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Robert Sokol

Editor of BAYSTAGES
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Robert Sokol
Mark Kitaoka / Mark & Tracy Photography
Robert Sokol
Robert Sokol
Mark Kitaoka / Mark & Tracy Photography
Robert Sokol

Robert Sokol
Mark Kitaoka / Mark & Tracy Photography
BAYSTAGES editor Robert Sokol.
Robert Sokol
Editor of BAYSTAGES is a friend to theatre in the Bay Area, even the smaller companies
July 18, 2012

Like most of the people who will grace these small articles I first encountered Robert Sokol in a "virtual" manner. As the Editor of BAYSTAGES, his publication utilizes theatre photography from many companies in and around the greater Bay Area, including Mark & Tracy photographs.

During the Opening Night reception for TheatreWork's "Wheelhouse," I recognized Robert from the photograph in his magazine, and decided I would introduce myself. During a break in his conversation with other guests I asked, "Are you Robert Sokol?" I saw him pause for a moment and my intial impression was Robert didn't want to answer me. At first I thought, "Hum, I must sound like someone to whom he owes money..." but he turned toward me and with those laser blue eyes rather sternly said "Yeesss."

That moment reminded me of when I worked with Kathie Lee Gifford at 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. I had brought a disk of images to give to Carolee Carmello and saw Kathie as I walked up to the theatre. Rather than disturbing rehearsal I thought Kathie could give Carolee the disk. I said, "Kathie Lee" Like Robert she stopped and paused, but didn't turn my way. I repeated her name and she slowly looked over her shoulder and finally said, "Oh, hi, Mark!" Having notoriety must foster a healthy need to maintain whatever anonymous moments still exist, so my apologies in advance to Robert for adding to his public profile.

Once Robert turned and acknowledged me I simply introduced myself. In an instant his facial expression and body language changed and we began to chat. What struck me immediately is how engaging Robert is when he speaks, as well as his genuine enthusiasm for the Bay Area theatre scene. But the moment that solidified my respect for him was when he and I were discussing if he would be at another TheatreWorks opening for review. Robert stated that although he would love to attend, his time is limited (understandable) and wanted to take some time to cover smaller theatre companies that aren't normally covered and reviewed by the larger new agencies.

It's very easy to stay with the "tried and true," covering larger companies, and thereby attracting the advertisers that are the lifeblood of any publication. Robert's desire to cover smaller theatre companies speaks volumes about his character, as well as his commitment to the entire Bay Area theatre community. We continued to talk about a variety of subjects beyond theatre. It was during our conversation, seeing his obvious authenticity, that I felt compelled to photograph him, since it's my favorite form of expression. (Duh!) We agreed to set up a date and time to schedule a date via Facebook.

I arrived at Robert's and was greeted with a warm hello as well as a cup of coffee. We chit-chatted some, gossiped some, and I learned more about the man behind the public figure. Robert moved to San Francisco from NYC, where after dealing with other publications, he decided to start his very own publishing company. In addition to BAYSTAGES, his company produces other magazines, which include "pocketpride," "insidepride" and "castro guide," among others. Like most of us, phone calls and email, along with an occasional visitor, is part of Robert's day, although he contends he rarely has drop-ins.

On a personal side, what I observed about him is his keen and easy sense of humor. I have often looked askance at people who find it difficult to laugh easily. This was certainly not the case with Robert. His genuine demeanor, combined with his passionate love for all that is theatre is really a gift to the Bay. In a time when long relationships are measured by how many "Likes" one receives on a Facebook post, Robert's marriage to his husband of 17 years seems like an Ozzie and Harriet story. (It will be interesting to see who he identifies as Ozzie and Harriet!) On the day I met with him, Robert mentioned that he had forgotten about their anniversary the day before and just realized why his husband Ron seemed a bit miffed on that day. (It seems all husbands are guilty of forgetting an anniversary!) When we were walking toward Marines' Memorial Theatre, where we planned his portrait shot, I happened to light a cigarette. He immediately said "You need to give those up." Ugh, ex smokers are worse than non-smokers! My immediate reply was "Cancer cures smoking" -- my normal smart-ass reply. He then explained that he smoked for years, but successfully quit years ago, and now lives a healthy lifestyle. (So much for asking him to stop for donuts on the way to the theatre!) Yes, like almost everyone, he battled with weight gain immediately after quitting, but has since lost all that he gained and more. Like I said, ex-smokers are the bane of current smokers!

Robert's hobbies? Yes, please, if he finds the time. I noticed a Nikon (gasp) camera on his office desk and wondered, "Will I have to worry about yet another Bay Area theatre photographer?" I was happy to set aside my insecurity when I learned that he also counts learning about computers, collecting film memorabilia, reading and saloon-signing as some of his other interests. But what really puts him over the top in terms of his list of "skills" -- "I can almost sing 'You Can't Stop The Beat,' in German." OK ... Robert, remind me to invite you over to my next Japanese/German Karaoke party!

I'm happy to know Robert Sokol, and hope that we get to know one another better. He's the type of guy whom I'd love to have as a neighbor. I'd gladly walk over from time to time to chew the fat and be energized by his enthusiasm and humor. I may find myself banging on his wall as he was singing a rendition of "Grease!" in Estonian for the 1,000th time and mutter curses under my breath to Tracy as I endured his "Evita" in Hebrew! (BTW, those were not made up. He can/does/actually sings those songs in THOSE languages! Go figure, like all of us he's a theatre geek!) The next time I pick up one of his publications I'll smile, knowing that the man behind the byline is on "our side" truly and deeply. We're all damn lucky to have Robert on our side.

Robert Sokol
Mark Kitaoka / Mark & Tracy Photography
Robert Sokol at Marines Memorial Theatre in San Francisco.


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