In the vibrant arts community of St. Louis, COCA has nurtured emerging talents for decades. Among the many celebrated productions by COCA, The Color Purple is particularly notable for its powerful narrative and transformative impact on many people’s lives.
As COCA prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary of summer musicals, we will explore the perspectives and stories of some of the directors from The Color Purple—Christopher Page-Sanders, Dr. Philip Woodmore, and Dr. Duane Foster.
Christopher Page-Sanders, Choreographer
Christopher Page-Sanders is a COCA alumni who found his choreographic voice through COCA’s dance programs. He has worked at COCA since the beginning of its theatre program and has watched the program grow into what it is today.
As alumni return to participate in this production, he can see how the trajectories of COCA alumni may be different. Still, they take lessons from their training that transfer over to their professional careers.
“They have carried the memories and the lessons into and through their lives: these lessons of making strong choices, actively listening to your scene partner, living in the moment, going on the journey from the beginning to the end, knowing that you must sing out, dance fully, and act with intention,” said Page-Sanders.
“Those are the lessons they have learned. Those are the lessons I have learned these past twenty years. And those are the lessons I hope we continue to teach for the next twenty years.”
Dr. Philip Woodmore, Music Director
Dr. Philip Woodmore’s connection with COCA dates to 2000 when he started as a student accompanist. Over the years, he collaborated with Shawna Flanigan to establish COCA’s voice program with a robust curriculum. Dr. Woodmore is now the Artistic Director of Voice at COCA.
After almost 10 years, Dr. Woodmore is excited to collaborate with Dr. Foster and Page-Sanders again.
“I am so excited to tell this story with these two creatives and find unique ways to elevate the thematic elements that make this classic so revolutionary for our times,” said Dr. Woodmore.
Dr. Woodmore emphasizes the vast talent and collaboration between the production team, alumni, and current COCA students.
“The cast is top-notch! […] I am excited to watch our current students learn from these professions and hear some of their stories of success,” said Dr. Woodmore.
The impact of COCA’s programs extends beyond the stage, nurturing talents that have gone on to pursue careers in the arts and beyond.
Dr. Duane Foster, Director
Dr. Duane Foster is the Assistant Principal at The Mason School of Academic and Cultural Literacy. He has an extensive theatre background, including appearances in Ragtime on Broadway, dance training from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, performances at The Muny, and receiving the Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award.
Dr. Foster’s involvement at COCA began in 2016 where he worked as a director for Memphis and worked closely with Dr. Woodmore. Dr. Foster is now directing his second show for COCA, The Color Purple.
For Dr. Foster, the magic of COCA summer musicals is from the students’ ability to showcase versatile talents—voice, dance, and acting.
“COCA produces true triple threats […] The summer musical is the vehicle in which one can witness the triple threats in action,” said Dr. Foster.
As he prepares for The Color Purple, Dr. Foster emphasizes the emotional depth and maturity required in portraying Alice Walker’s powerful narrative.