Building Your Character: Elijah Cooper on Growth in the Acting Room

In this meaningful and motivating episode of Unscene Work, host Erik Lingvall reconnects with actor Elijah Cooper, a former student and now accomplished young actor, writer, and entrepreneur. Having trained together in "the acting room" for nearly half of Elijah’s life, their conversation explores how acting is about more than just booking roles, it's about building who you are in the process.

Elijah shares behind-the-scenes insights from his work on Goosebumps, All American, and 9-1-1, and reflects on what it takes to juggle a professional acting career while in college and starting a business. From strategic career moves to personal integrity, Elijah discusses what it really means to grow your craft and character at the same time.

What We Cover: Elijah’s start in acting after a sports injury redirected his path His audition process and what it takes to balance multiple major roles Why he’s learning to say “no” to jobs that don’t align with his long-term vision How growing as a person supports growth as an artist The unique mentorship and lessons gained inside "the acting room" Juggling acting with college life, and the importance of a business mindset Becoming a multi-hyphenate: writer, producer, student, and performer

Notable Quotes: "Acting gave me a space to be more than a role. It helped me figure out who I am.” “I want to be the kind of artist who builds something bigger than myself, that means thinking long-term.” “You’re not just playing a character on screen. You’re building your character off screen too.”