Student Stories

While some young performers become absorbed by the demands of auditions and work, Laurel Springs senior Keenan Cochrane has a level-headed perspective on how he fits in the entertainment industry: “I want to be a well-rounded person.” In addition to his professional work as an actor, Keenan has academic aspirations “to earn a Bachelor’s degree and maybe a Master’s in Fine Arts degree.” Keenan gets the flexibility he needs from Laurel Springs to pursue his acting goals.

After attending brick-and-mortar schools until 9th grade, Keenan switched to Laurel Springs in 10th grade. “I wanted to be able to have more freedom to pursue acting. I can do my schoolwork on my own time, even if that is while I’m traveling to an audition.” The flexibility of Laurel Springs helps Keenan to work in the way that suits him the best. “I have ADD, so I work best when I can focus on one topic. It helps not to have to go from subject to subject in short periods of time. I set a goal of where I want to be with my lessons by a certain date, and then work to get there.”

One of Keenan’s teachers, Paul Human, said that he and Keenan work together via phone and iClass (virtual classroom), where Mr. Human finds that Keenan is “a gifted thinker” who is able to apply what he learns in school to his own life through “rewarding and memorable collaboration.”

Keenan started acting in 4th grade, when a casting agent invited him to audition for a commercial. After several years of acting in corporate videos, he landed a job in a commercial that ran during Super Bowl 2011. “That job gave me more confidence and helped people to take me more seriously.” In September, Keenan broke into the world of television by landing a role in the ABC show Zero Hour. “It was amazing to do three scenes with Anthony Edwards on a massive set for a primetime TV show.” (The episode featuring Keenan airs on March 7, 2013.) “I have always loved visiting sets, so to be on the other side, working, was very cool.” Keenan continues to audition for television shows as well as feature films, and hopes to land new roles soon.

His parents have been a huge source of support for Keenan, both academically and professionally. Both his mother and father have worked as actors, and helped Keenan learn to navigate the entertainment industry. “They helped a lot at first, but now I deal directly with auditions, get myself there on time, and know how to handle myself in an interview.” Keenan appreciates his parents’ support so much that he used some of the money earned from his commercial work to treat the family to a cruise. “I felt so fortunate to be able to do that.”

And Keenan’s parents have supported his educational aspirations by encouraging him with his college search. “Even though I work as an actor, I definitely want to have the college experience so that I can study my craft. I helped to create my own high school experience, and it has made me a better person.” Keenan has been accepted to several schools already, and is waiting to hear from the rest of the colleges on his list. We wish him the best of luck in both college and career.