As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it’s remarkable to look back at everything that has happened at The CAM. What has already been an exciting year is really the result of countless volunteer hours, generous community support and a shared vision to make The CAM more than just a theater. It has become a place where creativity thrives in many different forms.
The year began with one of our favorite traditions, the CAMMIES Awards, celebrating the volunteers, performers, directors and supporters who make our organization possible. It was the perfect way to recognize the people whose passion keeps the arts alive in our community.
Our performance season quickly took center stage with Stephen King’s Misery, a production that challenged both cast and crew and drew audiences from across the region. Running alongside the production were two exciting firsts for The CAM: our inaugural Community Art Show and our first-ever Misery-themed Escape Room. Throughout the run of Misery, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy an impressive collection of artwork by talented local artists, expanding the arts experience beyond the stage and showcasing the incredible creativity throughout our region. Additionally, the Misery-themed Escape Room offered participants an exciting new challenge unlike anything else in the area.
Spring continued with Matilda Jr., followed by Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS in June, where dozens of young performers demonstrated that the future of community theater is brighter than ever.
The CAM also continued to grow beyond theatrical productions. Our Third Thursday Summer Concert Series debuted in The Courtyard, bringing live music, local food trucks and neighbors together on summer evenings. We were also thrilled to welcome local artist Debbie Jackson, who introduced Painting With Joy. This inspiring art class encouraged participants of all experience levels to set aside perfection, embrace creativity and enjoy the process of making art. The enthusiastic response confirmed what we’ve long believed: our community is eager for opportunities to create as well as to watch.
July brought another highlight with our annual Acting Camp. Almost 70 young performers spent four days building confidence, making friends, learning theater skills and discovering the joy of performing before taking the stage in their end-of-camp showcase.
While the performances and events have filled our calendar, some of the year’s greatest accomplishments have happened quietly behind the scenes. This summer we completed major facility improvements, including new electrical service, dedicated food truck hookups, upgraded backstage and outdoor lighting, a beautifully refinished stage floor and the third and final phase of our 18-month spray foam insulation project. These investments improve safety, increase energy efficiency and ensure that The CAM continues to serve our community for years to come.
Another exciting milestone was welcoming Wade Vance as The CAM property manager. With Wade’s impressive skill set, he helps keep The CAM looking great and operating smoothly.
Third Thursday concerts continue throughout the summer; preparations are underway for The Beverly Hillbillies this October; our massive stage curtains will soon receive a professional cleaning; and It’s a Wonderful Life will close the year with another season of community and celebration.
Looking back, one word captures the first half of 2026: growth.
Growth in performances. Growth in programming. Growth in facilities. Growth in partnerships. Most importantly, growth in the number of people who call The CAM their creative home.
To everyone who has attended a performance, visited an art show, taken a class, volunteered, donated, sponsored an event or shared our story with a friend, thank you. Together, you’ve helped make the first half of 2026 one of the most successful chapters in The CAM’s history, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year will bring.
Please follow us on our social media channels and visit our new, user-friendly website at www.seeyouatthecam.com. We can’t wait to see you at The CAM.
