Cameron Cai: Exploring musical theater, pilates and diversity

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief

Through taking the stage and a stand for diversity and representation, musical theater Cameron Cai has chosen to embrace his identity and let it fuel his work in acting and pilates.

Senior musical theater major Cameron Cai smiles during a scene in the rehearsal of "Carrie: The Musical." Cai plays the role of Freddy, one of the six named ensemble cast members. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai performs in a dance scene with fellow cast member Mackenzie Godfrey. The scene is part of a dance routine performed by members of "Carrie: The Musical." (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai and the cast of "Carrie: The Musical" sing alongside Caroline Nitardy, who plays the role of Carrie. The scene depicts Carrie's despair due to bullying and a poor home life. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai and fellow cast member Grace Khayati look at other cast members in disbelief while practicing a scene during a November rehearsal of "Carrie: The Musical." Khayati plays the role of Norma. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai and fellow cast members act out a scene during a rehearsal of "Carrie: The Musical." Many of Cai's scenes as Freddy depict fun and upbeat relationships with other highschool age characters. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai practices a scene with Lily John. Cai's role as Freddy requires him to play an outgoing and flirtatious character, who isn't afraid to speak his mind. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai looks at Grace Khayati, who plays the role of Norma, horrified. Norma dies after being telepathically killed by Carrie. Shortly after, Cai's character Freddy is killed as well. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai teaches a pilates class in the SEMO recreation center. Student Noah Hinton follows along as Cai explains what muscles Hinton should be activating during a movement. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai dances while practicing a routine for "Carrie: The Musical". During rehearsals, some cast members practice in other places to allow solo scenes to be performed in the main rehearsal room. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)
Cameron Cai prepares to be lifted into the air by fellow cast member Caleb Baker. Mackenzie Godfrey watches in the background. (Emma Kratky ~ Editor-in-Chief)