On The Road: Autumn Crockett Cooper
Welcome to this week's edition of On The Road, featuring the gorgeous Autumn Crockett Cooper!
For those of you who are new to The Backstage Blonde, here's a little summary about what's going on. On The Road is an interview series shot by local photographers across the country featuring actors who are currently preforming in Broadway national tours. Practically everyone in the current Broadway company of Wicked was on the national tour before moving to the Great White Way, and I've always loved hearing their stories from the road. I think national tours are important because they make exceptional theatre accessible to people who might never make it to New York City. I first saw Wicked as a teenager when the tour came to Tampa, Florida!
So I hope you enjoy getting to know my talented new friend and fellow Wicked family member, Autumn!
How long have you been a performer?
I have been a performer as long as I can remember. I started at a very young age. At 3 years old I was put into dance class, gymnastics, and pageants. I fell in love with being on a stage, especially when it came to dance.
What is your favorite show you've ever worked on?
That is a complicated one. There have been a few that I have truly loved being apart of. But If I had to nail it down to one so far I would say Wicked.
Is this your first national tour?
This is my first national tour, and I have been performing with he company for the last 7 months so far.
What does it feel like to be performing back in your home town of Nashville, Tennessee?
It feels AMAZING to be back performing in my hometown. I grew up on the stage at TPAC. I know it far to well. To be doing a show like Wicked on my hoe stage constantly puts me in awe. And to have all my family, friends, and my studio come to watch, giving me so much support has truly been incredible.
What are some items you absolutely can't live without backstage?
MINTS! Our crew backstage are amazing at keeping our buckets full of green mints.
Pictured with fellow cast member Lauren Cannon.
What is the most interesting day at work you've ever had?
The most interesting day I had here at work, probably would have to be the last day in Memphis after our last show. I walked out of back stage headed to the dressing room and a cement wall came crashing down and took me down by falling unto my ankles and calves. Thankfully nothing was broken, just some swelling and bruising. And after being wrapped up, I was still determined to have a drink to celebrate with everyone! :) Its fun to laugh at it now.
What has been your most memorable moment OR most hilarious moment on tour so far?
There are so many memorable moments that happen on and off stage. Hilarious moments? Too many to count! It might not seem funny now, but one of my cast mates and I went on a scaring each other spree. She would scare me so good as I was walking to get my wig on or putting on my make up. And vice versa. But I won’t forget the time we both decided to hide in one another's gondolas, waiting for the other to come get dressed. We both sat there until everyone was on stage and we were still waiting for the other to show up. We both popped our heads out at the same time and realizing we had the same idea and couldn’t stop laughing.
How was your experience being part of We Three Shows?
Being apart of “We Three Shows” was incredible. To have so much talent in one room was unbelievable. I remember sitting up stairs watching waiting before I had to perform and just crying listening and watching the other performers. And the people that give so generously to help the cause was out of this world. It was truly beautiful. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about my job is performing, dancing and singing. I love being on stage and I love that I can do what I love for a living.
What is the most challenging part of being an actor on tour?
The most challenging part of being a actor on tour would have to be being away from my husband. Our home is in California with our two dogs, and traveling so much and being away from him has been the most difficult.
What is your favorite fun fact about Wicked?
The story plot of the show! I grew up watching Wizard of Oz which I’m sure so many people did. And to have a new outlook on the story knowing how Elphie's story really ends. I love it!
What is your favorite number to perform in your show?
My favorite number to perform in the show would have to be the courtyard scene. I get to flirt with Fiyero and act like a little school girl, along with dancing and singing.
How does it feel to be a flying monkey every night?
I love being a flying monkey! I love being high in the air swinging while thrashing around. :)
What is your favorite part about telling this story every night?
My favorite part about telling this story is all the different characters I get to play. From being a school girl to being a witch hunter. I get to express the story and my feelings on it in a different light in each number. Which always keeps it fresh and new.
What is it about this job that makes you come back each day?
My cast mates and the audience keep me coming back. I love performing with my fellow cast mates on stage. They are family. And I love to here the audience reaction to what is happening on stage and after it ends.
What is the best advice you've ever been given?
The best advice I have ever been given would be of course “don’t give up”. I have been performing professionally for 11 years now and no matter how many times I might have gotten rejected for anything, if i would have given up then, i would not be where I am today.
What piece of advice would you give your 18 year old self?
If I had to say anything to my 18 year old self. It would have to be, “It might seem hard, but your doing great! Keep staying focused.” I was a stubborn kid, still am. Someone tells me “no you will never be able to do that, or be good enough for that.” I would turn around and make it happen. I went through a lot growing up. I'm very proud that through it all my mom raised me to never give up and if I want something you have to fight for it and do it yourself. And I'm thankful I knew that at a young age.
What advice would you give to a young person who wants to pursue a career in the arts?
My advice to anyone who wants to have a career in this business, i would say to them, "You are going to get rejected. AND thats OKAY!! Rejection will hurt, but you use that to keep pushing yourself to get where you want to be. And you WILL get there..”
Images by Dana Kalachnik
Indianapolis, Indiana
