Becky Staub defends Bobb Cooper in the discussion between Wes Martin and Bobb about the ariZoni Awards.
Mark S.P. Turvin
mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Received 8/14/03

From: "Becky Staub" <***@***.***>
Subject: Martin vs Cooper
Date: Thu, 14 Aug 2003 14:24:51 -0700
To: Mark S.P. Turvin

Dear Mr. Turvin,

I ran across the Martin vs Cooper (Lisa Arnseth Inquiry, Wes Martin & Bobb Cooper's Respones, Wes' Reply) discussion quite by accident while doing a Google search for the AriZoni Awards. It kept weighing on my mind until I was moved to write.

The salaries, corporate sponsors, community donations and grants are available to any theater company willing to work as hard as Mr. Cooper. Bobb did not walk into a cushy, high-paying artistic director job with an unlimited budget. He started in a basement with cardboard sets and regurgitated costumes and worked day and night to create what you see today. I've watched as he (and the undeniable efforts of Hope Ozer) added staff one by one, applied for grants for computers and sewing machines, shoveled an orchestra pit by hand, and been covered with paint as he stepped back and admired his handiwork. He has a day job and a night job, and both are devoted to Valley Youth Theatre.

I am a parent of a child who has worked in some of VYT's productions. My first show experience with them was rehearsed in a church. I brought in my personal sewing machine, (as did the other moms) and we worked every night and weekend for weeks sewing costumes from scratch while dads hammered and painted set pieces. Bobb and Karol Cooper were there for every stitch and nail, and were still at it long after the rest of us headed for home in the wee hours.

I have to admit there are many times that I have grumbled and wished VYT did things on a smaller scale. The long rehearsal hours and required parental involvement have resulted in altered work schedules, missed family vacations, cranky temperaments and 2:00am homework sessions. I even toyed with having t-shirts made comparing a VYT show and childbirth. But like giving birth, when you sit in the audience on opening night and see the amazing creation before you, the pain is forgotten and you agree to let your kid audition yet again.

My daughter has had some wonderful opportunities apart from VYT, including a National Broadway Tour, a feature film, commercials and radio work. Every director of every project has expressed how her confidence, preparation and knowledge equals or exceeds the professional adult actors they work with. Due to Bobb's tireless efforts in providing full scale sets, an orchestra, requiring kids to be involved in load-in and strike, standing for fittings, working with wireless mics, being responsible for props, and endless rehearsals learning the techniques of lighting, sound, blocking, cues and set changes, these kids can now walk on any stage in the world and be comfortable with any situation thrown at them.

Bobb has taught them that hard work, determination, closing your ears to negativity and keeping your eye on the goal will result in success. He has raised the bar and proved that you can choose not to be a "starving artist." My guess is that he got involved in the AriZoni Awards with the same optimistic enthusiasm and the desire to make it a grand event and fair playing field for all. My guess is he got involved for the kids whose tears and disappointment at not being nominated after a jaw-dropping performance will not go unrewarded due to a dislike for him or the success of his organization.

It's not about the "one with the most toys wins." I don't support VYT because they have the biggest sets or the most ornate costumes. I'm there because I would rather see kids learn from someone who encourages them to strive for the best, than with someone who complains that life isn't fair and takes his toys and goes home.

--Becky Staub