Purdue alumnus returns to Elliott Hall for The Book of Mormon

Robert Cohen, Purdue alumnus and head audio engineer for the Book of Mormon's national tour.

October 1, 2025 Julia Moran

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – A unique homecoming is happening for one Boilermaker on October 2. Robert Cohen (B.A., Sound for the Performing Arts, 2024) is head audio engineer for the national touring production of The Book of Mormon. The show comes to Elliott Hall of Music next month. His experiences at Purdue have aided in his transition to the professional world. In Cohen’s time at Purdue, he founded and led LEAP (Live Events and Productions).

The Book of Mormon

Much like Cohen, the Tony award-winning musical is making a return to the Elliott stage. The last time this show performed here was in 2022, which means it’s showing to an entirely new audience. Back by popular demand, this outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries sent halfway around the world to spread the Good Word. With standing-room-only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, The Book of Mormon has become an international sensation. Purchase tickets on the Convocations website.

LEAP

Since 2023, LEAP provides students with professional learning opportunities in live event production. Founded by Cohen, this organization This student-run organization dedicates itself to putting on student band performances with professional setups. They host monthly concerts at venues like Slayter Hill and Loeb Playhouse.

Rueff Schol of Art, Design, and Performance

The Rueff School hosts a variety of majors, including Cohen’s Sound for the Performing Arts and more. The school aims to provide students with a unique approach to arts education through innovation and career preparation. Staff are current creatives, inspiring students through their active industry work and academics.

Purdue Convocations

Purdue Convocations—the self-supporting performing arts presenter at Purdue University—catalyzes the curriculum, energizes the community, and distinguishes Purdue through powerful performances, illuminating discourse and extraordinary learning encounters.

Purdue University has a rich history of bringing concerts, lectures and performances to campus. In 1902, the “Lecture and Concert Course” was first offered, creating the earliest iteration of what is now Purdue Convocations and placing it amongst the oldest collegiate performing arts presenting organizations in the country. Over the years, the names and formats have changed, but one thing has remained constant—the great Convos tradition of amplifying the power of a Purdue education through arts and culture. Now, powered solely by ticket sales and generous gifts, Convos is an award-winning cultural leader that makes Purdue a dynamic place to study, work, live and play. Learn more at convocations.purdue.edu. Information about giving to Purdue Convocations is found at convocations.purdue.edu/support.