Featured Performer of the Week: Troy Blackwell-Cook

BroadwayWorld is thrilled to present its latest feature series: The Performer of the Week! Get to know these amazing talents as they share a bit about themselves, their work and life!

This week's featured performer is Troy Blackwell-Cook!

Hey Troy, Tell Us About Yourself!

Troy is a native New Yorker and holds a BFA from NYU. He has been seen on stage, film and television all over the world. You can always find him behind the scenes as well. Some of the companies he was privileged to be apart of are Second Avenue Dance company, Dance Theater of Harlem, Les Grands Ballets Canadians, Riverdance on Broadway and tour as a tappers in Trading Taps. He also joined the cast of "Play On" directed by Andre De Shields and choreographed by Mercedes Ellington just to name a few. He is also an international choreographer.

Troy's film credits are "Be Yourself" with Malcolm Jamal Warner, Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino, MR. Rogers Neighborhood and Good Day New York. You can see a young Troy in Scotts and Foreman's Geography and Our World. Troy moved on as Assistant Company Tour Manager for Dance Theatre of Harlem Ensemble. His latest venture was Head Wardrobe Supervisor for Dancing with the Stars live in Vegas. Aside from many other projects, Troy will be back in Vegas working on the Def Leppard tour. He would like to Thank his Creator and Family for their unending love and support.

Where You Might Have Seen Him (select credits)

Broadway: Riverdance Tours & Regional Riverdance, Play On, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, Dance Theater of Harlem, Mafata Dance Company, Minisink Town House, Porgy & Bess, A Raisin in the Sun, Fame, Damn Yankees, Wonderful Town, Dance on Broadway '98, Dance Goes Hollywood '95, Bessie Speaks, The Blackwells.

We've Got Questions!

1) What are you working on right now?

I am working on developing a musical I wrote when I was 15 years old.

2) What has been your professional biggest accomplishment so far?

My whole journey has been the biggest accomplishment. I was always taught to enjoy the process of any goal. It's very fulfilling when you look back and are able to digest everything that you've been blessed to do. The most notable accomplishment is joining the cast of Riverdance. When you work towards a goal and you finally archieve it, that's the icing on the cake.

3) Share your funniest or worst audition moment

I was very young, tall and lanky when I had a singing audition. I wanted the job so bad so I sung my heart out. I did not get the job but of course I thanked the panel for giving me the opportunity to share. I got my stuff and walked out the door. Someone asked me was that you singing? I said yes, they said we thought that was a girl singing. My face dropped. The next week I hit puberty. Thank God :).

4) What's your dream role?

Mister Mistoffelees from Cats.

5) If you weren't a performer, what would you be?

That's an interesting question because I did not choose the Arts, creativity chose me. I would probably be a magician for parties if I were not on stage though.

6) Where do you see yourself in 5, 10 years?

I see myself in a combination of performing and helping to develop new generations of artists internationally. ln this ever changing world, there will always be the need for the Arts and now more than ever.

7) What do you believe your role as an artist is?

I believe to be an artist is to communicate. You can make your art simple and plain or leave it up to the spectator to make their own assessment. I believe it's a fundamental necessity because one side of our brain is responsible for creativity, so it's a key part of who we are and what keeps the world going around and I must do my part.

8) What have you learned so far about this business?

I've learned that everything comes full circle. Reminding myself of the purpose and responsibility of an artist. To express is to live and live it is an honor.

BWW wants to feature YOU! Interested? Tell Romina at romi@broadwayworld.com and we'll get you set up!