In the fast-paced, increasingly digital world of New York City, where much of the arts and entertainment landscape has moved online, there remains a powerful undercurrent of artists seeking to preserve the intimacy and authenticity of live performance. Amidst the rise of streaming platforms and digital showcases, initiatives like Cool Stories, created by New York-based artist Reggie Street, are breathing life back into local art scenes.

At its core, Cool Stories serves as both a creative outlet and a community builder. This anthology of live performances brings together a diverse range of artists—from actors to musicians, dancers to filmmakers—each telling their story in unique ways. While digital platforms have made it easier than ever for artists to share their work, Reggie believes that there is still a hunger for the real-time connection that only live performance can offer.

“It’s about having a space to not just showcase talent, but to connect,” she says. “There’s a magic in the energy of the room, the immediate feedback from an audience, and the personal interactions that happen after the show. Cool Stories is about maintaining that.”

The Importance of Local Artistic Communities

In a city as vast as New York, it's easy to get lost in the sea of artists competing for visibility. For Reggie, this is where Cool Stories plays a crucial role. What started over ten years ago as a small project to provide a space for her actor friends to hone their craft has blossomed into a platform where emerging and seasoned artists alike can come together to experiment, share, and grow.

Reggie sees this anthology series as not only a venue for performance but as a critical space for fostering community. At a time when the arts are becoming more decentralized, with artists relying on social media or online platforms to share their work, Reggie has made it her mission to keep alive the in-person experience.

“The digital world has given us so much in terms of accessibility, but there’s something irreplaceable about being physically present in a space with other creatives,” she explains. “For so many artists, performing in front of a live audience is their truest form of expression.”

Now held at the Marjorie S. Deane Theater, a venue with a storied history of supporting emerging talent, Cool Stories is more than just a showcase—it's a testament to the enduring power of live art. With the theater’s mission aligned closely with her own, Reggie is excited about the future of Cool Stories as it continues to grow and support local voices.

The Future of Cool Stories: An Artists' Collective?

As Reggie reflects on the evolution of Cool Stories, she’s optimistic about where it could go next. She envisions the series transforming into a collective of artists working together, sharing resources, and helping each other thrive in a city where creative opportunities can sometimes feel scarce. It’s a vision rooted in collaboration, mutual support, and the preservation of live performance spaces in an ever-digitized world.

To dig deeper into Reggie’s thoughts on the future of Cool Stories and the importance of maintaining local artistic communities, we sat down for an interview with her:

Interview with Reggie Street

Cool Stories has been a part of New York’s arts landscape for over a decade. How have you seen the local arts community evolve during this time? 

I’m seeing less of the small underground performances.  The cost of renting space and putting on a production has increased drastically.  But at the same time, I’ve seen more organizations and websites created to be a support to artists and helping them find the resources they need.

In a world that is becoming more digitized every day, what makes live performances like those in Cool Stories so essential for artists and audiences? 

As a performer, there’s nothing that beats the energy of a live audience.  Hearing the laughs, the sighs, feeling the empathetic energy when they can relate to your performance.  Being on stage, knowing you have their full attention and they are there in the trenches with you.  It’s all about a collective exchange of positive energy in real time.  And it brings me great joy to hear that someone enjoyed the show and connected with the stories.   

You started Cool Stories to give your actor friends an outlet to hone their craft. How has that vision evolved over the past 10 years? 

Since the pandemic, many of my actor friends have moved out of New York or are no longer acting, which has forced me to branch out further for talent and marketing.  The show is starting to have a wider reach. 

New York City is known for being a place where creativity thrives, but it can also be a challenging environment for emerging artists. How does Cool Stories help support and foster local talent? 

Cool Stories gives artists the opportunity to showcase their work, without the pressure of having to go through the whole process of production.  They don’t have to worry about finding a theater, putting a staff together & selling tickets.  They can just work on their piece and show up.  Also, the show provides a relaxed environment.  We are not trying to pretend like we’re on Broadway.  We just want everyone (audience and performers) to have a good time.  Many of our artists have day jobs and Cool Stories gives them an outlet to live their passion.

With many arts initiatives now moving online, what do you think the future holds for live, in-person performances? Do you see Cool Stories growing into an artists' collective or expanding in new ways? 

I don't think live performances will ever stop.  Just how we can now stream great movies at home, people still go to the movies.  There’s something wonderful about enjoying a performance in a community setting, sharing an experience with others you don’t know.  We get to see that even though we are all different, we all share the same emotional needs and wants.  I don’t see the future of Cool Stories much different from what it is now.  But I could be wrong, you never know.  I think what makes it so special is that it's a homegrown boutique show.  The audience enjoys the intimacy we provide, the ability to relax in their seats and be entertained by the events of the evening.  And since each show has a different roster of talent and performances, they have no idea of the wonderful surprises that are in store for them.

How does the Marjorie S. Deane Theater’s history and mission align with your goals for Cool Stories? 

This will be our first show at the Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater.  They are very supportive of independent artists.  Their theater is fully staffed with professionals to help you put on a great show, from start to finish.  Their theater space is beautiful, equipped with many technological features of a large theater.  Yet, it is a soft intimate space.  And it is located by Lincoln Center, one of the greatest performing arts areas in the world.

What advice would you give to artists who are seeking to break into the New York scene today? 

Take a class.  Find a like minded group of artists and support each other.  Create your own content.  Don’t wait for someone (or the industry) to tell you how they see you.  Create your own work and show them how you see yourself.  

With Cool Stories, Reggie Street is not only creating opportunities for artists but also fostering a community where creativity, connection, and local culture can thrive. As she looks toward the future, her focus remains on building spaces where artists can come together, experiment, and share their stories with the world—one live performance at a time.

For more information on Cool Stories and to purchase tickets, visit Cool Stories Tickets.