For the past quarter-century, the Cameo Art House Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone in downtown Fayetteville. It has been a gathering place, an artistic haven and a cherished home for lovers of cinema. The Cameo will officially enter a new chapter in its celebrated history in January 2026, a nonprofit organization under a new name: CAMEO Collective.
This transformation not only ensures the preservation of the theater’s legacy but also lays the groundwork for a bold new vision. A vision that embraces live performances, arts education, community programming and inclusive access to the arts.
“The three founders didn’t just open the doors of the Cameo, they set a standard of excellence through their leadership and stewardship and kept it growing for 25 years,” said Brian Adam Kline, Artistic Director of the new CAMEO Collective. “The spirit of the Cameo is still very much alive and now it has room to grow in many creative directions.”
The Cameo’s Legacy: A 25-Year Love Letter to Fayetteville
Since its founding in 2000 by Chris and Nasim Kuenzel, with support from Eric Lindstrom, the Cameo Art House Theatre has provided something rare and irreplaceable in southeastern North Carolina: a space dedicated to independent and international cinema. In an age of megaplexes and blockbusters, the Cameo stood for stories that were quiet, bold, weird, human and always thoughtful.
Under the Kuenzels’ guardianship, the Cameo became more than just a movie house. It was a conversation space, a date night destination or a place where new generations watched the classics. Film festivals like Indigo Moon and Local Shorts found a natural home here and local filmmakers saw their work on the big screen..
From Art House to Art Hub
With the introduction of CAMEO Collective, the building at 225 Hay Street is evolving into something broader and more multifaceted: a nonprofit arts center with a mission to inspire through storytelling, performance and education.
“We’re building something Fayetteville has never quite had before, a true arts collective in the heart of downtown,” said Kline. “Film will always be our foundation along with community favorites like live music, comedy and now we’re thinking about immersive theater, live music, visual art and education all under one roof.”
A Partnership with the Capitol Encore Academy High School’s all new Department of Cinematic and Theatrical Arts has been established.
“This program will give students the opportunity for hands-on filmmaking classes in acting, directing, cinematography, editing and film theory. Students will have the opportunity to show their films on the big screen. We plan to offer Saturday classes for adults and summer camps in the future as well,” said Kline.
“When I was a teenager, I learned to edit on borrowed cameras from my school library and made movies in my backyard,” said Kline. “Imagine what today’s kids could do with access to gear, training and a screening venue like Cameo Collective.”
Cameo Collective will continue to host live performances including concerts, stand-up comedy, local theater productions and open mic nights.
Why Non-Profit?
For years, the Cameo operated as a private enterprise, supported almost entirely by ticket sales, concessions and the devotion of its patrons. But the shifting economics of independent cinema, especially post-pandemic, combined with the rising cost of operations led Kline to found Cameo Collective with seven founding board members including Jenny DeViere, Gerard Falls, Ashanti Bennett, Adrienne Trego, Ayana Washington, Michelle Downey and Angela Williams. James Throssel serves as Managing Director with Kline as AD.
“Becoming a nonprofit means we can dream bigger and serve wider,” said Kline. “It allows us to apply for grants, accept tax-deductible donations and focus on our mission.”
The Launch Fundraiser
To celebrate the Cameo Collective’s official launch, a special fundraiser event is in the works. The evening will provide themed entertainment, elegant refreshments, silent auction items and opportunities to become a founding donor.
The date and details will be announced soon. Tickets will be available online and at the box office.
How to Support
For those eager to help immediately, donations are already being accepted through multiple channels:
In Person: Speak to a staff member in the Cameo lobby at 225 Hay Street.
By Mail: Send checks payable to CAMEO Collective, 225 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Online: Visit www.cameoarthouse.com or email brian@cameoarthouse.com
Donors will receive special acknowledgments and updates and larger gifts may include recognition in the theater’s donor wall and promotional materials.
“Every small contribution helps big,” said Kline. “They help keep the lights on and the screen and events rolling. They help us say yes to ideas we couldn’t have considered before.”
The Road Ahead
As the curtain rises on this new phase, the message is clear: CAMEO Collective belongs to the community now more than ever. It is a gift from the past and a promise to the future.
“For a quarter-century, the Cameo has helped us see the world differently—through light and shadow, through laughter and tears,” said Kline. “Now, as CAMEO Collective, we’re inviting everyone to be part of the story.”
For updates on the Launch Fundraiser Event, programming, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.cameoarthouse.com or follow @cameoarthouse on social media.
About CAMEO Collective:
CAMEO Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in downtown Fayetteville, NC. Its mission is to foster creativity and community through film, live performance, education and the visual arts. Located at 225 Hay Street.

(Photo by James Throssel)