While in Portland, McCollum appeared as Frank-n-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show,[12] the Emcee in Cabaret opposite Storm Large as Sally Bowles,[13] and Prior in Angels in America.

[29] [51] McCollum also co-founded and functioned as artistic director of Insight Out Theatre Collective where his hit original musical ONE (aka The Other Shore) was produced.

[34] In 2024 Darius Rose (aka Jackie Cox) replaced McCollum in Make Me Gorgeous[44] as Wade left to originate his first principal role on Broadway in Water for Elephants.

[35] Water for Elephants, directed by Jessica Stone, with book by Rick Elice, composed by PigPen Theatre company, and choreographed by Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll of Seven Fingers Circus was nominated for 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2024.

[36] Wade performed “The Road Don’t Make You Young” from Water For Elephants on the 2024 live Tony Award show for CBS.