Robert Cornelius (he/him) is a Gay Black Artist born and raised in Chicago, and a veteran of over three decades in the Chicago arts sceneand around the countfry He is an actor, singer, writer, coach, educator, and activist who has spent much of his career fighting for justice and equality for Black people and the LGBTQIA+ community. Most recently onstage he was seen in Her Honor, Jane Byrne written and directed by J NIcole Brooks at Lookingglass Theatre, and Lottery Day by Ike Holter at The Goodman Theatre-both world premieres. Robert has been a member of the band Poi Dog Pondering since 1993. He spent over a decade as Arts Education Director at Tony Award recipient Victory Gardens Theater, working to help young people find their voices.