Why it's good for BUSINESS in Phoenix.

EXCLUSIVE: Emma's visit and how it can impact the coffers and success of  Valley Youth Theatre.   

As Oscar buzz continues to surround Emma Stone and her most recent starring role in La La Land, Emma's  well respected career is suddenly good for business in Phoenix.

Specifically for one Phoenix non-profit. 

That's because Emma made a hush-hush visit to the Valley and is crediting Producing Artistic Director, Bobb Cooper and Valley Youth Theatre for some of her success. In fact, Emma, who also just won a Golden Globe and SAG award for La La Land ( and it’s her second Oscar nomination since Birdman) even gives a shoutout to VYT and Bobb in a recent Vanity Fair video.( Bobb is pictured above with Emma and his wife Karol Cooper, VYT's Resident Costume Designer,) 

When Emma’s asked, “Who do you respect the most in your life?,” she says, “This guy Bobb Cooper, who runs Valley Youth Theatre in Arizona,” says Emma. “He was the first person to give me any role, but also a dramatic role.”  Yes, it’s where Emma, at 11 years old, first took to the stage. Emma says she appeared in about 15 productions until she moved to California at age 14. 

And here’s the lastest scoop - - Emma was just in Phoenix at the VYT to film an interview for CBS’s Sunday Morning. The well respected journalist Lee Cowan flew in as well and interviewed Bobb along with Emma about her defining career moments at VYT. The interviews will be part of the bigger profile piece on Emma which airs Feb 12. “I feel humbled that she's sharing an incredible time in her life with a place that meant so much to her,” adds Bobb.

Yes, Bobb and Karol Cooper, who’ve even had the chance to see Emma in Cabaret on Broadway two years ago,  and those who have nurtured  VYT for 21 years; are modestly embracing Emma’s public recognition.  “We’ve worked hard to raise awareness for VYT. And we’re so proud that we have touched so many lives, from police officers, to attorneys, etc. and its precious she’s sharing the limelight with us,” says Bobb, who along with wife Karol and Resident Music Director, Mark Fearey, are all celebrating 21 years at VYT.

Pictured above iin this precious moment is Emma when she shared the stage at VYT’s production of the classic Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail. She’s hugging Kimiko Glenn, who by the way, just earned her second SAG Award for her starring role in Orange is the New Black!  There are other famous alumni (and you can read more in one of my several past stories on VYT’s alumni here) who appeared on VYT’s stage. That list boasts Jordin Sparks and  Disney and ABC-Family’s Baby Daddy star, Chelsea Kane.

Thanks Emma. 

   Kathy Shayna Shocket is a freelance Writer, and TV- Field Producer based in Phoenix, AZ. The former TV-Reporter has written for publications such as TIME Magazine, MONEY Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter and The NEW YORK TIMES. You can reach her at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it