Whether they are taking the stage or electrifying classrooms within Shasta Hall, the Dramatist Society creates a connection between students, faculty and staff throughout Sacramento State’s theater department.

Michelle Felton, theater professor and faculty adviser of the society, said members strive to incorporate all activities and attitudes of the theatre department.

“The dramatist society serves as sort of a blanket organization or student activities club that covers not only the area of theatre but the area of dance as well,” Felton said. “Their main focus is to sort of create this unity between all aspects of the department.”

Owen Smith, Dramatist Society secretary, said the primary purpose of the society is to mesh the entire theater student body together.

“I have never seen such great camaraderie and commitment to fellow students and actors as I have seen in the theatre department and within the dramatist society at Sac State,” Smith said. “It’s our mission statement, or mantra or whatever word you want to insert here, to make sure that theater students are represented fairly, to bring the society together, to just be that big brother that sometimes everybody needs or to fight along with you when you have something to fight about.”

The green room in Shasta Hall, essentially a “second home” to dramatists, emits eclectic vibes. Sac State dramatists filter in and out, often engaging with fellow thespians, breaking out into sing-alongs or occasionally indulging in a nap between classes.

“It’s rarely quiet. I feel the green room represents DS because it’s dynamic and diverse at every point of the day,” said Trina Kruger, Dramatist Society historian. “DS is there to make the department, the hall, the classes and everyone that you’re with feel like a second home because it’s where we have to spend half of our lives, as theatre majors.”

Carly Sisto, former president of the society, said the cub of more than 200 members originated about 30 years ago and has always been inclusive of students from all aspects of theater &- whether performance-based or technical.

Moreover, club officials said being a member of the society does not hold any financial obligations.

“There’s no fee to be a member,” Felton said. “It’s not like we’re going around collecting dues or anything. If you’re enrolled in theater, you’re automatically in.”

Smith said club events, like the series of one-act plays and improv night, fill in the gaps where the theater curriculum may be lacking.

“The series of one-act plays are directed by students and aren’t as popular as some of the large productions like Bat Boy or Twelfth Night,” Smith said. “So, the Dramatist Society puts on these smaller productions so that those who didn’t get onto the main stage can still get acting experience.”

Dramatist Society officials said what connects members even further are their exceptionally flexible comfort levels and common aspirations.

“I like the fact that everyone is really very comfortable with one another … No one is ever afraid of another person’s reaction,” Kruger said. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I personally think that’s a very positive thing.”

Hanan Salem can be reached at [email protected]