Who We Are
We are performing artists, creatives, and designers signifying underrepresented communities, including the BIPOC, LBGTQ, and Disabled communities. We have come together to create and share art that reflects our experiences and tells our stories, while building, educating, and uplifting our communities.
Meet The TEAM
Sharon Cook
Artistic Director, Founder
Native of Norfolk, Virginia and retired 30-year veteran educator with Norfolk Public Schools, holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and TV production from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University.
A veteran performer, guest director, playwright and theatre instructor in the Hampton Roads community, Sharon has been featured numerous regional and local productions, including, but not limited to: Grease (Miss Lynch), Chicago (Mama Morton), Pippin (Leading Player), A Christmas Carol, the Musical (Ghost of Christmas Present), All Shook Up (Sylvia), Legally Blonde (Dress Shop Manager/Judge), Hello Dolly (Best Lead Actress in a Musical - Portfolio Awards), Annie (Miss Hannigan), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Ursula), Disney's Tarzan, the Musical (Kala).
Her directing credits include, but are not limited to the following: Black Girl Magic (also written by Sharon), The Glory of Gospel (also written by Sharon), Refraction of Light (Zeiders American Dream Theatre), Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Amazing Grace, and Path to Freedom (Hurrah Players); Once on This Island (Hurrah Players and Booker T. Washington HS Arts Academy), Jar the Floor and North Star (Generic Theatre); For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Wasn’t Enuf (Maury High School); and Coming Home: The Story of the Prodigal Son (also written by Sharon – Heartbridge Performing Arts Company, Inc). Sharon has also been featured in several television episodes with New Dominion Pictures and industrial films.
Her most recent project, Black Girl Magic, dispels the myths and tropes associated with Black women, and highlights their achievements. Black Girl Magic takes its audience on a journey led by Sister, a young Black woman, struggling to find a place of acceptance in the world. Guided by the ancestors, Sister comes to a place of self-reconciliation and acceptance as she is given a glimpse into the lives and legacy of Black women, past and present, young and old.
Associate Artistic Director, Choreographer
Jennifer Kelly-Cooper
Holds a degree from Howard University. She is a local choreographer, dancer, actress, and director. She has served as choreographer for Sharon Cook’s Black Girl Magic since its 2020 inception along with productions by Norfolk’s Hurrah Players. Jennifer was featured in the 2020-21 Super Bowl commercial for Priority Automotive as well as the Cappuccino Bros. television and print campaign “Capp the Night” during the 2017 Oscar/Emmy award season. Jennifer enjoys spending time onstage or in dance classes with her children while her husband runs the Venue on 35th Street.
Production Manager and Designer
Derrion Hawkins
Holds a degree in theatre from Old Dominion University. He comes to us as our lighting and sound designer as well as production manager with a vast background of performing, directing, and technical abilities. He serves as a designer, director, and actor in various theatres in the region and along the east coast. He is so happy to be here and we are thrilled to have him on board.
Product Manager
Ray Dimaano
Performer and designer! Ray has done makeup design for Broadway productions including Macbeth with Daniel Craig, and Mrs. Doubtfire (US/UK). Ray was introduced to the world of performing as a student enrolled in Sharon Cook’s theatre class at Maury High School. To pay it forward, he instructs, choreographs, and directs for various local children’s theatre organizations in the Hampton Roads area.
Our Collaborators
Ja'mel Dean
Graduate of Norfolk State University with a Masters in Music Education, teaches Elementary Music for Norfolk Public Schools.
Janae Thompson
Theatrical performer and content creator, is an American Musical and Dramatic Academy Alum and current Digital Cinematography at Full Sail University
Keshara Bailey
Is a performing artist, filmmaker, and published author of a poetry book titled Getting Stronger.
Carla Kelly Turner
Native of Norfolk, Virginia, is the co-author of The Blueprint to Building a Healthier You: One Prayer at a Time and Co-Host of Cardio Conversation podcast featured on Kingdom Purpose TV.
Chonise Thomas
Diana Swenson
Owner of Vocal Inclusion, received her bachelor degree in music education with vocal performance numbering from Old Dominion University.