Cooper Knapp has been involved with Theatre Bristol for only five years, but he has truly embraced the theater.
His first involvement was in 2018 when he auditioned for “Pinocchio” and landed the leading role.
“I told my parents that I wanted to look into taking theater classes or attending the theater camp. The camp was scheduled for the same week when I was already committed to go to a camp that I attend every year. I saw that Theatre Bristol was holding auditions for ‘Pinocchio,’ which seemed like a fun kid show, so I auditioned,” he says.
He can be seen on stage in September as Sam in Theatre Bristol’s production of “Oklahoma.” He is also working backstage for their production of “The Mockingbird Sings.”
“I am most drawn to the community of Theatre Bristol. I have met a lot of great people there. I like being part of a team of individuals working towards the goal of a great show - whether I am on the stage or backstage, I am just happy to be here. My first performance was the lead role of ‘Pinocchio’ at the age of 10. I then went on to be on stage for ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ (Charlie Bradley); ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (Department Store Elf); ‘Christmas Classics’ (ensemble); ‘Twelfth Night’ (Feste); ‘Jack and The Giant Beanstalk’ (Jack); ‘Sound of Music’ at the Paramount (backstage runner); ‘Elf the Musical’ at the Paramount (ensemble); ‘Mark Twain the Diaries of Adam and Eve’ (understudy for Adam); ‘Seussification of Romeo and Juliet’ (Tybalt); and ‘Oklahoma’ at the Paramount (Sam),” Cooper says.
Cooper joined the Theatre Bristol’s Youth Service Board in 2021 and volunteered more than 120 hours during his first year as a member. He has been both vice president and interim president of the board. He was also part of the ARTspace production of “Twelfth Night,” produced by the Youth Service Board.
“I am heavily influenced by Samantha Gray, Camille Gray and Zaiah Gray, my family and the Youth Board. I feel that the Grays have always supported me in my time at Theatre Bristol so much, that my parents always have my back and best interests in mind and that the Youth Service Board holds me accountable to grow within the theater community. My favorite role would definitely be as Feste the Jester in the production of William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night.’ Not only was this a fun role but my first as a member of the Youth Service Board, and I got to share the stage with all my friends.
“To me, theater is a community of people from different backgrounds, ages and experiences that come together, bringing their time, talent and willingness to work towards a common goal. I enjoy and want to be a part of the entire production process - from auditioning, to building the sets and props, picking out the costumes, rehearsals and seeing it all come together,” he says.
Cooper is 16 years old and is a junior at Tennessee High School, Bristol, Tennessee. He is the son of Josh and Kara Knapp. He plans to study elementary education when he goes to college.
