By: Maria Williams
New York City has long been known as a destination for creative minds—artists, performers, and storytellers who seek inspiration and an audience. At the center of this cultural scene is Reggie Street, a multi-talented artist whose latest production, Cool Stories, captures the essence of New York’s vibrant arts landscape. This fall, Reggie brings her anthology production to the historic Marjorie S. Deane Theater, a venue known for supporting innovative performances where artists will take the stage to share their stories in various formats.
The Story Behind Cool Stories
Cool Stories began out of a desire to give artists a place to hone their skills and showcase their creativity. Ten years ago, Reggie Street recognized that artists like herself and her friends needed a supportive space to develop their craft. What started as a small, intimate gathering of actors has evolved into a platform where performers from diverse backgrounds can present their work in front of a live audience. Whether through film, monologues, dance, skits, or songs, Cool Stories offers each artist approximately 15 minutes to tell their story in their unique way.
For Reggie, who trained at several of New York’s top acting schools and at the Bristol Old Vic in the UK, this production represents her passion for storytelling. Her experiences across film, TV, and theater illustrate her belief that storytelling is fundamental to any performance and that giving artists the freedom to express themselves is essential. “New York has always been where artists come to challenge themselves and grow,” she explains. “With Cool Stories, we’re contributing to that tradition by offering artists a platform to create and share their voices.”
The Variety of Cool Stories
The beauty of Cool Stories lies in its diversity. The production isn’t limited to any single genre or format. Performers have the opportunity to explore their creativity in whatever way they feel most connected to, offering audiences a variety of performances. Whether it’s an experimental dance piece or a heartfelt monologue, every performance reflects the artist’s individuality and perspective. This open structure has helped Cool Stories become a respected and appreciated production, allowing both experienced professionals and emerging talents to explore new dimensions of their craft.
A Historic Venue in a Cultural City
The upcoming Cool Stories production will be held at the Marjorie S. Deane Theater, an off-Broadway venue with a legacy of supporting new talent. Originally built in 1929, the Marjorie S. Deane Theater was recently restored and stands today as a venue dedicated to new and innovative works.
Reggie’s decision to bring Cool Stories to this notable theater was intentional. “This theater has been part of the start of so many careers,” she says. “I wanted Cool Stories here because it aligns with everything we value—giving artists a place to showcase their work, connect with an audience, and develop their potential.”
The mission of the Marjorie S. Deane Theater closely aligns with Reggie’s vision. Both are committed to serving the community by making the arts accessible and ensuring diverse voices have an opportunity to be heard. With its history of innovation and cultural importance, the theater is the perfect setting for a production that encourages performers to take creative risks and explore new forms of storytelling.
The Cool Stories Lineup
This season of Cool Stories will feature an assortment of performers, including Cynthia Stephens of Sacred Ground Productions LLC. Known for her powerful storytelling and stage presence, Cynthia brings her background in African American culture to her performances, offering a unique perspective based on her own experiences. However, Cynthia is just one of many artists contributing to the dynamic lineup this season.
As always, Cool Stories celebrates variety. Reggie has selected a program that spans genres and styles, ensuring there’s something to resonate with each audience member. “The magic of Cool Stories is that it’s a little unpredictable,” Reggie explains. “You don’t know exactly what you’ll experience—one moment it could be a dramatic monologue, the next, a dance performance—but it’s all about storytelling and the power of self-expression.”
Experience Cool Stories at the Marjorie S. Deane Theater
Cool Stories is coming to the Marjorie S. Deane Theater this season, presenting an evening of unique performances at one of New York’s well-known venues. This event offers an engaging experience for theater, film, and music enthusiasts.
For more information and ticket details, please visit the official ticketing website.
Published by: Khy Talara
