COCA Announces 2015 Events, Exhibitions and Performances

COCA has announced its upcoming events, performances and exhibitions for 2015. Scroll down for details or visit www.cocastl.org.

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2015:

January 16 - February 22

COCA Gallery Exhibition: Ten Years Telling Their Stories: A Community Photography Project by Artist Mel Watkin
From 2004 through 2013, artist Mel Watkin led a unique community photography project in conjunction with the University of Missouri-St. Louis Public Policy Research Center. Watkin put cameras into the hands of children and adults throughout St. Louis in an effort to draw attention to the diverse work and impact of community organizations and social service agencies. Artists worked with individuals teaching them photographic techniques, about the history of the medium as a social document, and the inherent power of photographs to connect people. This exhibition marks the first time a selection of photos from the project's duration will be exhibited together. The opening reception is Friday, January 16, from 6:00- 8:00pm in the Millstone Gallery at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. The exhibition is free and open to the public through Sunday, February 22. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Presented by the Arthur and Helen Baer Charitable Foundation, with additional support provided by The Millstone Foundation and Missouri Arts Council.

February 21-22

COCA Presents 2014-2015: Walking the Tightrope - 24th Street Theatre
Written by Mike Kenny, one of England's leading writers for young audiences, Walking the Tightrope is the creative and moving story of a grandfather and granddaughter who must redefine their relationship after Grandma leaves to "join the circus." Walking the Tightrope gently and creatively addresses the theme of loss and is recommended for ages 7 and up. Performances are Saturday, February 21, at 2:00pm and 5:00pm and Sunday, February 22, at 1:00pm and 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $14-18. Subscription packages comprised of four or all eight season shows are currently available; single tickets go on sale Tuesday, August 26. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

March 5

COCAbiz bizLAB Intensive: Artful Speaker
Led by a Teaching Artist and Business Strategist, bizLAB Intensives are in-depth business training workshops designed to build professional skills using techniques employed by professional artists. 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. The full-day workshop is Thursday, March 5, from 8:00am - 5:00pm, at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $225. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocabiz.com for more information. Sponsored by Jennifer and Tom Hillman, Edward Jones and Cannon Design.

March 6-14

COCA Presents 2014-2015: The Little Prince - COCA Theatre Company
This musical play, with book by John Scoullar, music by Rick Cummins and based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, features CTC student actors in tandem with St. Louis professionals. They bring this delightful story of the disenchanted pilot to life, along with the tales he hears about from the young prince from a faraway star. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Performances are Friday, March 6 and 13, at 7:00pm; Saturday, March 7 and 14, at 5:00pm; Sunday, March 8, at 1:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $14-18. Subscription packages comprised of four or all eight season shows are currently available; single tickets go on sale Tuesday, August 26. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Presented by Wells Fargo Advisors.

March 6 - April 26

COCA Gallery Exhibition: The Signal and the Noise: Recent Works by Greg Edmondson
Greg Edmondson?s work is an exploration of the process of drawing, illustrating the connective properties of dotted lines, and their ability to describe shapes as well as outline absences. In this series of graphite drawings, simple marks are repeated, stacked upon the themselves until they are pushed to the limit. In these starkly, elegant drawings and sculptures, Edmondson presents a digital sensibility that belies its hand-made production. The opening reception is Friday, March 6, from 6:00-8:00pm in the Millstone Gallery at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. The exhibition is free and open to the public through Sunday, April 26. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Presented by the Arthur and Helen Baer Charitable Foundation, with additional support provided by The Millstone Foundation and Missouri Arts Council.

March 27-28

COCA Summer Musical Auditions for Bring It On
Interested teens ages 14 to 19 should prepare 32 bars of song and bring sheet music, a resume and a headshot/photo. An accompanist will be provided. Callbacks include a dance call. Dance team members, cheerleaders and acrobats encouraged to audition. Students cast must pay a $295 participation fee; financial aid is available for those who qualify. COCA Theatre Company (CTC) presents Bring It On, with libretto by Jeff Whitty, music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda, lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin- Manuel Miranda and inspired by the motion picture Bring It On written by Jessica Bendlinger. Bitingly relevant, sprinkled with sass, Bring It On takes audiences on a high-flying journey. This CTC production is directed by Joel P.E. King, with musical direction by Phil Woodmore, and choreography by Christopher Page. Bring It On is sponsored by the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation. Performances are June 26-27, 2015. Auditions are Friday, March 27, from 5:00-7:00pm and Saturday, March 28, 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 and to register for an audition time. (Bring It On 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 212.541.4694. Fax 212.397.4684. www.MTIshows.com)

April 9

COCAbiz bizLAB Intensive: Creative Leadership for Changing Times
Led by a Teaching Artist and Business Strategist, bizLAB Intensives are in-depth business training workshops designed to build professional skills using techniques employed by professional artists. Creative Leadership for Changing Times is for professionals ready to take the next step in their careers and who want to lead effectively. Participants will build and refine the skills needed to advance within their organization and inspire their team to accomplish great things - by delivering clear communications, fostering collaboration and creating a shared vision. The full-day workshop is Thursday, April 9, from 8:00am - 5:00pm, at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $225. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocabiz.com for more information. Sponsored by Jennifer and Tom Hillman, Edward Jones and Cannon Design.

April 17-19

COCA TRIumphant Spring Repertory Concert
COCA's student dance companies - COCAdance, Ballet Eclectica and the Hip-Hop Crew - conclude their seasons with an annual Spring Repertory Concert featuring pieces from a range of local and national choreographers. Performances are Friday, April 17, at 7:00pm, Saturday, April 18, at 2:00pm and Sunday, April 19, at 2:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $12-$16. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information.

April 26

COCA 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 26, at 4:00pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Tickets are $6-10. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Emerson, Monsanto Fund, PNC Arts Alive, Glassberg Family Foundation and Bank of America Foundation.

May 1 - May 22

AIGA StL Design Show 20
This exhibition is the premiere showcase of design work by professionals and students in the St. Louis area. The exhibition - which include, books, websites, posters, invitations and more - was juried by three accomplished designers from around the country and they will give a short talk at the opening reception. The opening reception is Friday, May 1, from 6:00-8:00pm in the Millstone Gallery at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. The exhibition is free and open to the public through Friday, May 22. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Presented by the Arthur and Helen Baer Charitable Foundation, with additional support provided by The Millstone Foundation and Missouri Arts Council.

May 14

COCAbiz bizSESSION Speaker
Bob Chapman: Truly Human Leadership
Bob Chapman is at the helm of the $1.5 billion privately-held capital equipment and engineering consulting giant Barry-Wehmiller. He championed the transformation of Barry-Wehmiller's culture into one focused on bringing out the best in its people through communication, trust, celebration, respect, continuous improvement and responsible freedom. The company's innovative learning institute offers team members additional growth opportunities through a wide range of courses. Chapman imagines a world full of caring work environments in which people can realize their gifts, apply and develop their talents, and feel a genuine sense of fulfillment for their contributions. The bizSESSION is Thursday, May 14, from 7:30-10:00am at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Registration is $55. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocabiz.com for more information. Sponsored by Jennifer and Tom Hillman, Edward Jones and Cannon Design.

May 21

Taste of COCA: Navigating the Art of Business
Taste of COCA events are bite-sized, adult events to provide an opportunity to sample the arts at COCA. Each TOC includes cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, a creative arts experience, and time to socialize afterwards, all in 90 minutes! What's a business executive doing on the dance floor? Why's a sales manager hanging from a trapeze? COCAbiz director Steve Knight shows you how an arts-based training program is catching on in a variety of industries and how work + play could make a lot of "cents" for businesses throughout our region. For ages 21 and up. The event is Thursday, May 21, from 6:00- 7:30pm at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. Free for COCA Annual Fund donors of $100 or more or $20 per person. Call Lara Turek at 314.561.4871 or visit www.cocastl.org/annualfund for more information. Taste of COCA events are hosted by the COCA Associate Board.

June 5 - August 28

COCA Gallery Exhibition: Jenny Murphy: GOODS
GOODS is Jenny Murphy's new exploration in consumption, or more aptly, anti-consumption. This site- specific installation encourages viewers to look at common household items through a radical lens in which they are the designer, creator, and consumer. After founding the non-profit Perennial in 2011, Murphy embarked on a mission to empower people to live resourcefully and sustainably by teaching them the skills to transform discarded items into valued and cherished resources. Now, in a new investigation of small economies and the ever-present big-box store, Murphy invites viewers to step into GOODS to rethink, reuse, and go shopping. The opening reception is Friday, June 5, from 6:00-8:00pm in the Millstone Gallery at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis, MO. The exhibition is free and open to the public through Friday, August 28. Call 314.725.6555 or visit www.cocastl.org for more information. Presented by the Arthur and Helen Baer Charitable Foundation, with additional support provided by The Millstone Foundation and Missouri Arts Council.