Ben Kopp
Ben Kopp is a composer, actor, and musician originally from London, Ontario. He is a 2019 graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan University BFA Acting program. After the success of his original musical, Over Again, Ben wrote the music and lyrics to Killing Time: A Game Show Musical, which earned three Dora Mavor Moore Award nominations, including Outstanding New Musical. Recent selected performing credits include Pedro, Man of La Mancha, Magnus Theatre (2022); Reg, Crack of Doom, Bravo Academy/Toronto Fringe (2022) Friar Lawrence, Romeo and Juliet, Panoply Classical Collective (2019). Upcoming: Ben’s new musical, 30 Ways to Say Goodbye, is receiving a commissioned workshop at St. Lawrence College.
Where are you in your artistic journey at the moment? What are you excited about now that you are accepted into the Academy? What do you hope to learn during your time at Soulpepper?
I am thrilled to be included in the 2024 Soulpepper Academy! After initially focusing on performing after graduating from TMU’s acting program, I shifted to composing and music directing in the wake of the pandemic. Now, I am trying to break into Toronto’s musical theatre scene, write interesting and impactful story driven musicals, while continuing to do what I love, performing. What I miss most about theatre school is seeing my classmates create the most incredible work, and being inspired to create myself. The Soulpepper Academy brings a unique opportunity to be back in that ensemble setting. I am beyond excited to be surrounded by magnificent musicians and creators, including the entire team at Soulpepper. I hope to learn new ways of creating meaningful music driven work, and meet like minded collaborators.