Point Park University's Cammi Caldwell Named Campus Superstar 2024 Student Profile
Meet Cammi Caldwell '24
- Major/Program
- Musical Theatre
- Hometown
- Bright, Ind.
- High School
- East Central High School
- Dream Job
- Lead vocalist on a cruise ship and perform on Broadway
- Hobbies & Interests
- Singing, devoted plant mom, soy candle enthusiast and espresso lover
"Point Park just made sense to me. I wanted a downtown campus, intense theatre training and a program with a good reputation. Point Park easily checked all those boxes."
Why did you choose Point Park University?
Point Park University just made sense to me. I wanted a downtown campus, intense theatre training and a program with a good reputation. Point Park easily checked all of those boxes.
How did your Conservatory of Performing Arts training and experience prepare you for your career?
At Point Park, I learned so much about theatre, but more importantly, I learned lots of things about life. I established myself as an artist, a friend, a partner and as a vocalist. The conservatory training is incredibly intense, especially considering I worked as a barista at Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. every semester, but that intensity led me to feeling as if I can take on the world without feeling overwhelmed about anything my future might hold.
Cammi Caldwell in RENT at the Pittsburgh Playhouse
What was it like performing in "Rent" at the Pittsburgh Playhouse?
"Rent" was everything I ever dreamed my college experience would be. I got to play such an iconic role that I felt so strong and powerful in. I was beside some of my very closest friends, and I can only describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The entire show is about community and leaning on our friends during uncertainty and I felt so close to that theme towards the end of my senior year.
Which faculty members had a significant impact on you?
I will forever be grateful for the two incredible voice teachers I was able to study under. Part-time instructors Katy Williams and Beth Bush made huge contributions to the success I've had as a vocalist and I will use their vocal technique training for the rest of my career.
I would also be amiss if I didn’t mention the incomparable Zeva Barzell, director of musical theatre at Point Park. Her care for students and attention to detail during show direction and acting technique will forever be ingrained in my process as an artist.
Lastly, I would like to mention faculty members Tim Marquette, Milia Ayache, James Cunningham and piano accompanist Thanakarn Limtham. They have seen me at my worst and still encouraged me with selfless hearts.
Tell us about your experience at Senior Showcase in New York City.
Senior Showcase is certainly a unique experience for everyone going into it. Everyone is in a different place and has varying plans for what their first year is going to look like after graduation. I was lucky enough to have two contracts in Cincinnati lined up after graduation, so the pressure wasn't as intense for me going into the weekend. I was able to introduce myself to the New York scene and some big names for me to keep for later. When I eventually get up to the big city, I hope these connections come in handy and I am very grateful to have them.
Cammi Caldwell, 2024 Campus Superstar
You are the 2024 Campus Superstar. Tell us about the competition.
Campus Superstar is a professionally produced singing competition at Stage AE that showcases talent from local colleges. This year's finalists had contestants from Carnegie Mellon University, Point Park and the University of Pittsburgh.
The competition is similar to American Idol; the winner is chosen by audience vote and receives $5,000. In addition to the solo performances, there is a group medley where all the finalists, plus two alternates, perform together. We rehearsed the medley for about a week before the live show. To apply, we all had to send in a sample one-minute self-tape and the finalists were chosen from there.
What advice do you have for a student considering Point Park?
Conservatory training at Point Park is not for the faint of heart, but if you're willing, you will grow in astronomical ways in just four years. I would also like to mention that you will find your place and your time will come. My four years contained moments of extreme excitement and disappointment, which is to be expected in anything. There were times where I wanted to be in a show or a certain project and I just didn’t get it. Those moments hurt so bad, but learning how to improve and process these moments is so incredibly important. Also, those moments make the success even more special. I graduated from Point Park feeling so uplifted and lucky. I am 100% ready to launch my career as a professional.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Check out Nicholas Coffee & Tea Co. in Market Square. It is an impressive family-owned coffee shop and roaster that has been around for over 100 years. I worked as a barista there and it is the most loving and wonderful place!