Twin siblings Luci and Cameron White ‘25 are no strangers to the stage. With over seven years of performing experience each, their participation in numerous choir, show choir, theater, and musical ensembles has become more than just a hobby- a way of life. The White’s passion for performing began in early middle school when they joined show choir and school plays. Now as seniors, the pair has participated in an impressive combined total of eighteen theater productions, and reflect on how each show has been a unique experience. 

“I really enjoyed doing Fiddler on the Roof.  [JHS 2024 musical] The songs were fun; I [played] a Russian in that show, so I got to come and crash the wedding. I was flipping over tables and stuff, and that was kind of fun. I actually had a really good time doing that,” Luci said. 

In Fiddler on the Roof,  Luci had a large role in the ensemble, which gave her the opportunity to participate in many featured scenes. 

“I also got to be in the village ensemble, too. I got to have two different roles, and that was a lot of fun,” Luci said.

 Beginning in their freshman year, the Whites found a home in the JHS Drama department during their time in the ensemble of the 2022 musical production Cinderella.

“I am very fond of my first show, Cinderella, because the theater community at Johnston was so welcoming to me. I just have a lot of really great memories from each show. Everybody [in the JHS Drama department] has been so kind, and the theater department is really strong- very familial vibes,” Luci said. 

Appreciation for the JHS Drama Department is mutually shared between the siblings. 

“I think my participation in these [productions] has given me a sense of purpose and belonging, as I’ve made a lot of friends through these programs, and it’s helped me become more confident as a person. I’ve enjoyed my time in these programs so much,” Cameron said. 

Each production has proved to be such a positive experience that it is hard to choose a favorite. However, both White twins agree that their roles of Tweedledee and Tweedledum in the Fall 2024 production of Alice in Wonderland made for an unbeatable experience. 

“ [One of] my most notable roles in [productions was] probably Tweedledee in Alice in Wonderland, which I did opposite Luci,” Cameron said. “Alice in Wonderland was such a special production because we spent our time on stage together, telling the story to Alice. It was fun and it was great to be able to see our contrasting personalities represented.”

According to Luci, the casting of twins as the play’s iconic duo resulted in memories being made both on and off the stage.

“It felt really special in Alice in Wonderland because everybody was always enjoying and joking about us being Tweedledee and Tweedledum and getting to share that scene with him- that was really fun because there is nobody else I’d rather do that with,” Luci said.

Cameron shares the sentiment of performing with his twin sibling.

“I love having Luci in productions with me! She’s so incredibly talented, so it’s an honor to share the stage with her, as well as just having her being with me on stage is great,” Cameron said.

Mr. Jeremy Fitzpatrick, director of JHS drama productions, provided insight into the casting of Luci and Cameron as the Tweedles.

“Their audition pieces and their auditions in general made it obvious to me in what they chose and how they presented themselves in their audition that they would work well together,” Fitzpatrick said. “I think the people that know Cameron and Luci, that’s where the humor came into it and they just worked really well together.”

There are many reasons why Cameron and Luci made the perfect onstage duo: not only are they twins like the characters they were portraying, but their chemistry and talents perfectly contrasted yet complemented each other.

“They both have some different strengths in [different] areas and were able to bring that forth. And I kind of let them have the freedom and creativity to make it their own as well,” Fitzpatrick said. 

The White’s passion for the arts is prevalent in many aspects of their lives, including work. Both are members of the School-to-Work program at JHS, and their internships reflect both their love for different aspects of performing and their future career aspirations.

“As a part of the School-to-Work Program, I’m interning at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. In my job, I am learning about all aspects of theater- not just performing. I’m learning about lighting, prop work, sound design, set building- lots of ‘behind the scenes’ work,” Luci said.

Luci works a few days weekly as a production intern and is currently the assistant choreographer for the Playhouse’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. 

“Learning all of these backstage aspects has made me a more well-rounded person, so then I’ll have better employment opportunities. Hopefully, these skills that I’m learning in my internship are helping me to prep for other jobs, even if it’s not performing in the future.” Luci said. 

Cameron’s internship is centered around a different aspect of performing- broadcasting and media production. 

“My internship as a “Livestream Intern” is working on the livestream team with Mr. [Randy] Sparks, helping with the production of the livestream, and setting up various events. I work mainly at the high school, and we have events every week,” Cameron said. “I’m getting some really valuable hands-on experience, as well as camera work and editing practice, which will be greatly helpful in my post-college career.”

What began as a fun extracurricular activity has become such a passion for Luci that she is planning to pursue theater far beyond high school. Having recently completed an audition for the Drake University Musical Theater Program, Luci is looking to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. 

“I’m planning to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater from Drake University,” Luci said. “I would like to be a performer. I want to perform for people and to bring the joy that I find in theater to an audience, hoping that my work has a positive impact on them like theater has had on me.”

In addition to her School-to-Work internship, Luci has another job that reflects her love for performing.

“Performing has actually led me to get the job that I’m doing. I work at the Des Moines Civic Center as an usher. I just love being able to bring the joy of theater to other people, and getting to work and see shows down there,” Luci said. 

Luci’s love for theater is present in many aspects of her life. By pursuing a future career in the field, she hopes that showcasing her talents will instill in her audiences the same passion and joy she feels for the performing arts. 

“Going to see so many shows and performances always leaves me smiling and feeling so inspired, so I hope that I can one day do the same [for others],” Luci said. 

Similar to Luci, Cameron also plans to attend Drake University. 

“I’m going to college to study Journalism and Mass Communication, specifically Digital Media Production, where I hope to learn a lot about media, and the behind the scenes aspect of it. My ideal career would be working at a film or television production, helping bring stories to life,” Cameron said. 

Although Cameron isn’t pursuing a career in performing, he hopes to remain active in the fine arts. 

I’ve got an audition coming up at Drake University for their vocal music program! I’m really excited, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for my adventures as a performer,” Cameron said. 

Both siblings reflect on the experiences they’ve shared and are excited for their futures together. 

“Luci is one of the kindest people I know. She’s my twin, and that bond is something truly special, as we get to spend time together, and she’s just such a star. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see what she does next,” Cameron said. “I think our relationship has only become stronger as we’ve shared these experiences, as we have these memories and that’s something I’ll always treasure.”