About Us
Culture of Fears Production, LLC is a production company that brings about an awareness of fear that all cultures encounter. Culture of Fears illustrates real life experiences that touches the hearts and minds of the people. We bring meaningful live performances that show the spirit of excellence. Our goal is to encourage, build up self-esteem, and tear down the walls of fear that keep many in bondage. We are determined to portray a positive outlook on life with the expressions of our faith, hope, joy, and love. Our desire is to motivate you to become better people through the Theatre of Arts.
Meet The Team
Kimberly Cooper, Founder and Artistic Director
Kimberly started singing and dancing at an early age, performing for her family and with a childhood group called Berdie and the Berdies. Later she began singing with her home church and a community choir called Gift. Kimberly wanted to branch out and explore other options in singing, so she began singing in a local band.
In 1994, Kimberly caught the acting bug and became a member of the Musical Beehive at the Greenville Little Theatre in Greenville, SC. There is where she drew laughter from her rendition of Ike Turner. Kimberly became a licensed Minister in 1999, as she desired to reach out to wounded women. In 2002-2003 Kimberly produced, directed and performed in “Ten Virgins, a Hammond Production”, at the J Vern Theatre in Greenville, SC. Realizing how much she missed acting, Kimberly returned back to the stage of the Greenville Little Theatre in 2007, and appeared in, “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
In 2004, God gave Kimberly a vision to create and produce a “One Woman Show”, where three generations of women describe their story, their struggle, and their triumph. Loving God’s word and the theater, Kimberly learned how to incorporate both the Word of God and performance to evangelize the Gospel. Kimberly had the distinct pleasure of performing her One Woman Production at many different events during the years, such as family reunions, church events, and RU Skooled, sponsored by Chiccy Baritone.
In November 2013, Kimberly wrote, produced, and performed in her first Dinner Theater. In 2014, Kimberly took the Dinner Theater on the road with her team and they performed in Clinton, SC. Also in 2014, Kimberly performed in a Dinner Theater called “Amen Corner”, where Terry Manigault directed in Greenville, SC. In 2016 and 2017, Kimberly wrote, produced, and directed the play “SHE” at the Kroc Center Greenville, SC. In 2018 at West End Community Center, Kimberly did another Dinner Theatre called, “Love Covers All”, featuring local actors and singers.
Kimberly graced the opportunity to be the Drama Coordinator at her previous church - Changing Your Mind Ministries, where Pastor Wendell Jones encouraged her to pursue her dream. Kimberly wrote, directed, and performed skits, and did annual productions for CYMM. She also taught drama class at the Intercessory Healing Center, under Pastor Lottie Woods-Hall. Kimberly is co-directing a drama ministry at her current church, Christian Assembly Ark of Noah, where Prophet Kuassi Olivier Lissanon is the Pastor.
She also became an author and published her first book, “Words of Encouragement”, a book of prayers and poems in September 2015. On October 12, 2018, Kimberly released her first single, “Never Give Up”, which she wrote, and helped produce. She has also completed her next book titled, “After the Storm”, and wrote her next stage play titled, “ I Believe” in 2019.
Kimberly receives great encouragement and support from her friends and family, whom are the source of her eagerness to use her God given talents to spread the Good News!
Ms. Cooper received a Certificate in Industrial Technology/Communication Technology, and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. She also received many certificates at the Upstate Bible Institute of Greenville, SC. Kimberly is currently a part of Backstage Pass to the Movie Industry and Mentor, Ms. Angela White.
Kimberly is currently working at Drive Alert Training Academy, where she encourages all that God loves them, and He is a restorer of their life.
Ms. Cooper can be reached on the Contact page, and please follow her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also learn more about Ms. Cooper by visiting her personal website, mskimberlycooper.com.
Derrick Gambrell, Managing Director
Derrick Gambrell is a resident of Greenville, SC and a graduate of the Greenville County School System. He also furthered his education in Accounting and Finance at Greenville Technical College, and participated in the College Transfer Program. Mr. Gambrell attended and earned credentials from CLST - Christian Life School of Theology, formerly a division of Beacon College in Georgia. He is currently employed by a Fortune 500 telecommunications firm, working as an Analyst.
Derrick previously served as a music minister for the now Greater Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Greenville, SC. He served in this position for many years under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Dr. B. B. DuBose. Many souls were ushered into the presence of the Lord under the late Reverend’s leadership and anointing. In fact, it was the same church where the late Reverend gave his life to the Lord. Mr. Gambrel also co-founded the GIFT (Giving In Fullness and Truth) Community Choir in the early 90’s. Truly the Lord blessed that ministry in it’s season.
Mr. Gambrell was called to the Rock of Ages Baptist Church, where he faithfully and tirelessly served as Musician and Director, as well as Minister of Music for many years. Derrick was licensed to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 1999 under the great leader, visionary, and mentor, Pastor Terry A. King, Pastor of Rock of Ages Baptist Church. Mr. Gambrell has been afforded the opportunity to preach the Lord’s word many places over the years.
Years ago after having an encounter with the Lord in his home about preaching, pastoring, music and business, Derrick also founded the professional music recording ministry, “Derrick Gambrell and Victorious Praise”. The Lord is already manifesting just what He promised, by blessing the ministry with GMWA's (Gospel Music Workshop of America) award for song writing and musical composition two years in a row, as well as being nominated for a Rhythm of Gospel award in 2015.
Mr. Gambrell has also starred in and directed various theatrical productions with Culture of Fears. Many lives have been impacted and souls have been brought into the Kingdom. With all that God has done, the best is yet to come.
Kristen Cooper, Business Administrator
Kristen Cooper is a gifted and talented Middle School teacher at Sterling School/Charles Towne Center. She currently teaches seventh and eighth grade science. She is the Junior Beta Club co-sponsor and the Engineering Club sponsor for the school. In October of 2018, she received a National Beta Club award of recognition for co-sponsoring the Sterling School Junior Beta Club. In January of 2018, Kristen received a certificate of recognition as the Junior Beta Club co-sponsor for Carver Middle School, earning National Beta Club of Distinction and National School of Merit from Spartanburg County School District 7. She taught seventh grade math for Carver Middle School’s Wildcat Academy, which is an after school program designed to help improve targeted students’ MAP scores and state exam scores.
For three years, Kristen facilitated classes for the 13-18 year old youth at Changing Your Mind Ministries. She collaborated with the family to address the needs of each student and assisted graduating seniors with college preparation. In addition, she volunteered as a finance and sexual awareness instructor for a non-profit community program called, I Am Kustom Fitt (IAKF), which focused on reaching youth from 12-15 years old. While pursuing her graduate education, Kristen served as the Corporate Relations Committee Chair for Howard University’s 14th Annual MBA Exclusive. She used planning, integrity, and creativity to establish and maintain corporate sponsorship for the three day workshop and career fair.
As a graduate intern at the Environmental Protection Agency, Kristen had the privilege of co-creating intern requirements for the Office of Cooperative Environmental Management’s first high school internship program. She completed many projects individually, as well as appreciated the benefits of working with an experienced team. She gained experience in delivering effective communication to a broad audience and successfully operated at a higher level of multi-tasking. This proved to be vital, as Kristen currently functions as the Culture of Fears Productions Business Administrator.
Travis Morris, Music Director
Travis Morris is a native of Greenville, SC. He attended North Greenville University, where he obtained his Bachelor's and MBA. What he thought would be an extended pursuit towards athletics in college, quickly turned into a deeper love for music and ministry.
Music, along with other abilities has been a driving force and passion that has kept Travis grounded over the years. Although he wears many hats, Travis has always found a way to stay connected to the community through music.
His nomination as one of Greenville's Best and Brightest was a result of his influence in the community and different professions - music being one of them! There is nothing more dear to him than his faith, family, community, and the ability to enjoy life God's way; which is walking in your God given purpose.
Travis is currently serving as a musician for Changing Your Mind Ministries, while also pursuing a profession in the financial management industry.
Mandate Mersy, Sound, Lighting, Videography Specialist
Edward "Mersy" Williams aka Mandate Mersy, is a kingdom rapper and youth minister out of Greenville, SC. Mersy has been doing music ministry since 2009, traveling around the states ministering to the youth through testimony and music. God gave him a passion for the youth in order to boldly reach those who are faced with constant pressure from their peers and environments. Mersy uses his testimony as a tool to help the youth see the bigger picture which is; there is life in Christ and without Him we are facing death and destruction (Proverbs 14:12).
Mersy has faced many trials and tribulations in his lifetime that has now given him purpose and compassion, and has moved to action. Outside of ministry, Mersy is also an entrepreneur in which his businesses consists of; Kingdomatik Entertainment Company (Mobile DJ'ing and Event Lighting Services), Kingdomatik Vizionz Creative Studios (Photography, Videography, Droneography, and Graphic Design Services), and a professional drummer with over 30 years experience.
Slogan: "I'm just a man redeemed by the blood of Christ and fortunate to be used by God to reach those who need to see the grace of God in the flesh!" ~Mandate Mersy