< Previous88 AZFOOTHILLS.COM How did you get your start in the arts? After performing in school productions in my hometown of Detroit, I began my professional career at 17 and went on to perform as an actor, singer and dancer in New York. I was then in national tours and spent 13 years in Hollywood as a professional actor, producer, writer and entertainer. Most notably, my wife, Karol, and I created the characters of Bobbo and Kookie The Clowns and performed for hundreds of parties, including children’s birthday parties, many of which were for the children of celebrities including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Carrey. What is the most rewarding part of your career? What about the biggest challenge? One of the biggest challenges– which we’re beginning to overcome–is convincing patrons, donors, business partners and the media that, just because our performers are all under 20 years of age, that doesn’t mean you aren’t going to get a completely professional performance and high-quality production. The time, talent and dedication these young people put into every production is equal to that of any adult, if not greater. What’s most rewarding is the fact that this is changing, and we are gaining the respect and admiration of the community, while impressing the importance of children in the arts and in the community. You have been instrumental in launching the careers of well-known actors, namely Emma Stone. What goes through your head when you’re being identified in a Vanity Fair article or thanked in an Academy Award speech? The first thing I think is, ‘Good God, what an honor.’ It makes me feel that the work I do every day— to help young people be the best they can be through performing arts—really does matter. What do you hope for the future of arts and theater within the Valley? I really hope the Valley, including corporations, individuals and foundations, will take an even stronger stand in continuing to embrace the arts and will increase that stand, over time. In what ways do you give back to the community? I believe it’s through VYT’s community outreach programs [including Sponsor-a-Seat, Literacy and the Arts, HopeKids dress rehearsal nights, Military Nights and field trips]. They provide accessibility to live theater that children may not otherwise have and demonstrate our commitment to giving back to the community that supports us. @BOBBCOOPER THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PHOENICIANS '19 Bobb Cooper Producing artistic director of Valley Youth Theatre, which celebrates its 31st anniversary this year (oh, and Emma Stone named Cooper in her Oscar speech) Oct Issue.indd 88Oct Issue.indd 884/3/20 1:01 PM4/3/20 1:01 PMTHAT'S ALL, FOLKS. FIN PRETTY FLY Since the 60’s, DIPTYQUE has been recognized as one of the most luxurious makers of high-end candles and perfumes. With this new release, the Parisian company is welcoming yet another way to indulge in its stunning perfumes. The diptyque PRÊTS-À-PARFUMER Perfumed Brooch ($120) is crafted of gilded metal and can house a discreet pre-perfumed ceramic disc—in the scents of Do Son, Eau Rose or Fleur de Peau—that allows lingering fragrance. The bold brooch is inspired by the scented jewelry of Renaissance pomanders centuries ago, while its feathered vision calls back to the wooden birds that once inhabited the House’s original boutique. DIPTYQUEPARIS.COM. –MELISSA LARSEN @azfoothills #azfoothills 89 Oct Issue.indd 89Oct Issue.indd 894/3/20 1:08 PM4/3/20 1:08 PMYour Own Personal Paparazzi BOOK ONE OF OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR YOUR NEXT BIG SHINDIG AT AZFOOTHILLS.COM/PARTNERS/EVENTPHOTOGRAPHY/ PHOTOS APPEAR THE VALLEY'S #1 SITE AND ARE SHARED WITH 100K SUBSCRIBERS #FAMOUS QUESTIONS? CONTACT COLLABORATE@AZFOOTHILLS.COM † † †Sept Cover.indd 38/26/19 11:10 PMFORTMCDOWELLCASINO.COM • 1.800.THE.FORT • HWY 87 - 2 MILES NORTH OF SHEA BLVD Minimum age to participate in Gaming is 21 years of age. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-NEXTSTEP. MORE FUN THAN EVER Arizona’s original casino is getting bigger and better with state-of–the-art everything! We’re talking a larger gaming floor, new bingo hall, covered parking, delicious dining options, and more. And don’t worry, we’re still open during construction. GET YOUR FUN ON! THIS IS THE PLACE TO COME Sept Cover.indd 38/26/19 11:11 PMNext >