Alumni Spotlight: Cameron Ward ’21 Gets Into Character
Whether on the stage, behind the scenes or even in a Halloween costume, Cameron Ward ’21 is ready for any role. A Theatre major with a concentration in Acting and a minor in History, Cameron has taken on quite a few exciting opportunities to start off his performing arts career. Since graduating in May, he’s worked as an assistant director and acting teacher for the Palace Theatre Youth Summer Camp, and is currently a Scareactor for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. During Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), Cameron performs with small, handheld props within a defined space to entertain – and scare – guests. “Similar to being on a film set, I must remain a constant professional at all times, both on and off set,” he said. “I am also responsible for maintaining all wardrobe and makeup regulations in a professionally managed backlot area behind the scenes of the park.”
Cameron credits his coursework and the support of his professors with helping him set the stage for a career in the performing arts. “Dean prepared me to enter an entertainment industry that is constantly changing, especially with the challenges of COVID-19,” he said. “Through in person and online courses focused on stage and screen performance, directing, technical theatre, arts and entertainment management and many others, I feel that I am the true definition of a holistic artist who can successfully book more jobs than simply just acting gigs. The professors at the College also helped me establish myself as a professional brand, giving me tips, tricks and advice on my resumes, cover letters, C/Vs, headshots, audition self-tapes and more.”
His Dean experience went well beyond his classes, though. Not only was Cameron involved in the School of the Arts theatre productions (in both performance and technical capacities), but he was also President of the Student Body/Student Government Association (SGA), a peer tutor, a student ambassador, orientation leader and phonathon caller. He was a member of the Speakeasies Improv Troupe, Move-In Crew, National Society of Leadership and Success, the Social Responsibility, Equity, and Anti-Racism Work Team, the Voter Education Subgroup, Class of 2021 Graduation Gives Committee, and “possibly my favorite of them all, a 2x New England Patriots Banner Ceremony participant.” In fact, that might just be his favorite memory of Dean in general.
“If I have to pick just one favorite memory at Dean, it's probably the entire experience of being at Gillette Stadium during the Super Bowl LIII New England Patriots Banner Ceremony,” he said. “I went my freshman year, which I am of course grateful for, but my second time around junior year, I knew more people, made new friends while I was there and got to hype up the fans and even former Patriots players while being on the field for the evening's pre-game festivities. It was an unforgettable few days that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
In just a few short months since graduating from Dean, Cameron has launched his career in the performing arts – and he has some words of wisdom for students looking to do the same. “My advice to current students looking to go professional is to not be afraid to get your name out there,” he said. “You should be applying or auditioning for anything and everything you are interested in doing, regardless of location. You never know who will be in the area of a theatre you want to work at, and you never know where or when your inbox is going to be hit with the next great opportunity after you take the leap. Never stop researching and applying or auditioning.”
We love to see our Bulldogs go on to do exciting things! Learn more about the performing arts at Dean College.