For many of us, the stage is a place for dreams, but for some — like Cameron Monroe Thomas — the dream is just the beginning. Thomas’ journey toward the theater began with a production of Disney’s The Lion King. After that, she knew exactly where she wanted to be.
“Something in me ignited,” Thomas said. “I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of the world I saw on that stage.”
Following that first spark of inspiration, Thomas’ pursuits as an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer led her to Texas State University.
“I first learned about Texas State’s one-of-a-kind BFA program from a mentor during my freshman year of high school,” Thomas said. “Once I researched the program, its alumni and the incredible choreography track, it quickly became my dream school.”
In 2025, Texas State garnered national acclaim when The Hollywood Reporter named the theater program among the top 25 drama schools in the world. The prestigious program, known for its holistic approach to the world of performance, is tuition-free and only accepts 14 new students annually.
“When I received my acceptance, the decision to come to San Marcos was a no brainer,” Thomas said.
While a student at Texas State, Thomas starred in university productions of Beauty and The Beast and Sister Act, as well as a local production of Beautiful at the ZACH in Austin. Being a student of the arts gave her the practical foundation to turn her dreams into reality.
“Texas State strengthened my confidence as a performer and deepened my trust in my own artistry,” Thomas said. “It gave me a safe space to develop my choreographic voice, challenged me in ways that fueled growth and shaped me into a more versatile singer, dancer and actor.”
After graduating in 2025, Thomas’ first step into that world has been quite a giant leap as she debuted this fall with the National Touring Company of Disney’s Beauty and The Beast.
Based on the 1991 animated feature, Beauty and The Beast first appeared in its stage incarnation in 1994. The stage production has inspired generations of audience members with its memorable songs, lush costumes and iconic set design.
For Thomas, her journey with Beauty and the Beast has given wings to her lifelong dreams.
“Being part of such an iconic show— alongside an incredible cast—feels like a true gift,” Thomas said. “Bringing joy and light to audiences across the country is something I treasure, and seeing their smiles afterward fills my heart.”
But Thomas keeps her training and the lessons she learned at Texas State close to her heart as she goes.
“This journey has also pushed me to prioritize my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being,” Thomas said, “And to learn what it truly takes to sustain an eight-show week.”
In this way, Thomas helps safeguard the dream of the stage for the rest of us, nurturing the spark to a flame that can burn longer because she has the knowledge and skills to sustain it.
Because theater helps people look deeper and see the beauty within.
“Theatre brings people together, sparks empathy and offers joy and reflection,” Thomas said. “And that joy is contagious— what we put onstage can genuinely lift someone’s day, or even change their perspective. In a world that can feel heavy, theater gives us a reason to smile together, to connect and even learn something about ourselves or the world we live in.”
Beauty and The Beast will play for two full weeks at Bass Concert Hall December 2 to 14, Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $36 and are available at Texas-PerformingArts.org and BroadwayinAustin. com, by phone at 512-471-1444 or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.
