Famed British actor Sir Ralph Richardson once observed that “acting is merely the art of keeping a large group of people from coughing.” Pittsford resident Bob Sagan, Director of Education and Community Engagement for the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL), is used to dealing with large groups of people who don’t cough—so engaging are RBTL performances, especially for student audiences.

Bob, who met his wife Joyce 45 years ago on a blind date, asked her what she was doing that summer. She talked about going to California and then asked Bob why he was asking. “I was thinking about getting married,” he blurted out. She has been his love, companion, and go-to helper ever since. Not surprisingly, their first real date involved chaperoning a group of high school students, out to “Oh, What a Lovely War.”

In the 14 years he has worked with the League, Sagan has developed nationally recognized programs for Rochester-area students. WROC recognized his award-winning arts program in 2008, when he was named a Gold Apple recipient. Additionally, he has been awarded several national education grants and has frequently been recognized by The Broadway League. Sagan is also the recipient of the Arts Educator Award, presented by the Rochester Arts Council, and the Community Impact Award, presented by Friends of SOTA.


Sagan, who regards the arts as an essential element of the human experience, has the same passion and energy in his current position as he had as an English/Theatre teacher for the City School District and the Rush-Henrietta Central School District. From the "Stars of Tomorrow" musical recognition ceremony each spring; to the Dance, Acting, Vocal and Technical "Master Class" programs taught by touring Broadway actors; to the Broadway summer day camp "Summer Stars" classes, with instructors from NYC, his days are filled.

He nonetheless manages to make additional drama-inroads in our community, such as the RBTL Middle School and High School program, and projects with Sojourner House and the Hillside Scholarship Work Connection. Sagan is also an active member of the National Education Committee for the Broadway League in New York City. He is always looking for ways that students' creativity, talent, and interests can shine and be explored.

Novelist Jodi Picoult once defined the human condition via a word: “There’s a reason the word ‘belonging’ has a synonym for ‘want’ at its center.”  Bob Sagan knows how to align longing and learning. And Rochesterians are the richer for it.