A 2013 graduate of GCIT from the Academy of Performing Arts, Bates serves on the New Jersey Thespian State Board as the Advocacy & Fundraising Chairperson and the Co-Chair for Outreach and Security. He is also involved with the Educational Theatre Association at the National Level, serving on the Advocacy Leadership Network as the co-chair of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Committee and the Secretary of the Thespian Alumni Network.