Born and raised in the vibrant city of Wichita, located in the heart of Kansas, Cooper's formative years were marked by a rigorous and enriching educational experience at Wichita Collegiate School, a prestigious private college preparatory institution renowned for its commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education from preschool to 12th grade.
Cooper's academic tenure at Wichita Collegiate was characterized by an unwavering enthusiasm for the fine arts, with music theatre emerging as a paramount area of focus and devotion. Throughout this period, he had the extraordinary privilege of participating in an impressive array of 18 musical productions, with a remarkable nine of those showcases featuring him in the starring role, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft.
Cooper's extraordinary aptitude and unwavering commitment to his artistic pursuits were duly acknowledged during his junior year, when he was selected as one of merely 22 exceptionally gifted young men to participate in the extremely coveted National High School Music Theatre Awards, a highly esteemed and prestigious honor that provided a unique platform for him to demonstrate his remarkable talents on a grand stage in the vibrant city of New York.
Not only did Cooper achieve a notable milestone, but he also garnered widespread recognition for his remarkable talent and mastery of his craft by receiving two prestigious Jester awards, a distinction that further solidified his reputation as a leading actor in Kansas, and a testament to his unparalleled skill and artistry.
Notable awards and recognitions continued to be a hallmark of Cooper's academic and artistic journey during his time at Wichita Collegiate, as he garnered two prestigious honors that underscored his exceptional dedication and perseverance.
As a junior, Cooper's tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to his academic and artistic pursuits earned him the esteemed Forrest C. Lattner Endowment Award, a testament to his remarkable persistence and diligence in the face of challenges.
This distinguished honor not only acknowledged Cooper's remarkable academic achievements but also celebrated his unwavering dedication to his goals, a quality that would serve him well throughout his future endeavors.
A distinguished senior, Cooper's impressive academic and artistic accomplishments culminated in the esteemed Mandy Shoaf Memorial Award, a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the fine arts.
As the time came to make a significant change in his life, Cooper made the bold decision to relocate to the renowned city of Los Angeles, a hub of creativity and innovation, in order to dedicate himself fully to the pursuit of his acting ambitions. This pivotal move would ultimately prove to be a defining moment in his career, as he would go on to achieve the esteemed honor of being personally chosen to portray the character of a Warbler on the immensely popular television series Glee.
