In this bonus episode of "Leading the Way" with Jill S. Robinson, the spotlight is on Ariel Fristoe, the Artistic Director of Out of Hand Theater, an Atlanta-based theater company renowned for its innovative integration of art, social justice, and civic engagement. The conversation delves into the origins, evolution, and significant impact of Out of Hand Theater since its inception in 2001. Ariel Fristoe shares insights into how the company has distinguished itself by focusing on social issues and working closely with community groups and experts, leading to a unique business model that monetizes artistic skills while addressing pressing societal challenges like racism, poverty, and violence. 

Significant milestones include the theater's recognition by the New York Times as the best theater of 2020 and the notable growth following this acclaim. Fristoe emphasizes the importance of collaborative programs with various organizations, detailing the expansion of their team and the ambitious vision driving their work. She provides advice to other performing arts organizations on achieving authenticity and broad community engagement by prioritizing partners' goals and focusing on local issues, which can unlock new audiences and sustainability for the arts. 

For additional resources and to sign up for the podcast newsletter, we invite you to visit our website at leadingthewaypodcast.com. 

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