COOPER BATES: Playwright, Performer, and Solo Performance Artist

Cooper Bates, a master storyteller and dynamic performer, weaves narratives that reflect his journey through life's unpredictable twists and turns. Born in a humble Kansas town, Cooper's early dreams of acting were nurtured through wrestling scholarships and came to fruition in the bustling artistic community of Dallas, Texas. At Kim Dawson’s Acting Conservatory, his passion for the craft was reignited with a fervor that has defined his career.

An unexpected motorcycle accident became a pivotal moment, leading Cooper to Haiti as an educator. This transformative experience infused his work with fresh perspectives and a deepened sense of purpose. Returning to Los Angeles, Cooper’s artistic vision expanded as he directed short films, plays, and screenplays, each a reflection of his evolving journey.

In an unforeseen turn, Cooper co-founded "Hint Mint," a breath mint company that grew into a 15-year entrepreneurial adventure. Despite the demands of business, his artistic spirit remained undeterred.

2017 marked the debut of "Black When I Was A Boy," an award-winning solo show encapsulating two decades of contemplation and creative expression. This poignant piece laid the foundation for a series of solo performances that delve into the essence of identity and resilience.

As the global pandemic unfolded, Cooper's life took another unexpected turn. The Cyrano Theatre called with a unique challenge: to write and perform a 20-minute sketch every week for six weeks, ensuring the theatre had content to keep its membership engaged. Cooper rose to the challenge, and his compelling performances led the theatre to invite him to develop one of the chapters from the weekly performances into a full production, with the promise of a staging upon completion.

"Black When I Was A Boy" and "Black Out" are integral parts of a larger narrative—a four-part series that spans geographies from Kansas to Texas, Haiti, Paris, and Los Angeles. This sweeping saga explores themes of hope, resilience, and the universal voyage of coming of age.

Cooper Bates continues to captivate audiences with his solo performances, merging his life experiences with an insatiable creativity. His work stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the indomitable human spirit.

DONNA MARIE MCMILLAN, a socially engaged, performance artist, actress, director, and activist, has now added the title of "Playwright" to her repertoire. Through her work, she aims to use performance arts to amplify the voices of people of color, fostering community engagement, educating audiences, and promoting intercultural healing and understanding. Her personal mission, "Expanding Minds One Show at a Time”.

As the Founder and Artistic Director of TOASTCO (Telling Our Authentic Stories Theatre Company), a nonprofit multicultural theatre company established in January 2015 in Stockton, California, Donna Marie has been recognized for her contributions. In 2018, she received the prestigious "City Award" from the Stockton Arts Commission for her dedication to bringing quality, engaging, and culturally significant theater arts programming to Stockton.

Donna Marie is now part of the 2nd cohort of writers in the "Different Myth" Black Joy Playwright initiative. Her upcoming play, "A Dream Deferred," is a project close to her heart, exploring the journey of the Younger family from "A Raisin in the Sun" as they navigate life in Clybourne Park a decade later. Through this story of hope, determination, and resilience, she aims to showcase the concept of "Black Joy" and delve into the lives of these beloved characters and the history that has ensued over the past decade.

Donna Marie's commitment to storytelling and her dedication to promoting diverse narratives make her a valuable voice in the theatrical community, and her work continues to inspire audiences and artists alike.

Picture and Bio coming soon!