Cameron Wisener

I did not first notice the amazing Cameron Wisener on stage. We were both at the same performance to support a mutual friend and he introduced me to Cameron after the show. Cameron and her effervescent personality made such an impression on me that I never stopped asking him about her. I knew this was a young woman with star potential if that personality translated to the stage. In the Firehouse Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast my instincts were validated. Cameron, with her sparkling eyes and radiant smile, stood out in the ensemble giving her singing and dancing all. Cameron is at home on the stage and is one of those people who seem to have an inner light that shines too brilliantly to ignore. Cameron’s remarkable talent and presence are going to take her as far as she wants to go. Mark my words on this one. Cameron Wisener is a star in the making. Read about Cameron’s inspirations and aspirations in the latest Beyond the Bio.

When was your first time on stage? 

My first time on stage was in the first grade performing in a class-written Christmas play. I was cast (my name on a popsicle stick was drawn out of a hat) as Mary. I distinctly remember during rehearsals I wanted to make the “bold choice” of lifting the plastic baby Jesus doll into the air as we sang the final chords of the show which was quickly shot down by my teacher. That night, during the performance, I proudly lifted that plastic Jesus as high as my stubby arms allowed. What a rush. 

 When did you know you wanted to be an actor? 

I first got introduced to the world of theatre when I pathetically tooted out the music for ‘Phantom of the Opera’ on my flute. I would beg my mom to go see the touring shows and, of course, started theatre classes in High School. But in 2012, when I finally got the chance to see Phantom of the Opera for the first time onstage, and witness all of that magic live I knew I would be acting for the rest of my life. 

Who is your greatest mentor? 

This question is DIFFICULT. I’ve been fortunate to have so many people guide me on my journey as an actor, but, I would be amiss if I didn’t highlight two very important people that kept me afloat during college.

Christopher Hollingsworth, my voice professor. I came into college with such low self-esteem, and he made it worse- I’m kidding. He’s the person who made me learn to celebrate my own voice and what it can do, not stress out about trying to be a carbon copy of *insert amazing Broadway belter here*. I struggled with being Cameron Wisener and he helped learn how to embrace who I am as a person and an actor. My favorite thing about Dr. Hollingsworth is that no matter how often I cried in his studio (it was a lot), he never bought tissues. He would always give me crumpled up Taco Bell napkins.

Teri Wilkerson, my dance teacher. My literal rock. I don’t think I’ve ever met such a bad ass 5’2” woman before in my life! Teri, since I’ve known her, has been a great source of inspiration and a fabulous motivator. She’s the kind of teacher that’s a hard ass on you not because they hate you, but because they know your potential and worth. Teri’s also the reason I have abs of steel (those five-minute planks were no joke).

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far? 

Ben Affleck in Matt & Ben by Mindy Kaling and Brenda Withers. It’s a role that I always put near the top of my resume because it’s such an eye catcher and a great conversation starter. I LOVE this show. I first read Matt & Ben in college and began to hound my acting professors and student directors for the opportunity to perform it. I finally suckered a friend into directing it my junior year of college and proceeded to have the best time of my life. It’s one of the weirder shows that I’ve done, but that’s the reason that I love it so much. It’s absolutely a role that I want (need) to do again. 

Do you have a dream role?

Oh, Katherine Pulitzer in Newsies has always been a dream. I’ve been squawking out “Watch What Happens” since freshman year of high school. Columbia in The Rocky Horror Show is another character I’ve been dying to play since high school. On a more obscure note, Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings musical. I’ve always wanted to be a hobbit, so, yeah. 

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

If he ever wanted to do theatre- Chris Pine. For no other reason than that he’s really, really, handsome. But, literally, anyone and everyone in the cast of The SpongeBob Musical that I was in at the Firehouse. I’ve never done a show with more talented, amazing, kind people. I love them bunches, hee hee.

 What performances have you seen that impressed you? 

I got the amazing opportunity to watch Sea Wall/A Life on Broadway in 2019. Tom Sturridge’s performance in A Life has always stuck with me as some of the most brilliant theatre that I’ve ever seen. Also, everyone in Stede Bonnet: A F*cking Pirate Musical. To be honest, it’s probably been my favorite show that I’ve seen in a long time. I’m in desperate need of a cast album, like, yesterday. 

What are your career goals? 

To make acting, in any medium, a sustainable career. I have a fondness for voice acting, so breaking into that world is at the top of my list. I just want to be able to perform and create theatre forever, honestly. 

What would people be surprised to learn about you? 

I am a Muppets fanatic. My favorite Muppet is a tie between Fozzie Bear and Rizzo the Rat. On the Man or Muppet scale, I lean far more toward Muppet than Man.