Q: Would you give a little introduction of yourself?
A: “I’m Cameron Abaroa. I come from Gilbert, Arizona. I’m Hispanic. I served my mission in Argentina, and I’m a Mormon.”
Q: How did you begin getting interested in the arts?
A: “My dad teaches theatre at the high school level and he’s always been involved in theatre his whole life, so I was kind of raised in it. My first show that I was ever in was a production of “Annie” when I was 3. I played a little, miniature newsboy. From there I’ve been in shows, go to shows. … I was raised in it, basically.”
Q: How have you been involved in the arts here at BYUH?
A: “I’ve tried to be as involved as I can in terms of auditioning. Auditioning for the choir, plays, and auditioning for basically anything I can. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take as many art classes as I would have hoped. But that was just the nature of my own academic journey here, but I was able to perform which has been a huge blessing.”
Q: So what’s your major exactly?
A: “My official title is a bachelor of arts in interdisciplinary studies with a primary emphasis in communications and a secondary emphasis in the performing arts.”
Q: What’s been your favorite part about all of your involvement here at BYU–Hawaii?
A: “The performance aspect really. It’s a great thrill to be able to perform in front of people and it’s great because as performers we get to provide a service. Through music we can help people learn the gospel and through theatre we can teach life lessons. I was also involved in the Seasider Jester Comedy Club where we’d just get people to laugh. Laughter is one of the best medicines, so it’s great to perform because it’s an act of service.”
Q: Do you have a favorite part or most memorable moment from your BYU–Hawaii career?
A: “I would actually say it was in a production of ‘Mary Poppins.’ It was this last semester (Winter 2015) and I was playing Mr. Banks and one of the essential plot elements that they put in the show was this idea of this vase. The vase is supposed to break in the second act. It’s supposed to fall off the shelf and break in the second act. It was the second night of performance and something happened and someone accidentally knocked one of the walls and the vase fell in the middle of the first scene. Trying to figure out how to cover that was a big challenge. It actually led up to some funny moments later in the show as we were like, ‘Oh the vase broke. When did it break?... Already!’”
Q: Good improv! Has there been a most challenging part?
A: “I’d say the most challenging part I’ve played here was Fall 2014. I was playing Blaine Yorgason in the primer of ‘One Tattered Angel.” One, I had to play a person who was significantly older than me. Blaine in the show is in about his mid 40s or early 50s and he continues getting older as the play goes along. Not only that, but I’m playing a real life person. … Also just trying to get a grasp on the show itself. It’s an extremely spiritual show. So handling different aspects in the play when it’s spiritually based, because you have to be sure that you’re acting with the Spirit.”
Q: How do you believe that BYUH has most influenced you?
A: “I think being in an international environment. It’s so cool to be in a place like this where we’re surrounded with students from 70 different countries across the world, and we’re in a place where the arts and culture are important to the people here. ... It’s actually something students can’t really get at other universities, having casts filled with people from all around the world each bringing their own perspectives to roles and stories. It’s great being able to learn from all the other students from all across the world.”
Q: What are your future plans?
A: “Uggggghh. I love being an adult. I hate being an adult. The plan right now – and that could change at any moment – is to take about a year off, work, build up income (‘cause I’m totally poor), and from there go to grad school in theatre. Either in general theatre or in acting. I’m not quite sure yet. Then take that in both the performance aspect, but also teach. I’d love to go to teach theatre at the university level.”
Q: What do you want people to know about you?
A: “I value the arts completely. The arts are one of the most valuable aspects of our educational experience.”