Alan Hanstein, Challenger Learning Center, Tallahassee, FL

Theater Category

Biography

Alan Hanstein is the Executive Director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, where he oversees the Center’s IMAX® Theatre, Fogg Planetarium, space mission simulator, education programs, community outreach, and growing portfolio of STEM initiatives and partnerships.

Growing up outside New York City, Alan developed an early fascination with science, discovery, and exploration through visits to the American Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium. His passion for aviation began when he saw his first IMAX film, To Fly!, at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum shortly after it opened – an experience that helped spark a lifelong interest in flight, space, and exploration.

Following a 30-year career in technology and event logistics, Alan joined the Challenger Learning Center as Executive Director in 2022. Over the past four years, the Center has expanded its outreach, public programming, and community activities by roughly an order of magnitude, dramatically increasing the ways it connects people with science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and the arts. Today, the Center serves as a regional hub for STEM education, science communication, and community engagement, reaching students, educators, families, and lifelong learners across North Florida and the surrounding region.

Alan believes that science and exploration should be accessible, engaging, and inspiring for everyone. That philosophy extends beyond his professional life – he is a pilot, longtime scuba diver, and enthusiastic explorer who rarely passes up an opportunity for a new adventure.

Alan lives in Tallahassee with his wife, Amy. They have two adult children and a beagle named Buddy.

Statement of Purpose

I am seeking re-election to the GSCA Board of Directors and the opportunity to continue supporting an organization and industry that I believe are vital to science education, storytelling, and shared experiences.

I bring more than 30 years of experience in technology, innovation, and audience engagement, along with four years as Executive Director of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee. During that time, we have expanded our outreach, public programming, and community activities by roughly an order of magnitude while strengthening partnerships across science, education, the arts, higher education, and our community.

During my first term on the GSCA Board, I have worked to be an active and engaged member of the association – participating in conferences, professional gatherings, Board activities, and conversations with colleagues across the industry. I have valued the opportunity to learn from members representing theaters, filmmakers, distributors, manufacturers, and institutions around the world, while contributing the perspective of an institutional theater operator and science center.

At the Challenger Learning Center, our IMAX® Theatre remains central to our mission. Programming such as The Blue Angels and Blue Whales: Return of the Giants, along with upcoming films such as Einstein’s Incredible Universe, demonstrates the educational and inspirational power of giant screen cinema. At the same time, commercial successes such as The Odyssey demonstrate the opportunity to attract new audiences and strengthen the financial sustainability of institutional theaters.

Our industry still faces real challenges. Streaming, home entertainment, gaming, social media, and other forms of entertainment compete constantly for our audiences’ attention. Simply having a large screen is no longer enough. We must continue creating experiences that give people compelling reasons to leave home and walk through our doors.

Technology also creates new opportunities. Artificial intelligence is already changing filmmaking, marketing, accessibility, content development, and institutional workflows. GSCA can help members understand and responsibly use these emerging tools while protecting the creativity, intellectual property, authenticity, and human storytelling at the heart of our industry.

If re-elected, I will continue working to strengthen collaboration across our industry, grow audiences, share successful ideas among institutions, and ensure GSCA remains both an advocate for giant screen cinema and a practical resource for its members.

I would be honored to continue serving the GSCA community and helping build a vibrant and sustainable future for giant screen cinema.