A compelling commitment to storytelling, learning and community collaboration is what this Arkansas native brings back to the Natural State. As Argenta Contemporary Theatre Artistic Director, Coburn Goss shares a vision for the future that celebrates the theater’s legacy with promise and new opportunities. For nearly 15 years, Argenta Contemporary Theatre has been a beacon for creativity – offering lively productions combined with unparalleled educational programming for students. This year comes to a close with the family favorite A Christmas Story; the new season promises unexpected delights with familiar faces and lots of camaraderie.
Under the leadership of Coby and Executive Director Jeremy Williams, audiences will enjoy the beloved classics Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Always Patsy Cline and A Christmas Carol as well as other contemporary adaptations. Coby elaborates, “My goal is to keep audiences coming back with stories that entertain, captivate, and inspire, while putting renewed focus on community, education, and volunteer engagement.” At its best, community theater inspires and strengthens a collective sense of belonging among its constituents. Coby believes it’s a place where individuals with different perspectives can share a unique experience. “Theater makes people empathetic. And the world needs that right now.”
Coby experienced the transformative power of theater as a student at North Little Rock High School. “I was the kid who wrote plays for other kids in the neighborhood.” Then he was cast in Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? and his perspective shifted. “Being on stage terrified me, but there was something about it – I knew I had to pursue it.” He attended UA Little Rock and joined the Arkansas Repertory Theatre Young Company, which performed across the state. “We did everything: acted, built sets, washed costumes and led workshops. To have that as my first professional theater job made an indelible mark.”
He moved to Chicago to pursue this career with impressive accolades including work with Steppenwolf Theatre, Goodman Theatre and off-Broadway productions as well as projects in television and film. Coby credits his training at storefront theatre as ample preparation.
“There’s nothing like having an audience inches away; it forces you to recalibrate your performance.” He is also the author of the award-winning play Marked Tree and the film All Happy Families. Arkansas Cinema Society hosted a screening of All Happy Families at Filmland 2025; Coby offered insight with a screenwriting workshop that was well received. “Arkansas Cinema Society is so impressive. I love that their mission is to bring Arkansas filmmakers together. I’ve met so many people it would’ve otherwise taken me longer to meet.” When the leadership role with Argenta Contemporary Theatre became available, Coby considered it. “To be able to take all my experience as a theater-maker, actor, producer and apply them here – to my hometown – was too good to pass up, really. I started thinking about shows I loved and what actors here would be good in them.”
As Coby reflects on his return to Arkansas, it’s with gratitude and optimism. “There’s so much talent here. But also, there’s so much audience, which is equally important.” He’s quick to note, strong support from devoted volunteers make it possible. “They are absolute rock stars; the care and love they have for this place is inspiring.” The Benson/McAdams Argenta Contemporary Theatre Academy provides the next generation with resources to cultivate their craft. “We’re proud to offer artists a home where their talents can expand and reach a broader audience. Argenta Contemporary Theatre is committed to nurturing that growth while serving as a centerpiece of theater in Central Arkansas.”
Argenta Contemporary Theatre
