Drama

Drama students performing

In the WCJC drama program, you’ll be immersed in all things theater, including its practice, history, and cultural meaning. Our goal? To help you become more attentive audience members, stronger actors and artists, and invested supporters of the arts. Our program produces several mainstage productions throughout the year, as well as participates in the Texas Speech Theatre Association annual festivities.  Whether or not you’ve ever built a stage set, sewn a costume, or delivered a monologue, you’ll discover your hidden talents in this program.

Program Details

Learn more about the drama program and find detailed course descriptions in the WCJC catalog.

Academic Map

With classes held in the Fine Arts building, you’ll learn the fundamentals of stage makeup, stagecraft, public speaking, and acting, and you’ll get hands-on experience building sets with your fellow thespians. Review the academic map for a list of recommended coursework.

Career Opportunities

After completing your drama program at WCJC, you’ll be well prepared to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. A Bachelor of Arts. in theater can open doors to an enriching career in a number of roles, including:

  • Drama Teacher
  • Producer or Director
  • Historian
  • Creative Writer

Find more information, including wages and education requirements, on Career Coach!

Drama Scholarships

The drama department offers several scholarships. You don’t need to be a drama student to apply, but you will need to audition. Explore the information below to apply for a scholarship and navigate the requirements.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in receiving a scholarship, first reach out to the drama department to access an application and discuss the next steps. 

Then, submit a packet of information to be considered for a scholarship. These documents include a completed application, a brief resume, and a recommendation letter from a former theater teacher. Submit these documents directly to the drama department.

If your packet is accepted, you’ll be invited to participate in an audition, where you’ll perform in front of the drama instructors.

Audition Information

When preparing your audition, consider your interests. If you’re interested in performing, prepare two monologues (one dramatic and one comedic). These should be no more than four minutes in total. If you’re interested in technical theater, prepare a three-to-five-minute presentation of your work, highlighting your designs, working drawings, or pictures of your work.

You’ll perform your audition at the end of the spring semester in the Horton Foote Theatre in the Fine Arts building. Each audition takes about 30 minutes total, as they also include time for you to talk to faculty about your future goals. The department’s instructors will consider your GPA, previous awards, previous experience, and your performance when determining your eligibility for a scholarship.

Scholarship Requirements

If you’ve been awarded a scholarship, you’ll be required to agree to the following:

  • Enroll in a minimum of 12 semester (credit) hours, three credit hours of which will be in theater arts each semester.
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
  • Attend ALL classes, except in the case of illness, emergency, or instructor approval.  
  • Attend ALL rehearsals and performances, except in the case of illness, emergency, or instructor approval.
  • Cooperate with the Director and/or Instructors of Theater/Drama and All WCJC faculty and staff.
  • Audition and take on assignments for all WCJC dramatic productions.

All the World’s a Stage

Take a glimpse at past plays that have garnered campus-wide attention.
Students lined up hugging in their costumes
Unleash your talent and passion – audition for our next show and let your story unfold on stage!
students acting in costumes
Each year, our students and faculty work together to design, produce, and present 3-4 stage productions.
students holding a doll acting on stage
You don’t need to be in the drama school to audition for a production. Our shows are open to everyone.

Meet the Faculty

WCJC’s drama instructors are seasoned actors, directors, and producers with decades of experience in theater. Meet the professionals you’ll work directly with as you move through coursework and stage productions.

Greg McLarty

Drama Instructor
Greg McLarty earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from East Texas State University (now Texas A&M – Commerce). Greg has taught theater in high schools in South and North Texas, as well as Texas A&M-Commerce and Angelina College. He has directed numerous productions, including Fortinbras, The Good Doctor, Steel Magnolias, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and Into the Woods. Greg has served as critic judge and contest manager for numerous U.I.L One Act Play competitions, and he has produced set, light, and makeup designs for various stage productions and civic functions, like Shattered Dreams. Greg can also be spotted in the movies The Newton Boys and The Life of David Gale (if you look close enough).

Office: Wharton Campus, Fine Arts Building 114
Phone: 979-532-6397
Email: mclartyg@wcjc.edu

Jami Hughes

Drama Instructor
Jami Hughes has been a professional educator, actor, and director for more than 30 years, 15 of which she served as a U.I.L adjudicator, contest manager, and advisory board member. After graduating with a B.F.A. from Sam Houston State, Jami completed her acting internship at the Dallas Theatre Center and then received her M.F.A. in the inaugural Professional Actor's Training Program at L.S.U. Upon graduation, she enjoyed a professional acting career, and then turned her focus to mentoring others. As a director, she has been recognized by the American College Theatre Festival with Best Choreography and Outstanding Ensemble honors. She’s also won two Tommy Tune awards.

Office: Wharton Campus, Fine Arts Building 121
Phone: 979-532-6436
Email: hughesj@wcjc.edu

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