Antwan Cummings: a star in the making

The stage lights warm his face as he stands completely still in the center of the auditorium, waiting for the room to settle.

A dozen student actors look to him for direction, scripts in hand, ready for their next cue. With a quick clap and a wide smile, Antwan Cummings brings the room to life.

For Cummings, senior mass communications major at Claflin University, moments like this have shaped who he is — moments where he is leading, creating and pushing others to step into their own potential.

As president of CUTE Productions, Claflin’s theater student organization, and vice president of the Student Activities Board, Cummings has become one of the most visible and energetic student leaders on campus.

But his journey to Claflin did not begin like everyone else’s.

“I graduated high school a year early,” Cummings said. “I just remember thinking, ‘Why wait?’ I knew what I wanted to do and I was ready to start building something bigger than myself.”

Originally from Charleston, Cummings arrived at Claflin knowing two things for sure: He loved storytelling, and he loved people. Photography, theater, hosting events and helping bring student ideas to life all became natural extensions of those passions.

“I’ve always been outgoing and adventurous,” he said. “But Claflin helped me understand that being a leader isn’t just about being confident. It’s about making sure the people around you feel seen, supported and capable.”

Professors noticed that same spark early on.

Cummings shared that one of the defining moments of his college career came during his sophomore year in a directing class.

“My professor pulled me aside after a scene and said, ‘You have a real eye for connecting emotion to movement. Don’t lose that.’ I didn’t know it then but that compliment pushed me into taking theater leadership seriously.”

This year, he added another milestone to his resume: landing a media internship with a Charleston-based production company. He worked on video campaigns, studio setups and script planning.

“It was surreal,” Cummings recalled. “I grew up watching people in my city create art and suddenly I was in the room helping make it happen. It reminded me that storytelling sits at the center of every career I want.”

Friends describe him as the one who “never walks into a room quietly,” something Cummings laughs about but doesn’t deny. His energy is magnetic. Whether he’s taking photos at a campus event, leading a rehearsal or planning an SAB production meeting, his presence fills the space with excitement.

One of his proudest achievements has been revitalizing student involvement in CUTE Productions.

“We wanted theater to feel accessible, not intimidating,” he said. “So we added beginner-friendly workshops, open-mic nights and collaborative shows with other organizations. Watching people who never thought they’d step on a stage suddenly become performers, that’s the best part.”

Beyond campus, his biggest inspirations remain close to home.

“My mom always told me, ‘Don’t dim your light for anyone.’ That stuck with me,” Cummings said. “She’s the reason I’m brave enough to put myself out there again and again.”

Cummings is setting his sights on the next chapter following Claflin.

“I want to work in film production or creative direction. Long term? I want my own studio, somewhere students and young artists can get experience without feeling like they need a million connections to start.”

From Charleston to Orangeburg, from graduating high school early to becoming one of Claflin’s most involved student leaders, Antwan Cummings continues to make his mark through creativity, community and courage.

Wherever he goes next, one thing is certain, he’ll bring a piece of the stage with him.