Cole Kaplan's journey in the performing arts began with an unusual challenge: a significant speech impediment that marked his adolescence. Through speech therapy and years of vocal training, he overcame this obstacle and actualized his Hebrew name—"קול" (Kol), which translates to "voice."
Learning to communicate with others sparked his love for storytelling.
He graduated with a BFA in Drama from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. In his training at NYU's Meisner Studio, he performed works by Shakespeare, Chekhov, Lorca, and Arthur Miller. Shortly before graduating, he won the Outstanding Achievement in Studio Award from Stonestreet Studios at the Tisch Drama Awards.
During his summer break between classes, he originated the role of Mitch in Michael Ronca's "Sprawl" at SoHo Playhouse, which won Selected Finalist by Audience Vote and received a second extended run.
Cole was recently part of the winning table read cast at Heavy Shovel Production's New York Build a Short event, table reading the script of "Help Wanted" written by Nick Cummings.
Cole performed lead motion capture and combat sequences for the main player character, Gravitus, as well as lead voice work as Niko Kovac in the sci-fi horror video game "Ember Point." Ember Point is now available to download and play on Steam.
Cole recently made his AEA debut, reprising the role of Paddy in "The Keeners" by Barbara Grecki at Pearl Studios. The piece follows a family of Irish funeral singers who practice the ancient Gaelic musical tradition of keening amidst the immense changes facing their nation during The Troubles of the 1970s.
Cole recently performed a supporting role and combat sequence in Alex Cottrell's short film "Gratuity", produced by OCU Films, alongside Alex Cottrell and KP Phagnasy. Gratuity premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in HollyShorts 2025.
Cole associate produced the horror comedy short "Hellevator", which premiered at Screamfest 2025 and was nominated for an Indie Shorts Award. Cole is currently developing his original series, "To Dust".
