By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
Birmingham’s Cameron White has always had a passion for performing. From his early days in church plays at First Baptist Church Mason City and Mount Canaan Full Gospel Church, to his current role as the Lion in the stage production of The Wiz, White’s journey through the world of theater is a testament to both talent and persistence.
“I didn’t start off thinking I’d be an actor,” White says, reflecting on his career. “I’ve always been involved in music—my family’s full of musicians. I was always in the choir or playing an instrument, but theater came a bit later for me.”
White is deeply passionate about his craft and that includes his role in Red Mountain Theatre’s production of The Wiz, through Mar. 1. He often speaks about how The Wiz’s modern-day cultural expression resonates deeply with younger generations.
“This show is a tribute to Black culture, especially the ’90s era,” he said. “The director Monet and the choreographer Maleek Washington have authentically captured that flyness, that swag from the ’90s, when hip-hop and R&B culture were reshaping the world,” he says. “I want millennials and Gen Z to come and experience it—they’ll walk away wishing they were born in that era.”
First Taste of Theater
Born and raised in Birmingham, White, 48, graduated from West End High School in 1996 before heading to Alabama State University (ASU), where he earned a degree in biology and chemistry. His first taste of theater came at ASU, where he participated in a production of The Wiz, though at that time, he was in the ensemble.
“Theater wasn’t something I saw myself doing, but I tried it out in college, and I got cast in the background,” White shares. “I was like, ‘What am I even doing here?’ But I started to enjoy it, and then I got pulled into it professionally by my godmother, Belinda George Peoples.”
“It was called Summer Fest Theater then. She said they were holding auditions for [Smokey Joe’s Café], just tell them I told you to come,” said White.
Since then, White’s connection to Birmingham’s Red Mountain Theatre has been longstanding, with over 20 years of performances. His professional debut with Red Mountain was in the musical Smokey Joe’s Café, 2003, and he hasn’t looked back since. His most recent roles include performances in Dreamgirls as James “Jimmy” Early and Sister Act, Curtis Jackson, with The Wiz marking a full-circle moment for him as he returns to the iconic show — this time as the lion.
“For me, the connection to The Wiz goes deep,” White explains. “The first time I did the show, I played the Wizard. My brother came to see it, and he was so impressed by my performance. He passed away two months later. That was in 2015. He was 45. So, when this opportunity came around again, I knew I had to get involved. I didn’t know they would cast me as the lion, but it feels like a perfect connection.”
The character of the Lion, often seen as comic relief, also carries an emotional depth that White is excited to explore. “The Lion is a lot — too much for TV, radio, and everything else,” White laughs. “He’s bigger than life. But the beauty of theater is that you get to bring a piece of yourself into each character. With the Lion, I’ve had to dig deep and really channel him. I want the audience to watch and think, ‘He’s just like that!”
White’s connection to the theater is not just professional. It’s a family affair. He credits his two grandfathers, Reverend John Oscar Judkins and Vera White, for instilling a work ethic that has propelled him throughout his life.
Judkins as a tax consultant and notary business and White a construction company as well as an office cleaning and landscaping company in Birmingham.
“My grandfathers were businesspeople and created several companies. They built businesses when all odds were stacked against Black people, especially Black men. I carry that with me every time I step into a role,” he says, his voice filled with pride.
Delicate Balance
Though theater is an integral part of White’s life. He’s also a seasoned educator, having taught science in the Birmingham City Schools and Jefferson County School System for 17 years including Green Acres Middle School, West End High School, Huffman High School, and Woodlawn High School.
Now working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Food Safety and Inspection Services of Alabama. White maintains a delicate balance between his government career and his artistic endeavors.
“It’s definitely a duality,” he admits. “Theater is my hobby, my outlet. It’s that space where I can be anyone, be anything. But when it comes to my career, I’ve always felt like the skills I’ve learned in science and teaching have helped me stay grounded and focused. Both sides of me work together.”
White’s infectious energy and passion for his craft shine through, whether he’s performing in The Wiz, teaching, or contributing to his community. He is not just an actor but a mentor, an educator, and a proud product of Birmingham.
“For me, it’s all about embracing where I’m from and using the opportunities I have to give back,” White says. “Every role I play, every student I teach, every performance I give — it’s about making sure we represent the culture and the community that shaped us.”
THE WIZ runs at Red Mountain Theatre runs through March 1. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. Accessible performances will occur Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. (ASL and Audio Description) and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. (ASL). The show is recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets start at $40, available at redmountaintheatre.org.
