Drama

Theatre lives in the present tense. It is always here and now. Whether the story is drawn from Ancient Greece or set in some futuristic world of tomorrow, the sense of occasion and participation make it a communal event.

Support Centralia College Theatre

Support CC theatre productions and the Summer Theatre workshop for youth ages 11-18. Thank you!!

Summer Theatre Workshop2024 Summer Theatre Workshop

The Summer Theatre Workshop is for young people with an interest in performing arts. Students will learn about theatre in this hands-on program. They will write and perform an original play with music. They will get to self-select their area of interest as writers, composers, designers, and/or actors.

Who Can Participate

Middle/high school students ages 11-18 years old can apply. No previous experience, knowledge, or special skills are required.

When is the Workshop

The Summer 2024 Workshop runs for three (3) weeks: July 8-27 from 9am-3pm Monday-Friday with a final performance on Saturday, July 27.

Cost of the Program

The cost for the Summer Theatre Workshop is $325. Need-based scholarships are available. For more details, email Emmy Kreilkamp or call 360-623-8467.

Upcoming Productions

Next to Normal

Next to Normal

Music by Tom Kitt
Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

May 10-11 7pm
May 12 2pm
May 17-18 7pm
May 19 2pm
Corbet Theatre
Tickets: $12 students/seniors $15 adults

Get Tickets Online Now

Next to Normal explores how one suburban household copes with mental health crises. With provocative lyrics and an electrifying score, this contemporary musical shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves and their family’s world intact.

Contains strong language and adult situations

Dramatic Arts Academic Program

  • Actor 
  • Director 
  • Playwright 
  • Stage Manager
  • Scene Designer
  • Costume Designer
  • Lighting Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Choreographer
  • Music Director/Conductor
  • Vocal/Dialect Coach
  • Technical Director
  • Master Electrician
  • Dramaturg
  • Literary Manager 
  • Wardrobe Mistress/Dresser
  • Arts Administrator
  • Artistic Director
  • Managing Director
  • Theatre/Drama Educator

Dramatic Arts Education Plan

Degree: Associate in Arts
Emphasis: Dramatic Arts

The Dramatic Arts degree program meets the needs of students interested in acting or working in technical theater and who intend to transfer to a four-year institution.

Notes for Students

  • A maximum of 15 credits in DRMA 100 level courses may be credited toward an Associate in Arts degree.
  • Up to 5 credits in Drama may be used as Humanities distribution credits.
First Year  
Fall Quarter
  • DRMA& 101 Introduction to Theater - 5 credits
  • ENGL& 101 English Composition I - 5 credits
  • DRMA 107 Beginning Acting - 5 credits
Winter Quarter
  • DRMA 120 Introduction to Playwriting - 5 credits
  • ENGL& 102 Composition II - 5 credits
  • Social Science Distribution - 5 credits
  • Health and Fitness Distribution - 1 credit
Spring Quarter
  • DRMA 106 Intro to Stagecraft - 5 credits
  • Elective - 3-5 credits
  • Natural Science Distribution - 5 credits
Second Year  
Fall Quarter
  • Humanities Distribution - 5 credits
  • Health and Fitness Distribution - 1 credit
  • Quantitative Skills Distribution - 5 credits
  • Social Science Distribution - 5 credits
Winter Quarter
  • ENGL& 114 Introduction to Dramatic Literature - 5 credits
  • Elective - 3-5 credits
  • Health and Fitness Distribution - 1 credit
  • Natural Science Distribution - 5 credits
Spring Quarter
  • DRMA/MUSC 118 Musical Theatre - 5 credits
  • Social Science Distribution - 5 credits
  • Natural Science Distribution - 5 credits

* Recommended offerings include DRMA 115.

DRMA 100 - Applied Drama

Provides credit for participation in either the artistic or technical aspects of the college’s quarterly play productions. This course may be repeated for credit.

DRMA& 101 - Introduction to Theater

Overview of theatre as an art form with emphasis on the play in production and the roles of various theatre artists. Students are expected to attend two plays during the quarter at their own expense.

DRMA 103 - Set Design

Introduction to the basics of scenic design for the theatre; drafting and model building. Students will work on the concurrent Centralia College Drama production. Prior enrollment in DRMA 106 is preferred.

DRMA 105 - Theater History

Survey of the major periods in Western drama through study of major representative plays and development of the physical theater of those periods.

DRMA 106 - Introduction to Stagecraft

Introduction to basic tools, materials, equipment, techniques used in the design and implementation of sets, lighting and sound for the theatre. Students will participate in the design, construction and lighting of the concurrent drama production.

DRMA 107 - Beginning Acting

Introduction with emphasis on concentration, imagination, movement, and characterization via vocal, physical, emotional exercises, improvisation, and scene work. Students will be expected to attend two plays during the quarter at their own expense.

DRMA 108 - Intermediate Acting

Continuation of acting fundamentals with an emphasis on improvisational techniques and exercises, and advanced monologue and scene work. Students will be expected to attend two plays during the quarter at their own expense. Prerequisite: DRMA 107 or instructor permission.

DRMA 110 - Stage Makeup

Introduction to the types of theatrical makeup and the techniques of application.

DRMA 111 - Stage Lighting

Introduction to the basic principles of stage lighting as an integral part of theatrical productions. The course will deal with theories and equipment commonly used in theatre lighting. Students will participate in the drama production.

DRMA 115 - Dramatic Performance

For students involved in the creative/performance aspects of a play production, from audition through research/preparation for their portrayal and evaluation of their performance. The student must successfully audition and be cast in a college production. Prerequisite: audition selection for quarterly play production.

DRMA 118 - Musical Theatre

The study of musical theatre, its major works, its significance in theatre history, and role in American culture with an emphasis on production elements and the play in performance.

DRMA 120 - Introduction to Playwriting

Study the art and craft of writing for the stage. Students will be required to complete and oversee the production of a short play. Final performances of student works will be presented to the public.

DRMA 130 - Directing

An introduction to the theories, methods, and processes of directing a theatrical production. The course will culminate in the performance of a short play, which will be shown to the public. Prerequisite: DRMA& 101, DRMA 107, DRMA 108.

DRMA 141 - Theater Speech

The training of the human voice to develop control. The emphasis is on voice projection, quality and accuracy of sound and articulation of the English language.

DRMA 148 - Introduction to Dance

Study the fundamentals of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz dance. Prior dance experience is not necessary. The student will be required to wear casual, comfortable clothing. Students may participate barefoot. Dance shoes are optional.

DRMA 149 - Introduction to Movement for Theatre

Introduction to dance for Musical Theatre. Prior dance experience is not necessary. The student will be required to wear casual, loose fitting clothing. Students may participate barefoot. Dance shoes are optional.

DRMA 150 - Introduction to Modern Dance

Study basic Modern Dance, Latin, and Swing movements. Prior dance experience is not necessary. The student will be required to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Students may participate barefoot. Dance shoes are optional.

DRMA 155 - Technical Production I

This course is an introduction to the technical aspects and procedures specific to setting up and running live entertainment.

DRMA 201 - Advanced Acting

Continued study of acting; character analysis, scene interpretation and classical styles. Students will be expected to attend two plays at their own expense and will be responsible for the presentation of a children’s theatre production. Prerequisite: DRMA 108 or instructor permission.

DRMA 205 - Contemporary World Theatre

Introduces contemporary world theatre using the theatrical productions of the Pacific NW regional theatres and the Broadway theatres of NY City. Travel to and study these productions. Visits to additional cultural events/locales will be included.

DRMA 210 - Multicultural Theatre

An introduction to the dramatic literature and contemporary theatre practices of people of color; the study of the intersections of cultures in American society as portrayed in American theatre and performance

Contact 

Emmy Kreilkamp (she/her/hers)
Professor
Office: WAH 104
360-623-8467
Email Emmy Kreilkamp