DeWitt Cooper

Musical Theatre Director

DeWitt Cooper III is an outstanding performer who strives for excellence. A singer, dancer, actor, award winning choreographer and highly praised teacher, DeWitt’s talent and philosophy have placed him in high demand. He graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in 1997 and then Florida State University in 2001. As the first African American male to be admitted to the Musical Theatre program, he was on full scholarship as a Jim Moran Scholar. While at FSU he also performed in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Andre Thomas. He went on to Case Western Reserve University in the MFA Contemporary Dance program on full scholarship and stipend, with teaching assistantship. There he was the first graduate student to be nominated for the Wittike Undergraduate Teaching Award. He was also the first African American male to graduate with a Masters of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance and Choreography. He continues to conduct workshops and master classes around the country in voice, musical theatre, and concert dance. He was on faculty at Case Western Reserve University as an adjunct professor in the dance department and has taught workshops at Texas University, Baltimore School for the Arts, Pittsburgh School of the Arts, Boston Arts Academy, Cathedral Arts Program, and many more. He sang for the Doctoral Ceremony of Ann Reinking and has been th e guest speaker and teacher for many schools around the country.

He has worked professionally in musical theatre by gracing stages all around the country as he toured with the first National Broadway Tour of In the Heights where he had the opportunity to share the stage with Lin Manuel Miranda.  In addition, DeWitt toured with Ain’t Mis’ Behavin’, Dream Girls, and West Side Story.  He also performed in Finding Nemo the Musical at Walt Disney World Orlando. He was appointed as a choreographer for the Garth Fagan Movement Institute, and there worked side by side with Garth Fagan, the acclaimed contemporary and Broadway choreographer for The Lion King.   He recently spent 7 months with Norwegian Cruise Line as the Headlining Singer in the ship’s main stage productions. He then danced in the Asian Tour Company in the Ensemble of Aida. He can be seen in numerous Disney promos and commercials. He owns the CooperMorgan Dance Theatre, with co-director Savery Morgan.

DeWitt is currently Co-Director of Musical Theatre at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. He is also on the faculty of DASOT dance department and at the LaVilla School of the Arts.  As DeWitt continues to strive for excellence he continues to promote the importance of art and education in the city of Jacksonville and beyond and brings that passion to The Performers Academy.