The actor is busily honing his stage-acting skills for "Lost in Yonkers," an upcoming Broadway production that is being staged soon by the Pioneer Theatre Company.
Working alongside professional New York Artist Equity actors isn't a first for the teen, who also took part in Pioneer Theatre's past productions of "West Side Story" and Beauty and the Beast."
"I saw a show when I was 7 years old - that's when I first got interested in the theater," Campbell says.
Campbell's acting résumé now totals about 25 performances that have also showcased his dancing and singing talents. The teen also has a great supporting cast. His parents and 7-year-old brother pitch in to help in a variety of ways: transportation, scheduling and moral support.
"It's a family affair," says Kooper's mother, Robyn Campbell.
Last summer, Robyn Campbell joined her young son, along with his singing teacher and vocal group, for his first foray to New York City. Of course, taking in a few Broadway plays was on the agenda.
"My favorites were 'Jersey Boys' and 'Wicked,' " says Kooper, who dreams of joining a New York theater company someday. "I could [see] myself there . . . living in Greenwich Village."
Not long ago, Kooper and nine other talented Utah youngsters were selected by acclaimed Broadway producer Peter Sklar to take part in a performing arts camp in upstate New York.
"All the performers are from Broadway," Robyn Campbell says. The students "get exposure . . . [and] always have a chance of discovery and [to] learn from other people."
Back in Salt Lake City, Kooper is prepping for his role as Arty, the younger brother in playwright Neil Simon's "Lost in Yonkers." Unlike other cast members, Kooper must juggle the rehearsals and his full-time school schedule at the Beehive Science and Technology Academy in Sugar House.
Kooper's preparation and dedication seems to be paying off.
He's "very bright, theater savvy, understands the language and how to take direction . . . [and is] totally focused and in the moment," says Howard Millman, the director of the play.
New York actor Chris Clavelli, who plays Arty's big brother, Eddie, in the production is similarly impressed with Kooper.
He "knows all of his lines when he comes to rehearsal," say Clavelli, who also is impressed with the Utah teen's "rapport on stage."
Kooper's popularity helps him and other cast members read each other and work together as they perform. He also enjoys the fact that the play is about events in the 1940s, one of his favorite eras.
"I love to sing Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra songs," Kooper says. "I would have loved to have been a film actor in the '40s.
If you go
* WHAT: "Lost in Yonkers"
* WHERE: Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S. 1400 East, Salt Lake City.
* WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. The play wraps up March 31. Tickets prices range from $20 to $39.
* FOR TICKETS: Call 801-581-6961, or visit the Pioneer Theatre Company Web site at www.pioneertheatre.org.
