Andrew G. Cooper

Theatre Directing

Andrew G. Cooper is an award-winning theatre creator whose work as a director, choreographer, and playwright has been seen on stages across North America, from Victoria to Chicago to Halifax, and as far as Sydney, Australia and Dubai, UAE. They are passionate about the creation of Canadian theatre and love telling stories through the languages of dance, puppetry, mask, circus arts, and stage combat.

In the past decade, Andrew has created over twenty-five world premiere productions with companies such as Le Cirque de la Nuit, Project X Theatre, Tranquille Tunnel Theatre, Ghost River Theatre, Youth Theatre Canada, Chimera Theatre, and Jupiter Theatre. He’s also had the fortune to work at major theatre companies across Canada including Citadel Theatre, Western Canada Theatre, Theatre: Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Ghost River Theatre, and Catalyst Theatre.

Frankenstein by Andrew G. Cooper, based on the book by Mary Shelley

Director

Jupiter Theatre, Festival of Animated Objects | March - April 2023

"powerful...mesmerizing...Cooper's Frankenstein is a major accomplishment...Cooper is in his wheelhouse when it comes to the use of masks, puppets, shadows and movement. He creates an eerie, truly gothic ambience…” — Louis Hobson, The Calgary Herald

"beautiful to watch, and truly remarkable." — Amy Couch, The Independent Critic

"riveting...exceptional...Cooper's vision is to be applauded." — Caroline Russel-King, Calgary Theatre Critic Awards

Production nominated for the Betty Mitchell Award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama (Mike Tan).

Chimera Theatre | February 2018

"a chilling look at the dark downsides of science. The production will leave you questioning who is the true monster?" — Cailyn Mocci, The Omega

The Time Machinist by Andrew G. Cooper and Noah Weigel

Director, Choreographer

Jupiter Theatre, Le Cirque de la Nuit | September 2023

“We’ve come to expect innovation and experimentation from Jupiter’s artistic director Andrew G. Cooper, and he didn’t disappoint” — Louis Hobson, The Calgary Herald

"Pure entertainment...a thoroughly entertaining evening...It was perfect” — Caroline Russel-King, Calgary Theatre Critic Awards

"compelling and impressive" — Jenna Shummoogum, Calgary Theatre Reviewer

Named one of the TOP 10 EXCELLENT THEATRE TO CELEBRATE IN 2023 by The Calgary Herald.

Production nominated for the Calgary Theatre Critics' Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Technical Design, Lighting Designer (Chris DePape)

The Robber Bridegroom by The Brothers Grimm, adapted by Andrew G. Cooper

Director

Chimera Theatre Fringe Festival Tour | July - September 2019

“The Robber Bridegroom is simply a masterpiece…Not only is this adaptation a love letter to this artistic movement but also a Shakespearean playwright was behind the reconstruction of the seminal tale. I have to tip my hat to Andrew G. Cooper for his use of turning the Sisters Grimm to a wicked new take...” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Ed Sum, Two Hungry Blokes

" Nightmare and reality intertwine in Andrew G. Cooper’s dramatic interpretation of “The Robber Bridegroom,”... this performance deserves a standing applause." ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ½ — Chris Horne, The Marlet

“The end of the show was unexpected, unlike anything I’ve seen at the Fringe before…” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Simon Bjerksen, Fringe Review

“This innovative marvel of a show is creepy, creative, and a wonderfully subversive undoing of the Brothers Grimm classic... the music and the staging heighten the tension and it’s genuinely horrifying to watch what unfolds" — Andrea Warner, The Georgia Straight

“Its final few moments are a testament to the power of theatre... its impact is undeniable.” — Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents

"Creative...wonderfully realized" — The Winnipeg Free Press

"the performance is quite lovely in an old-world way.... pace helps build the growing sense of horror and impending doom. It is creepy." — CBC Manitoba

Chimera Theatre, Jupiter Theatre | February - March 2019

“The Robber Bridegroom took what was already an eerie fairy tale to a new level by layering on the audience’s own consciousness...These puppets are far from the friendly faces of the Muppets and had even skeptical audience members on the edge of their seats and scared.”
— Kamloops This Week

Starslingers by Andrew G. Cooper

Director, Choreographer

Jupiter Theatre, Le Cirque de la Nuit, The Calgary Stampede | July 2024

Over 60,000 audience members experienced Starslingers over ten days at The Calgary Stampede in July 2024.

Perseus & Andromeda by Euripides, adapted by Andrew G. Cooper and Nich Gulycz

Co-Director, Choreographer

JAMM Theatre, Hydra Performing Arts Festival | May 2018

Winner of Best of Fest Award – Hydra Performing Arts Festival

Winner of Best Show Design Award – Hydra Performing Arts Festival

Chimera Theatre, Victoria Fringe Festival | August - September 2016

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I was thrilled... the best moments are the dynamic fight sequences... I was particularly glued to the captivating dance. " — Ed Sum, Victoria Fringe Festival Reviewer, Otakunoculture.com

"Wildly epic... visually gratifying... exciting and athletic" — Showbill Canada

"What beautiful choreography, stage combat and strong, athletic dancing. I was very impressed with the musical score and the lighting effects as well." —Janis Lacouvee, Victoria Fringe Festival Reviewer, Janislacouvee.com

Runner up for Best Show Design – Victoria Fringe Festival

The Jungle Book by Rohit Chokhani

Associate Director, Puppet Director, Choreographer

Alberta Theatre Projects | December 2022

“Humour, spectacle, movement and puppets dominate this act so that the stage is constantly awash in colour and movement...designed and supervised by associate director Andrew G. Cooper” — Louis Hobson, The Calgary Herald

"The play is a wonder to watch and the staging is a gem...the puppets are innovative and beautiful" — Jenna Shummoogum, Calgary Theatre Reviewer

Mockus by George M. Johnson

Director, Choreographer, Fight Director

Jupiter Theatre | March 2020

Director

Chimera Theatre | February 2017

“undeniably charming... One thing that I appreciated most from this play was its deep-rooted themes" — Jenifer Will, The Omega

“Also of note, dancing in the show — Cooper called it expressionism theatre — was bold.” — Jessica Wallace, Kamloops This Week

The Three Munsch-keteers by Debbie Patterson

Director

Project X Theatre | July 2018

The Untold Tales of the Brothers Grimm by Andrew G. Cooper

Director, Choreographer, Fight Director

Chimera Theatre, Victoria Fringe Festival | August 2015

"The blocking and physicality was involved and demanding and each of [the performers] held their own... The Untold Tales of the Brothers Grimm, with all its colours and costumes and action would be a hoot for kids." — The Marble

"Cooper’s script was well-written, entertaining and funny. His untold tales were clever, inventive and creative and seemed fresh in comparison to better-known worlds like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, towing the line between funny and heart-felt.” -- Adam Williams, Kamloops This Week

"What I loved most about this show was the stories. I am definitely not up-to-date on my Brothers Grimm, and I enjoyed both the hearing of new stories and the verve with which they were presented." — The Marble

Nominated for Best New Play – Victoria Fringe Festival

Nominated for Best Comedy – Victoria Fringe Festival

Epoque

Director

Le Cirque de la Nuit | April 2022

Crossroads by Andrew G. Cooper

Director

Tranquille Tunnel Theatre | September 2015

"Historically accurate and factual, the production is both informative and entertaining. Andrew G. Cooper has created an amazing, interactive tour that everyone will enjoy." — Trina Budai, The Northshore Echo

"Although the atmosphere is eerie, the production is entertaining for all ages" — Maryls Klossner, The Omega

"takes participants back in time....I would certainly return to see more." — Jessica Klymchuk, Kamloops This Week