Cooper of Madison named Fantasy Playhouse Education Director
Candice Cooper of Madison has been named as the new education director for Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater. (CONTRIBUTED)
MADISON – Candice Cooper of Madison has been named as the new education director for Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater.
An alumna of Bob Jones High School, Cooper graduated from Jacksonville State University with a bachelor’s degree in theatre. She has worked at several theaters in the eastern United States, from Alabama to New York as a director, stage manager and educator.
For the past six years, Cooper has worked as director of education and production for Acting For Young People, an accomplished children’s theatre in the Washington, D.C. area. She also was a faculty member for the troupe and director of the musical showcases.
Before working in Washington D.C., Cooper worked for four years with Virginia Stage Company, a large regional theatre in Norfolk, as the education associate and tour manager.
She has worked as an instructor for Imagination Stage, Educational Theatre Company, Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre and Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts.
Her husband Bradley Cooper works as production manager for Red Mountain Theatre Company in Birmingham. The Coopers have a two-year-old daughter and live in Madison.
“Ms. Cooper’s dedication to arts education and vast experience will successfully guide the Fantasy Academy’s future programming as we expand professional-level theatre training opportunities for students of all ages,” Fantasy Playhouse Executive Director Karen Mockensturm said.
Karen Alexander will retire as director on Feb. 1 after 15 years of service to Fantasy Playhouse.
Founded in 1961, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater presents theater and arts education to the families across the Tennessee Valley. The organization provides a unique opportunity for arts education with stage productions, year-around academy classes, outreach into local schools and a hands-on formal mentoring program.
The Alabama State Council on the Arts and Huntsville Arts & Culture Grant Program support the not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization.
Fantasy Playhouse’s address is 3312 Long Ave. in Huntsville. For more information, call, 256-679-7921, email to executivedirector@fantasyplayhouse.com or visit fantasyplayhouse.com.
