Cooper Sivara

I strive to take risks in every project I undertake. I aim for clarity, simplicity, and truth in my work. I seek to create and foster an environment where every artist’s voice is heard and valued. I endeavor to encourage, inspire, and empower those voices through collaboration, active listening, and communication. I believe my role as a director is to guide my collaborators toward an intentional and unified work of art.

I was born in Los Angeles, California. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater (Acting) from UCLA's School of Theater, Film, & Television. After UCLA, I became the Associate Artistic Director of Ark Theatre Company while also teaching acting classes at Theatre of Arts in Hollywood. I received my MFA in Directing from Baylor University after directing my thesis production of Joan Ackermann’s Ice Glen. I then went on to teach movement, musical theatre, and introductory courses as a Visiting Lecturer at Baylor University’s Department of Theatre Arts. I have trained in The Viewpoints and The Suzuki Method with Anne Bogart & SITI Company at their Summer Theater Workshop. I have also trained in Japanese Noh performance at Kyoto Art Center’s Traditional Theater Training. My directing credits include “Harp with Human Head (Kundi)” [Devised], The First Celestial Adventure of Mr Antipyrine, Fire Extinguisher by Tristan Tzara, Grand Concourse by Heidi Schreck, and Honeymoon in Vegas by Jason Robert Brown.  

I am currently a Visiting Instructor of Theatre at Hastings College where I teach classes in acting, movement, and directing. Favorite HC Theatre directing credits include Abigail/1702 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen, & The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter.