J Wilson is a Theatre Studies major at Guilford.
Guilford gives J Wilson the freedom to explore their many theatrical passions. J's latest, “Cam(eron)” is a two-act play they wrote last year.
“The opportunities you have at Guilford), the mentors you’ll meet here—you won’t find them at bigger schools,” they said. “If you come to Guilford, the College is your oyster.”
For J Wilson ’26, a Theatre Studies major at Guilford College, the upcoming debut of his two-act play “Cam(eron)” marks the realization of a dream he didn’t know was in them. Already known for their accomplishments as an actor and director, J is stepping into a new spotlight as a playwright.
“Cam(eron)” will be performed March 13-16 in Sternberger Auditorium, bringing to life a story that is inspired, in part, by J’s life. “Cam(eron)” began as a single act written for last spring’s Amplified Black Voices Theatre Festival in Greensboro. The festival proved pivotal not only in introducing audiences to J’s work but also in connecting J with Venecia Boone, a seasoned director in Greensboro. Vanecia was so captivated by the first act of J’s play last spring that she committed to directing the completed version.
“She told me right then, ‘When you finish it, I want to direct it,’” J recalls. “That was a huge vote of confidence.”
J described the process of writing the second act, which they completed in late 2024, as “transformative.”
“I thought I had a really clear idea of where the second act was gonna go, but when I started writing the second act that I had envisioned, that was not what ended up on the page,” J said. “Everything just happened and started to unfold. Playwriting is a really unique experience for me, where I don’t necessarily create the play. I feel like the play is happening in my head, and I’m lucky enough to write it down and report it out.”
Beth Ritson-Lavender, Visiting Assistant Professor for Theatre Studies, says Guilford is the perfect place for Theatre Studies students like J to be exposed to all aspects of theatre. “We’re such an intimate department that if somebody has a special gig, we just follow their interest in performance art. J is a perfect example of that.”
J said “Cam(eron)” is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the nurturing environment at Guilford. “The opportunities you have, the mentors you’ll meet here—you won’t find them at bigger schools,” they said. “If you come to Guilford, the College is your oyster.”