Mary-Jo's passion for performing arts have lead her to her profession and joy, theatre. She is the founder and Artistic Producing Director of Copperstar Repertory Co., a premiere theatre company in the East Valley. Mary-Jo Okawa is an award winning performing arts educator and professional director, choreographer and performer for over 25 years.  Mary-Jo has successfully taught private voice, acting and singing for 10 years and is now returning to her studio. Well known in Arizona for her teaching in theatre, dance and vocal music, As an accomplished performer, Mary-Jo has traveled throughout the United States, Asia and Southeast Asia sharing her talents.  She is proud to have entertained our troops in the USO. 

Over the past three years, Mary-Jo has built Copperstar Repertory into a reputable theatre company which offers enrichment, education and entertainment to community members of all ages through high quality theatrical productions, camps, workshops and classes.

In 2010, Copperstar was honored with six Gilbert Mayor’s Arts Awards nominations and was awarded the Zelma Basha Salmeri Gallery Award for providing Gilbert with services enabling an expansion in the scope and quality of the arts.

Mary-Jo is the proud mom of two amazing children, Chris and Shanti and is blessed to have the support and love of her husband Dave.  Mary-Jo loves to, direct, choreograph, design and teach voice and acting and finds joy in the journey of creating in the performing arts, enriching the lives of others.