New Memoir Offers Unvarnished Look at Theater Leadership, Personal Struggles

A new book of local interest, “This Wasn’t In The Script: Building a Community That Couldn’t Save Me,” by Robbie Soto, is set to be released on February 1, 2026, offering readers an intimate and candid account of his decade-long journey with Authentic Community Theatre (ACT) in Hagerstown, Maryland. The memoir delves into the complexities of leading a non-profit arts organization, the personal sacrifices involved, and the emotional toll that can accompany passionate dedication. Soto, who joined ACT in 2015 with the goal of expanding its reach, ultimately rose to the position of president, guiding the company to significant achievements.

During his tenure, Soto was instrumental in establishing ACT’s Black Box Studio and fostering relationships with broader theatrical institutions, including securing eight Broadway endorsements and hosting a Tony Award winner. The theater also became the first community theater to establish a relationship with the Maryland Theatre in over three decades. These accomplishments contributed to ACT’s growth, with the organization reaching $1.5 million in annual revenue under his leadership. The book details the rise and fall experienced during these ten years, encompassing both professional triumphs and personal battles, including navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the organization.

The story shifts from professional ambition to personal crisis following a significant financial challenge for ACT. After securing a lease on a new building, a pre-inspection revealed only minor issues. However, a subsequent final inspection identified over $150,000 in necessary electrical and plumbing repairs, attributed to previous renovations conducted using residential permits rather than commercial ones. This unexpected expense led Soto to make the difficult decision to lay himself off and dismiss the theater’s other paid employee, transitioning ACT into a volunteer-run operation. Simultaneously, Soto accepted a promotion in his external employment, which demanded more of his time. “Sometimes it’s not about staying in the spotlight, sometimes it’s about knowing when to walk out of it.”

The memoir is described as a confessional exploration of Soto’s experience, utilizing storytelling, reflection, and personal letters to convey his narrative. He reportedly felt compelled to write the book as a means of reclaiming his voice, which he felt was often constrained by his leadership role at ACT, where his public statements could reflect directly on the organization. The book aims to provide his perspective on events, particularly after experiencing a period of depression and a breakdown in his personal life, including his marriage, which he attributes to stepping away from ACT due to what he perceived as a failure.

“It took everything falling apart for me to figure it out and decide to face it,” said Soto.

Soto also discusses how business decisions led to strained relationships, with some former friends no longer speaking to him, and how he decided to step away from ACT.

The book is not driven by animosity towards ACT, and Soto expresses well wishes for its future success and notes that he remains in contact with the current president. The memoir is intended to shed light on the often-unseen realities of theater operations, the “backstage” work that audiences do not typically witness. He views the book as a form of redemption, highlighting the achievements made by a small organization in Hagerstown, Maryland. This marks Soto’s first published book, and he indicates that while he enjoyed the process and has more to share, he is currently focused on personal healing and rediscovering himself after a demanding period. He is enjoying time with friends and a new romantic relationship, and while his future in theater and the nonprofit space is uncertain, he remains open to opportunities.

Soto wishes ACT nothing but the best, and still feels strongly about the organization. “I may have left, but ACT is still my legacy.”

The book contains a foreword by Wilson J Heredia, and will be available on Amazon on February 1, 2026. (affiliate link)

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from an interview with Robbie Soto.

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