Artful Speaker Series, SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS and More Set for COCA, Winter/Spring 2013-14

The COCA Calendar of events, including classes, workshops, and auditions.

COCA 2014 Winter/Spring Arts Classes

COCA provides child, teen and adult classes in Art and Design, Early Childhood, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern, Tap, Social and Cultural Dance, Fitness, Theatre, and Voice and Music. Multi-class discounts and payment plans available. 2014 Winter/Spring arts classes begin Tuesday, January 21. Classes are held at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

November 5, 19, December 10

COCAbiz Artful Speaker bizLAB Series

COCAbiz presents bizLAB classes that teach business skills and strategies through participatory, creative activities. Led by a Teaching Artist and Business Strategist, bizLAB classes explore new ways of thinking and teach you how to apply these arts-based methods to the workplace. Artful Speaker is for anyone that must communicate complex ideas clearly to create understanding and inspire action. Participants will improve their public speaking skills - at every step from preparation to presentation - and gain confidence in front of an audience as they learn how to create and deliver an effective speech. Session 1: Crafting a Speech is Tuesday, November 5, 8:00-10:30am. Session 2: Visual Communication is Tuesday, November 19, 8:00-10:30am. Session 3: Speak the Speech is Tuesday, December 10, 8:00-10:30am. All sessions are at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $225 for the series or $85 per session. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocabiz.com for more information.

November 23

Allegro Winter Concert

Allegro, COCA's student vocal ensemble under the direction of Voice Coordinator Phil Woodmore, performs its annual Winter Concert. Allegro has a repertoire that combines musical theatre, pop and seasonal arrangements. The performance is Saturday, November 23, at 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $9. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

December 13

COCA Gallery Exhibition: Color...My World - Stewart Halperin
St. Louis-based travel photographer Stewart Halperin, renowned for his iconic images of Venice's Carnival, shares a selection of photographs from his 40-year career that highlight striking cultural customs and rituals from around the globe. This exhibition will coincide with COCA's annual holiday story ballet The Little Dancer: Through a New Lens, which will feature Halperin's photographs in its artistic backdrop. Opening reception is Friday, December 6, from 6:00-8:00pm in the Millstone Gallery at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Free and open to the public through Sunday, February 9. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

December 14-15

COCA Presents 2013-2014: The Little Dancer: Through a New Lens - COCA's Ballet Eclectica

The COCA holiday tradition returns! Internationally-known St. Louis photographer Stewart Halperin provides the artistic backdrop for this story ballet, which magically brings Degas' famous statuette to life. Halperin's work has taken him to more than 80 countries spanning six continents, from some of the most remote corners of the globe to many of the world's major cities. For all ages. Performances are Saturday, December 14, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm and Sunday, December 15, at 1:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $14-18. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

2014

January 11-12

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
COCAdance and the Hip-Hop Crew
This collaborative, 75-minute dance concert features the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, plus choreography they set on COCAdance and the Hip-Hop Crew - providing the dynamic energy audiences have come to love about these companies! Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble uplifts and excites audiences through an explosive body of works inspired by the African-American experience and rooted in Black dance traditions. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Performances are Saturday, January 11, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm and Sunday, January 12, at 1:00pm and 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $14-18. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

January 17

Conversation with the Choreographers

COCA Alumnus Antonio Douthit-Boyd and Kirven Douthit-Boyd from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater showcase work set on COCA's student dance companies. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is based in New York City and was founded in 1958 by dancer, choreographer and visionary Alvin Ailey, to bring African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world. The conversation is Friday, January 17, at 8:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Free. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

January 18-19

Regional Auditions for Summer Dance Intensives

Student dancers ages 11 to 15 and 16 to 18 are invited to audition for summer 2014 dance intensives at a unified regional audition at COCA. All applicants should bring two photos: a headshot and a photo in first arabesque, both labeled with the applicant's name, age and mailing address. All applicants must participate in both the ballet and modern portions of the audition. Female applicants should wear a black leotard and convertible pink ballet tights, with hair in a neat bun. Female applicants should bring ballet and pointe shoes and should be prepared to dance barefoot. Male applicants should wear a white t-shirt and black tights or jazz pants. Male applicants should bring ballet shoes and be prepared to dance barefoot. All applicants must pay a $35 participation fee. Auditions are Saturday, January 18, from 9:00am - 4:00pm and Sunday, January 19, from 9:00am - 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $35. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

January 19

St. Louis Architectural Tour

Architect Evan Bronstein offers a fascinating peak into the history of some of St. Louis' most significant houses of worship. Learn about architectural styles and how these buildings communicate concepts of faith through symbol and structure. The tour begins and ends at COCA; transportation is provided by COCA. For ages 18 and up. The tour is Sunday, January 19, from 2:00-5:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $20. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

January 25-26

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Swallows and Amazons - COCA Theatre Company

COCA Theatre Company (CTC) presents Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons, adapted for the stage by Helen Edmundson, with songs by Neil Hannon. A musical adventure for the whole family, Swallows and Amazons recalls an idyllic era of endless summer evenings, as a group of imaginative children sets sail on an exotic adventure to encounter savages, capture dastardly pirates and defeat mortal enemies - all before their summer vacation ends. This CTC production is directed by Shanara Gabrielle and Alec Wild, with music direction by Joe Schoen. The cast includes teen members of CTC as well as adult St. Louis actors. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Performances are Saturday, January 25, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm and Sunday, January 26, at 1:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $10-14. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

February 5

Artist Talk with Author Ridley Pearson

Author Ridley Pearson offers writing tips and discusses his successful career including his novel, Peter and the Starcatchers, adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway play, which runs at the Peabody Opera House, March 7-9, 2014. Presented in collaboration with the Peabody Opera House. The talk is Wednesday, February 5, from 6:30-8:30pm, at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $10. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

February 7-8

Spring Auditions for COCA Theatre Company - Tales, A devised circus play
Interested students ages 11 to 18 should prepare a one-minute monologue and bring a resume and a headshot/photo. Students cast must pay a $195 participation fee and attend rehearsals held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Utilizing fairy and folk tales as inspiration, students cast will create and perform an original piece told through physical theatre and circus. In addition to the required monologue, students may also demonstrate a circus/magic trick or comedy bit at the audition. Tales is directed by Josh Routh. Performances are April 4-6, 2014. Auditions are Friday, February 7, from 4:00-6:00pm and Saturday, February 8, from 12:00-3:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

February 8

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Samba - Afriky Lolo
Like children of every generation, Samba is a young African boy who struggles to respect his ancestral history, but soon learns how important the past can be to the future. Samba's story is brought to life by the extraordinary Diadie Bathily and his troupe of talented dancers, Afriky Lolo. This unique theatre experience draws on traditional West African themes and physical storytelling and incorporates lively dance and drumming, puppets, ornate headdresses and masks. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Performances are Saturday, February 8, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm, at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $14-18. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

February 22

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Nearly Lear - Susanna Hamnett
Welcome to a King Lear that is profoundly accessible and really funny, all the while serving the spirit, language and emotional core of the play. Nearly Lear is a roller-coaster ride that has entranced both lovers of Shakespeare as well as newcomers to the Bard. Actress Susanna Hamnett braves the most savage storm in English literature with breathtaking hilarity and heartache, honoring the beautiful language of Lear while taking a bit of poetic license. Recommended for teens and adults. The performance is Saturday, February 22, at 7:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $16-20. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

February 28

COCA Gallery Exhibition: Habitat - Carol Fleming Marks

St. Louis sculptor Carol Fleming Marks specializes in designing site-specific and one-of-a-kind artwork in clay. Each piece articulates its environment through the evolution of familiar forms, colors, and functions. Marks constantly explores sources of personal inspiration; her work, both monumental and minuscule, embodies a refined aesthetic. Opening reception is Friday, February 28, from 6:00-8:00pm in the Millstone Gallery at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Free and open to the public through Sunday, April 27. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

February 28

Continuing the Legacy

Written and directed by COCA alumnus Christopher Page, Continuing the Legacy uses dance as a vehicle to take audience members through black history - from slavery to the jazz era, through the civil rights movement, to modern times. Large photographs are projected behind the dancers, creating a vivid accompaniment to the modern dance choreography and helping audience members see, hear and feel the journey of African Americans in America. Performers include members of COCAdance. Continuing the Legacy includes imagery that may be disturbing to young children. Recommended for students in grades 4+ and their parents. The performance is Friday, February 28, at 7:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $6-$10. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

March 7

Conversation with the Choreographer

Allison Zamorski from the Nashville Ballet showcases work set on COCA's student dance companies. As the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee, Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers. Together with Second Company NB2 (a pre-professional training company), Nashville Ballet serves nearly 70,000 adults and children annually through performances and outreach and community engagement programming. The conversation is Friday, March 7, at 8:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Free. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

March 22-23

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Snail and the Whale - Tall Stories
A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. But when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him? Follow the tiny snail's amazing journey, as seen through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father. Based on the beloved children's book and performed by Tall Stories, in collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Recommended for ages 3 to 10. Performances are Saturday, March 22, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm and Sunday, March 23, at 1:00pm and 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $16- 20. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

March 28-29

COCA Summer Musical Auditions - Ragtime

Interested teens ages 14 to 18 should prepare 32 bars of song and bring sheet music, a resume and a headshot/photo. An accompanist will be provided. Students cast must pay a $295 participation fee; financial aid is available for those who qualify. COCA Theatre Company (CTC) presents Ragtime, with book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. The COCA Summer Musical marks its 10th anniversary with this powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America. Ragtime draws upon the era's rich and varied music to tell the story of three extraordinary families struggling to make sense of life in America. This CTC production is directed by Grace Austin, with musical direction by Phil Woodmore and choreography by Lee Nolting and Chris Page. Performances are July 25-26, 2014. Auditions are Friday, March 28, from 5:00-8:00pm and Saturday, March 29, from 12:00-3:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

Ragtime is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212.541.4684 Fax: 212.397.4684 www.MTIShows.com

April 4-6

COCA Theatre Company: Tales
COCA Theatre Company (CTC) presents Tales, an original devised play told through physical theatre and circus. Tales is directed by Josh Routh. 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

April 11-13

TRIumphant Spring Repertory Concert

Performances are Friday, April 11, at 7:00pm, Saturday, April 12, at 2:00pm and Sunday, April 13, at 2:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $12-$14. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

April 19

Auditions for the COCA Talent Identified Program (TIP)

Interested students ages 8 to 10 are invited to audition for the COCA Talent Identified Program (TIP). TIP is a need-based scholarship program for students who demonstrate talent for and an interest in dance, but who have never taken classes at COCA. Students accepted will receive full scholarships to cover tuition for TIP classes. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need by submitting recent tax records (including a W9) and completing a financial aid application. For the audition, students should dress in comfortable clothing and dance shoes, or they may audition in bare feet. The audition is Saturday, April 19, from 1:00-3:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

April 27

Allegro Spring Concert

Allegro, COCA's student vocal ensemble under the direction of Voice Coordinator Phil Woodmore, performs its annual Spring Concert. Allegro has a repertoire that combines musical theatre, pop and seasonal arrangements. The performance is Sunday, April 27, at 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $9. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

May 3-4

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Love - Terrapin Puppet Theatre

With a big storm brewing, Oslo's mum says he can only take a few things, or "love luggage," to safety. So, Oslo sets out to help his neighbors find their "love luggage," too! This heartfelt and entertaining story is brought to life by Australia's Terrapin Puppet Theatre with traditional and digital puppets, live action and stunning music. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Performances are Saturday, May 3, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm and Sunday, May 4, at 1:00pm and 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $16-20. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

June 7 and 14

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Trick Boxing - Sossy Mechanics
This smash-hit physical comedy is told through rapid-fire dialogue, high-energy dance numbers, ridiculous puppetry, true love and...boxing! Caught between a rock and a hard place, Danny becomes a boxer to pay a debt and, while training for his matches, meets a dancer who teaches him some
moves of her own. Brian Sostek and Megan McClellan make up the critically-acclaimed duo known as Sossy Mechanics. Recommended for teens and adults. Performances are Saturday, June 7, at 7:00pm and Saturday, June 14, at 7:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $14-18. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

July 25-26

COCA Presents 2013-2014: Ragtime - COCA Summer Musical
COCA Theatre Company (CTC) presents Ragtime, with book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow. The COCA Summer Musical marks its 10th anniversary with this powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America. Ragtime draws upon the era's rich and varied music to tell the story of three extraordinary families struggling to make sense of life in America. In honor of the anniversary, the cast includes students chosen by area-wide audition as well as CTC alumni from the last 10 years of COCA Summer Musicals. This CTC production is directed by Grace Austin, with musical direction by Phil Woodmore and choreography by Lee Nolting and Chris Page. Recommended for teens and adults. Ragtime is supported in part by Mary Strauss and the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation. Performances are Friday, July 25, at 7:00pm and Saturday, July 26, at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, at Edison Theatre at Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Boulevard, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $18. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. COCA Presents 2013-2014 is presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

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