Florida Theatre Major Thriving at VSU, Credits Faculty and Greek Life

David Cooper is a senior musical theatre major from Jacksonville, Florida.

VALDOSTA, Ga. – Crossing the state line to attend Valdosta State University (VSU) was an easy decision for senior David Cooper, a musical theatre major from Jacksonville, Florida.

Cooper planned to attend an in-state university and play soccer, but he fell in love with performing on stage. When he asked his high school teacher to recommend a school with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre, she told him about VSU. A campus visit and tour with his dad, and Cooper was hooked.

We asked him how he knew VSU was the right choice, the secret to getting involved on campus, and how he secured in-state tuition to attend VSU?  

Why did you decide to come to school at VSU? 

I decided to come here for multiple reasons: it was close to home and my mom was very sick during my senior year of high school, so I wanted her to be able to still watch me perform with as little travel as possible. I also came here because when my dad and I decided to randomly take a tour of the school and meet with the heads of the Theatre department, we looked at each other and said this felt like home. I felt connected with the people here already, and the faculty immediately treated me like one of their own. 

How did you learn about the Border State Tuition Waiver, which allow students in states  
surrounding Georgia, like Florida, to apply for in-state tuition at VSU? 

I learned about the Border State Tuition Waiver through my advisor. She told me that I was eligible for Border State Tuition Waiver since I’m from Jacksonville. It has blessed me and my family having the waiver. With two other sons in colleges like FSU and UCF, it really helps out more than people would ever think. 

Why did you decide to study theatre? 

I decided to do theatre, because it’s an environment where everyone comes from different backgrounds, different stories, and different styles of acting. When I’m acting onstage, I get to become someone else who isn’t me. For about two hours, I forget about all my stresses and worries of that day, perform, and completely forget about them when I’m done. It brings people joy; it can make you cry and laugh all at the same time. It’s my passion because I’m human. And I believe it’s the truest human art form to witness.  

What have you enjoyed most about the theatre department and the College of the Arts at VSU? 

What I have enjoyed most about the College of Arts is how welcoming everyone is. The faculty are there to push you until you succeed, because that’s all they want for you. They understand what it was once like in our shoes, and the thing I love most is that they will make sure you graduate as the best version of yourself. 

Which plays are you most excited for this academic year? 

I am most excited about all of the productions. We have “Boeing-Boeing” (which I’m in by the way) which will be a hilarious show that you do not want to miss! After that, we have “Resonance: The Dance Concert” which will have the most spectacular pieces choreographed by our faculty and our students. “For The Love” is a beautiful show with a great message and amazing performers. “A Christmas Carol” is a classic that you can’t miss. Next semester, we have “A Chorus Line” and “Much Ado About Nothing” which will both make you want to come back again and again each night.  

You are very involved on campus. How did you start that process? 

I got involved through connecting with people who were older than me. I started by joining my fraternity, Delta Chi, which has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From then on, I would keep being introduced to people throughout campus and make connections with them as well. I followed those connections to the fullest and have made some of the greatest friends I could ever ask for. 
 
What advice do you have for students who are just starting their college search process? 

Remind yourself, this will be your home for the next four years. This is where you will make life-long friendships, meet people who could give a speech at your wedding, and somewhere you can always be proud of. Follow your heart. And when asked about where you went to college, be proud of your answer like there’s not a doubt in your mind. 
  
What do you plan to do with your theatre degree after your spring 2027 graduation? 

I plan on moving back to Jacksonville to work with some theatre companies and save up financially so that eventually, I can move to New York and follow my dreams. After that, I hope to teach one day, in honor of my mom who was an English teacher while I was growing up.  

More on the Web:

Valdosta State University: https://www.valdosta.edu/

VSU's Department of Theatre, Dance, and Media: https://www.valdosta.edu/colleges/arts/tdm/