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Theater
Scott Cooper
As the only full-time faculty member for the SPC Theater Department, Scott Cooper wears many hats. In addition to scheduling classes and teaching, he also serves as producer, director and set designer for three annual student productions each year.
“When I got here, there was no theater department. Now we do three shows a year, including a giant production in summer with high schools. It’s a great way to recruit students to come to SPC,” he said.
Since 2010, Scott has helped establish the department as an integral part of the Pinellas County theater community. Under his direction, SPC productions have won local acclaim, including Best Direction of a Musical in Tampa Bay by BroadwayWorld.com in 2023 for The Drowsy Chaperone.
“I just love what I do. I love watching the students learn, and how they become very involved in the process,” said Scott. “I love when they get great feedback from audiences, and I love sending students out to work or to other schools. I’m a just small part in the big picture.”
He says that the skills students learn through theater help translate to better jobs and careers for his students regardless of the career path they choose.
“So many things you learn doing theater transfer to every other job, work ethic, people skills, public speaking. You learn how to deal with all kinds of personalities and deal with the public,” he said. Not to mention the painting, carpentry and collaboration skills it takes to build sets.
Scott says businesses in the county often reach out to him for job candidates because of the soft skills learned in theater courses.
For those students who do want to continue their theater education, SPC has an articulation agreement with the University of South Florida (USF) so students can transfer seamlessly into USF’s bachelor’s program. In 2017, he received the Achievement Award for College/University Theater from the Florida Theater Conference.
“SPC is now known now for doing great quality theater,” said Scott. “We beat out professional theaters for awards, which is a testament to what my staff and students can do with green, young actors. That’s amazing.”
