with his wife and fellow co-founder Anita. He also spoils their three perfectly remarkable grandchildren.

For details on upcoming shows and ticket purchasing information, or to learn more about Bob Farley and the Georgia Ensemble Theatre, visit GET.org or their Facebook page.