In the world of drama, success often requires a perfect blend of talent, hard work, and a dash of luck. For Owen Cooper, the 15-year-old star of the hit TV show Adolescence, it seems his journey to stardom was facilitated by a combination of natural ability, supportive family, and expert training. We spoke to the drama school where Cooper honed his craft to get the inside scoop on his rise to fame.
The Origins of a Star
At Drama MOB in Didsbury, Manchester, Owen Cooper’s journey to stardom began with a weekly dose of acting classes. The school’s founder, Esther Morgan, recalls being drawn to Cooper’s unique energy from the very start. “Our eyes were just drawn to him when he first attended,” she says. “He had a certain spark, a certain charisma that made you just want to watch him.”
Supportive Family and Expert Training
Cooper’s family, according to Morgan, was supportive but not pushy. “They encouraged Owen’s passion for acting, but also respected his boundaries,” she explains. The school’s focus on improvisation also played a significant role in Cooper’s development as an actor. “It felt amazing but I didn’t realise it would be as good as it was, I didn’t expect it to be talked about so much,” Cooper says of his experience.
A Lack of Recognition
However, Morgan’s comments have sparked frustration among some viewers who have questioned the extent of Cooper’s training before his debut. “It has frustrated us a bit,” she admits. “We’ve had some reviews that imply he had no training prior to the show, and it’s just not true.” The drama school, which runs classes in Gatley, Didsbury, and Prestwich, and has its own casting agency, has seen a surge in interest in its services following Cooper’s success.
The Casting Process
The Adolescence production team came to Drama MOB with a specific request: to find the “strongest northern boys” to feature in the one-shot style of filmmaking. Morgan recounts the process: “They kept coming back for Owen until he was given the role. He was just the right fit for the part, and we were thrilled to see him shine.”
| Year | Drama Class | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Adolescence | TV show debut |
| 2020 | Drama MOB | Acting classes |
Expert Insights
“We believe that acting is not just about memorizing lines and reciting them,” Morgan emphasizes. “It’s about being present, being in the moment, and responding truthfully to the situation.” This approach to acting, which emphasizes improvisation, is reflected in Cooper’s performances in Adolescence.
“ I think the one-shot style of filmmaking really brought out the best in Owen. He was able to think on his feet and respond to the situations in a way that was really authentic. ”
Improvization in acting refers to the ability to think on one’s feet and respond truthfully to the situation, without prior planning or scripting. It requires a high level of creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Owen Cooper’s success is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and expert training. As Cooper himself notes, “I didn’t expect it to be talked about so much.” His journey to stardom serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors everywhere, highlighting the importance of supportive family, expert training, and a willingness to take risks.
