Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitzi Coles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As far back as I can remember, I have always loved storytelling. I enjoyed writing stories, creating characters, and sharing my imagination with friends and family. Over the years, I also wrote small plays and skits for churches and community events, discovering how much I loved bringing stories to life for others.
In 2022, I joined AmeriCorps and became heavily involved in volunteer service throughout my community. During that time, I noticed something that stood out to me: there were very few opportunities in my city and the surrounding areas for local theatrical productions, short plays, or original storytelling performances.
Because of my passion for writing, I would often ask if I could create and present something for community events. The more I wrote and produced, the more I realized there was a need for creative storytelling that reflected the voices and experiences of the people around me.
That realization inspired me to think bigger, so, with my Segal Award, I decided to go back to school and pursue a BA in Theater. I knew I wanted to tell my own story, help others tell theirs, and create opportunities for artistic expression in my community. From that vision, MGC Productions was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is ever smooth. You have to smooth it yourself, and some days the rocks seem heavier than others to move.
There are days when I tell myself, “Girl, you’re 60 years old. Sit down somewhere.” But then I remember why I started. I remember the stories that need to be told and the people who deserve to have their voices heard.
Building MGC Productions has not been easy. I’ve faced many challenges, and some of those challenges still exist today. One of the biggest struggles has been working with people who are excited about a project but do not always show up or follow through on their commitments.
Funding has also been a constant hurdle. Convincing sponsors, donors, and community leaders to see the vision and invest in it can be difficult. Many people support the idea of arts and storytelling, but turning that support into financial backing is often another story.
Finding suitable venues for productions has been another challenge. Securing locations, gaining support from city leaders and council members, and building partnerships within the community takes persistence and patience. I have also spent countless hours searching for business grants, especially opportunities available to minority-owned businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
In addition, identifying fiscal sponsors, nonprofit partners, and community organizations willing to support arts programming has required determination and resilience.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am proud to share that I have just completed my fourth and final term of service with AmeriCorps. Currently, I am a full-time student at Danville Community College, where I will graduate this May with a degree in Liberal Arts. Following graduation, I plan to transfer to Liberty University to pursue a BA in Theater, a goal that holds deep personal significance, as both of my daughters are Liberty alumni.
In addition to my studies, I volunteer as a 5th-grade math tutor. Working with children has always been my passion, particularly those with learning challenges. Having been diagnosed with dyslexia in the 8th grade, I experienced firsthand how difficult school can be, but I never gave up. I use my own journey to inspire my students when they feel like quitting, teaching them that resilience is key.
I believe what sets me apart is my genuine love for people and my unwavering willingness to fight for the underdog. I am driven not only by my personal ambitions but by a desire to support anyone with a dream and a story to tell. I aim to provide others with a platform to be heard and perhaps even a starting point for their own healing. Known for my perseverance and my smile, I am committed to proving that it is never too late to achieve your goals.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck. Good or bad, my faith in God teaches me that God is Sovereign, and what he does and how it is done is his will. In my trials, I have learned that even when life is hard, someone else may have it worse. I have learned to be content in whatever condition I find myself in and to learn from my mistakes, and lord knows there have been many. Starting a business at my age seemed crazy even to me, but I trusted the process and was nominated this year for Best Play of the Year at the Ace Awards. What’s for Mitzi is mine!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @mgcproduction_llc
- Facebook: Mitzi Graves Coles / MGC Productions LLC
- Youtube: @mgcproductions434
