"Dream Big and Go For It!" - Chatting with the talented Caleb Thompson!
It is my full honor to introduce you to a talented young man in Caleb Alexander Thompson. This very talented young man may only be 12 years old but he actually booked his first job at only 5 months old, and he has been working consistently ever since! In August 2021, Caleb joined the cast of The Metropolitan Opera’s opening show Fire Shut Up In My Bones. Caleb is the Cover (Understudy) for the role “Char’es Baby”. The opera ran from Sept 27, 2021 - October 23, 2021. Earlier in 2021, Caleb landed a featured acting and singing role in the upcoming ABC miniseries about Mamie and Emmett Till, Women of the Movement, where he plays Till’s neighborhood friend. Before that, Caleb was on Ep.6 of the NBC drama Bluff City Law where he played Lorenzo Wright. He made his professional theatrical debut in the International Broadway tour of Kinky Boots in the role of 'Young Lola’! The tour kicked off in Shanghai in July 2018 and finished up in Beijing in September 2018!
Caleb has also performed in Off-Broadway productions in roles like the Christmas Carol's ‘Tiny Tim’ at the famed Player's Theater in the Village. He has performed in outstanding community theater productions in NJ, NY, and TN as well. His role as 'Young Simba' in Stage Door Productions The Lion King Jr. earned him a nomination for 'Best Younger Actor’ by BroadwayWorld.com. As a commercial print model, fit model, and actor he has been in many regional and national commercials and campaigns for companies like Bank of America, Graco, Toys R US, Babies R Us, J Crew, and Perkins Restaurants.
Caleb is currently a vocalist at the Stax Music Academy where he is part of the Street Corner Harmonies and Opera ensembles. He has also been a member of the Memphis Children's Choir for 3 years.
Caleb loves to dance and has classical and modern ballet training, as well as tap, jazz, and hip-hop training. For two seasons, Caleb danced with the NBA Memphis Grizzlies Blue Bunch dance team. He performed at NBA, G League, and AHL games. He is currently entering his 3rd year as a dancer with the Collage Dance Collective. He has performed in Kevin Thomas’ iconic Rise Ballet for the past 2 years. Caleb is an extremely gifted and outgoing child. He is passionate about life and he aspires to work in television, film, theater, and the NBA! Caleb enjoys performing and is an accomplished singer, dancer, actor, and model. I am so excited to have the chance to feature this talented artist who has a very bright future!
1.) How old were you when you performed in your first show? What was it, and how was the experience?
I was 4 years old when I did my first show which was an "off, off" Broadway production of The Wizard of Oz. I rehearsed for weeks at the Producers Club. It's a tiny little theater that seats about 60 people. I loved passing all the Broadway theaters and dreamed of performing on Broadway one day. I played Woody the tree, and it was a great experience! My favorite part was hearing people laugh. I made new friends and learned so much about live performance.
2.) Are there any mentors who helped shape you into the amazing, wonderful, young performer you are today?
Some people that helped me along the way are my voice and acting teachers Mrs. Karen and Mrs. Clare from my first theater home Elefante Performing Arts in NJ. Mrs. Karen recognized my vocal talent and told my mom I should consider taking voice lessons. Mrs. Clare always made acting so much fun! In Memphis, I want to thank Stage Door Productions, my Stax Music Academy teachers, Ms. Kia and Ms. Brenae, and of course, my opera teacher from Opera Memphis, Mrs. Bethania! My teachers traveled from Memphis to NY to see Fire Shut Up In My Bones, even though they weren't sure if I was going to perform. Best surprise ever! Finally, I'd like to thank Collage Dance Collective where I study ballet and tap. They have really helped me become a better dancer and have given me so many performance opportunities!
3.) Congratulations on recently being a part of the historic Fire Shut Up in my Bones at The Metropolitan Opera. How was that experience for you?
The experience was a different one but a fun one! Since I was a cover, there were many ups and downs because I really wanted a shot at performing, but I understood my role was to be there if they needed me. I was prepared every night, so I know I did my job. The best part was being around so many talented people like Terrence Blanchard and the new friends I made with Walter and all the Brothers. I even met Spike Lee! It was such an amazing opportunity!
4.) Other than Fire, Are there any shows, performances, or moments in your career that stick out and are near and dear to your heart?
When I was 9, I went to China for the whole summer as part of the international Broadway tour of Kinky Boots. It was such a dream to be there especially since I had studied Mandarin Chinese since I was 2! I am also in the upcoming ABC miniseries "Women of the Movement" which airs January 6th 2022. I play a neighborhood friend of the Emmitt Till character. It was filmed in Mississippi, and it was great to be part of such an important story.
5.) What is your favorite musical, opera, play, or movie that you have ever seen and why?
My favorite Broadway play is The Lion King. I went to see it with my family, and oh my gosh, it was amazing! The music and costumes were epic! I also like the show because I've always wanted to play Young Simba, and my first role when I moved to Memphis was in The Lion King Jr.!
6.) What advice have you been given that you would give any of your peers or anyone who wants to perform?
Some advice that I would give is to just dream big and go for it! I say yes to almost any casting or opportunity I get because you never know where it will take you! For instance, I studied opera for only a year, and then, I ended up landing Fire and going to the Met! You have to work hard and take chances. Even if you hear the word no...just keep going!
To learn more about Caleb make sure you visit - https://tichanda.wixsite.com/caleb