Performing is a Family Affair | The Coopers

People have said after every production that their castmates feel like family. Some casts even remain in touch years after the show is over. For the Coopers, their castmates are their family. Alissa, Al, Aralyn, and Adam Cooper have shared the stage for two Market House Theatre productions, Bright Star (2022) and, most recently, School of Rock (2022). Al was the first to make their Market House Theatre debut in The Hobbit (2017). Soon after, Adam Cooper made his on-stage Market House Theatre debut with Al on stage crew in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (2019). Along the way, Alissa volunteered to help as well. "During dress rehearsals I must have been at the theatre when corsets were getting tied and offered to help tie them for the shows," Alissa shared. "I would show up in time to tie corsets and then run backstage during intermission to set a prop needed for the second act." Then, in 2022, Alissa and Aralyn made their on-stage debuts in Bright Star, alongside family members Al and Adam. All four family members have shared the stage ever since “Sharing the stage with my family has been very fun,” Al expressed. “It also makes getting to rehearsal a lot easier.” When discussing sharing the stage with each other in individual conversations, each expressed how treasured this opportunity has been. Adam shared, "We have been able to see each other in new ways. Watching talents and passions develop and grow is beautiful." Aralyn admitted that, “...it has given us designated time to hang out. We have fun dancing off stage and making jokes with each other.” But, even though these four make every performance look flawless, Alissa knows it wouldn’t be possible without the support of the rest of their family. “Our oldest son, Aidan, and his wife, Gina, have come to see us perform each time and bring our youngest son, Axtan, along to see the shows, too. Axtan spends several hours without us during rehearsals and shows but sings along to the soundtracks at home and loves to see the show come together.” Alissa continued, "I’m so thankful for the Market House family and how welcoming they are. From sitting in the audience to volunteering to acting, it has been great to feel a part of the community through the arts. It feels wonderful to be connected to the Market House community and offer that same welcome to others who are new to the theatre."