2017 Steppenwolf debut
Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s world-premiere production of BLKS, written by Aziza Barnes and directed by Nataki Garrett (Photo credit: Michael Brosilow)
2018 #50 Steppenwolf ensemble member
In celebration of Steppenwolf’s 50th Anniversary, photographer Sandro created a new series of ensemble portraits for the company’s ensemble grid.
2019 movie premiere
In 2017, former Steppenwolf Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro saw Celeste perform in Court Theatre’s production of Blues for an Alabama Sky. Shortly afterwards, she received an audition for a workshop of BLKS, which ultimately led to her originating the role of Imani. Following the 2018 production run, Anna invited Celeste to join Steppenwolf Theatre’s prestigious ensemble.
In 2018, shortly after joining the ensemble, she was invited to step into another world premiere—Steppenwolf Theatre’s The Doppelgänger (an International Farce) by Matthew-Lee Erlbach and Tina Landau—just two weeks before the first rehearsal, joining the production as a lead alongside Rainn Wilson.
Recipient of the Best Actress Award for Range Runners at the 2019 Twister Alley Film Festival.
Photo credit: Michael Brosilow
Celeste M. Cooper has received extensive positive reviews for her theatrical performances, particularly in the Chicago theatre scene. Critics and colleagues praise Cooper’s "range" as a performer, intensity, versatility, ability to move seamlessly between intense dramatic roles, and physical comedy.
Award-Winning Performances: She was honored with the "Most Promising Actress" award by the Black Theater Alliance in 2014. She also received the "Best Actress" award at the Twister Alley Film Festival in 2019 for her leading role in the film Range Runners.
Critical Recognition: NewCity Stage magazine has twice listed her as one of the "people who really perform for Chicago" (in 2020 and 2023).
Specific Role Praise: For her role as Nyasha in the play Familiar, a BroadwayWorld reviewer called her "stellar," noting she balanced "frenetic moments of high tension and relaxed in personality" perfectly. Another review mentioned her "lovely singing voice" in the production.
Versatility: Reviews often mention her physical acting abilities and commitment to character, stemming from her athletic background and MFA in Acting.
New York Times Critic Pick: The virtual production Duchess! Duchess! Duchess!which she appeared in, was named a New York Times Critic Pick.
Confederates (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis): This production, in which Cooper was cast, was named "Best Big Theatre Drama" of 2023 by the Riverfront Times and was called "captivating and thought-provoking".
The Doppelgänger: For her demanding role in this production, a WTTW critichighlighted her as deserving "the loudest bravos" and a "theatrical equivalent of a Purple Heart". The review noted her intense physical performance, which included carrying heavy props and running miles on stage, while still delivering a performance of "razor sharp wit and intensity".
POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive: In this "utterly hilarious" production, Cooper played Chris, a White House journalist. Reviewers described the entire cast's presentation as "flawlessly" executed, noting the show "immediately resonates" with the audience due to its strong casting.
BLKS: Reviews of BLKS described the production as engaging, with one reviewer noting the engaging dynamic between Cooper and her costars in the "pink and turquoise cacophony of colored couches" set.
Measure for Measure (Goodman Theatre): Less than a year after graduating with her MFA, she performed at the Goodman Theatre, one of the top theatres in the Midwest, playing Juliet in Measure for Measure.
"Flawless in her role": A reviewer for Cryptic Rock wrote that Cooper "is flawless in her role, delivering an exceptional performance that empowers the entire production". The review praised her ability to portray an "intricate balance" of anger and good heart, noting she was "never afraid to get ugly" to convey her character's suffering.
"Terrific job acting": An IMDb user review praised her work, stating, "Celeste M. Cooper actually does a terrific job acting here". The reviewer added that she "does an admirable job of SHOWING not TELLING that she is troubled and grieving. She is restrained, intense and quiet in her pain. She... gives a hell of a performance".
"Emmotive and sincere": Hotchka described her performance as "really great here, emotive and sincere, utterly believable as a badass trying to overcome pain, injury, and strife".
"Worthwhile job carrying the entire movie": The site RunPee mentioned, "Celeste M Cooper does a worthy job carrying the entire movie on her narrow shoulders".
"Killed it": A user review on IMDb stated, "The main actress killed it. She really knew what she was doing she definitely acts better then most actresses".
Award-Winning: Cooper's performance was formally recognized when she won the "Best Actress" award at the Twister Alley Film Festival in 2019 for her role as Mel