Chris and Denise Cameron

As part of this exciting project, Phamaly Theatre Company is highlighting mother and son Denise and Chris Cameron. Denise and Chris are the exact definition of this award. They wandered into our company a couple years ago and fell in love with the work Phamaly was doing. As a mother, Denise was looking for an artistic home for her autistic son Chris. What followed was a love affair with Phamaly that lasted many years. 

The two of them are the definition of team players. Denise can be found almost every show backstage helping the various members of the company with whatever they need. Whether it be someone with a physical disability who needs help changing their costume, or someone who has an emotional disability who just needs a hug from…Denise is there. She is the definition of a person who strives to help and heal without ever taking any sort of recognition for herself. It has gotten to the point that when I am frustrated with the job, or just need some advice, I go to Denise who immediately calms me down as a leader of the organization. No task is too big or too small for “Mama Denise.” 

Her son Chris Cameron has become a head usher for us on almost every show. Chris cares so deeply for Phamaly that we frequently deploy him as a greeter as patrons are walking into the theatre. Audience members know exactly what to do when Chris is greeting them as he gives them every possible piece of information. It has gotten to the point where random audience members will come up to Chris and start shooting the breeze with him because they know that he is there to help them in any possible front of house way. There is a world where Chris could be an onstage presence for Phamaly, but he has made the choice to remain in the shadows and help our patrons enjoy their experience as much as possible. 

From the bottom of my heart, I cannot think of two more deserving folks for this award than Chris and Denise Cameron…the true heart of Phamaly.

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*Each organization nominated their honoree with an essay. Those essays are posted here, as submitted, to maintain the organization's unique voice and authenticity.

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