DEWITT L. COOPER III
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished educator.
Currently Adjunct Professor of Music Theater at Morgan State University, with some experience in curriculum development and performance evaluation. Proven leader with results and strong problem-solving abilities, successfully mentoring students and enhancing their creative potential. Experience in choreography design, fostering an environment that encourages artistic exploration and growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor Music Theatre
Morgan State University
01.2025 - Current
- Taught Musical Theatre Dance MUTH 231.0
- Taught Beginning Ballet MUTH 302.101
- Taught intro Musical Theatre Jazz MUTH404.100
- Taught Modern Dance for Musical Theatre MUTH 232.001
- Taught Theater Movement MUTH 131.001
- Taught Music Theater Workshop MUTH 412.001
Director
Legacy Project
01.2021 - Current
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive strategies to improve operational processes and organizational efficiency.
- Recruited, trained, supervised, evaluated, and mentored staff members.
Director
Black Art Organization
Jacksonville, Florida
08.2019 - 08.2024
- Implemented new vison, evaluated artistic standing for productions.
- Created and maintained budgets for each production.
- Conducted research on potential artists and performance.
Adjunct Faculty Member
Douglas Anderson School of Arts
Jacksonville, Florida
08.2020 - 05.2024
- Taught an intro to Physical Theater.
- Introductory movement for the actor.
- Assisted students with audition preparation, and provided feedback on their performance.
- Developed choreography for musical numbers based on the abilities of the cast members.
- Encouraged students to take risks while exploring their creative potential.
Founding Artistic Director
CooperMorgan Dance Theater
01.2005 - 12.2017
- Develop scheduling of classes weekly classes schedule.
- Assisted students with audition preparation and provided feedback on their performance.
- Developed and implemented an artistic vision for the organization.
- Created a comprehensive budget for all artistic programming.
- Collaborated with local artists to produce new works for public consumption.
Artistic Director/Instructor
Jacksonville Center of the Arts
01.2005 - 12.2017
- Developed, implemented and evaluated artistic vision for production.
- Created one one-on-one accountability program for students, parents, and instructors.
- Supervised administrative tasks related to production operations.
Vocal Performance
Various venues
, Fl,HI,CA
03.2009 - 05.2011
- Trained with Natalie Toro(2009-20110
- Trained with Dr. Carol Clifford. (2018)
- Featured Soloist for Anne Reinking Doctoral Ceremony(2001)
- Trained with Dr. Gayle Seaton (1997–2001).
- Vocal Jazz Ensemble with Dr. Andre Thomas (198-2000)
- Sing Handel's Messiah (1997)
- Sing Mozart Requiem (1996)
- Sing Carmins Burana (1996)
- Sing Rutter Requiem with Joh Rutter Carnegie Hall(1995)
Vocal Experience
Norwegian Crusie Line
Tampa, Florida
10.2010 - 03.2011
- Principal Singer/Vocal Captain
- Performed for hundreds of guests weekly.
- Hires to sing for private parties
Adjunct Professor of Dance
Case Western Reserve University
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Danc 103 -Inro to Modern Dance
- Danc 104- Moderm Dance
- Mentored students in the development of their research skills and critical thinking abilities.
- Facilitated active learning through class discussions, group activities, and individual projects.
- Evaluated student performance using appropriate assessment techniques and provided timely feedback.
- Developed and implemented course syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
Education
Masters of Fine Arts - Fine Arts, Contemporary Dance
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH05-2007
Bachelor Music - Music, Musical Theater
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL (Attended)Skills
- PERFORMANCE EXPERT
- MASTER TRAINER
- STRONG LEADERSHIP
- DISCUSSION FACILITATOR
- Grace UNDER PRESSURE
- PROBLEM SOLVER
- Performance evaluation
- Dance instruction
- Choreography design
- Audition coaching
- Program management
References
- Dr. Rahmann Johnson, Jacksonville City Councilman, Professor of Journalism, Edward Waters University, 904-629-1334
- Joe Kemper, MFA, Director of Theater, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, KemperJ@duvalschools.org
- Niaamar Felder, Adjunct and Design full time Design Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York, niiamarfelder@gmail.com, 646-481-1827
Awards
- 2023 THREE TIMES APPLAUSE AWARD NOMINEE
- 2023 MARY PALMER TRAILBLAZER AWARD
- JACKSONVILLE TEACHER OF THE WEEK
- ADJUNCT TEACHER OF THE YEAR DOUGLAS ANDERSON
- 2018 PELICAN AWARD
- INAUGURAL CLASS 2018 LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
- 2017 STRATHMORE WHO'S WHO
- 2009 HOST STEVE HARVEY'S DREAMERS ACADEMY
- 2006 WITTIKIE AWARD FOR UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING
- 2005 FRIENDS OF DANCE FELLOWSHIP
- 2004 OKIE AWARD
- 1997 AFRICAN AMERICAN YOUTH ACHIEVER
Directing Choreography
- Soul Review, Associate Director/Choreographer, 2016
- Co-Director of Musical Theatre (DASOTA), 2011-2013
- CooperMorgan Dance Theater, 2004-2019
- Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre, Choreographer/Assistant Artistic Director, 2024
- Once on this Island, Director/Choreographer, 2024, Applause Award Winner - Best Ensemble
- Significant Other, 2023
- Developed In the Key of Dance
- Developed "Starry Night"
- Spongebob, Associate Director, 2021
- The Wiz, 2019
- Rent, Associate Director/Associate Choreographer, 2020
- Soul Review, Associate Director
- Harold and the Purple Crayon, Director
Affiliations
- Committie Member Any Given Child Jacksonville Floirda
Timeline
Adjunct Professor Music Theatre
Morgan State University
01.2025 - Current
Director
Legacy Project
01.2021 - Current
Adjunct Faculty Member
Douglas Anderson School of Arts
08.2020 - 05.2024
Director
Black Art Organization
08.2019 - 08.2024
Vocal Experience
Norwegian Crusie Line
10.2010 - 03.2011
Vocal Performance
Various venues
03.2009 - 05.2011
Founding Artistic Director
CooperMorgan Dance Theater
01.2005 - 12.2017
Artistic Director/Instructor
Jacksonville Center of the Arts
01.2005 - 12.2017
Adjunct Professor of Dance
Case Western Reserve University
01.2005 - 12.2007
Masters of Fine Arts - Fine Arts, Contemporary Dance
Case Western Reserve University
Bachelor Music - Music, Musical Theater
Florida State University