The College’s only student-run theater organization, Center Stage, is one of the campus’s oldest organizations and has been producing theater since before the School of the Arts was established.  Center Stage produces student-directed plays, is philanthropically minded, and many members successfully continue in theater after graduating.
Center Stage president Liz Coralli said that the club’s main goal is to promote theater to all students who may be interested.
Each semester Center Stage produces three student-directed plays.  Students who have play suggestions add them to the club’s “black box,” or suggestion box.  
“The students write a proposal for why they think the play would be good for students to see,” said Coralli.
After all suggestions are added, the Center Stage executive board votes for which plays will be produced the following semester. Anyone is welcome to audition.
“We try to have a variety of shows for the actors to play a repertoire of characters,” Coralli said.
Center Stage has produced two plays this semester. “Lone Star,” written by James McClure and directed by junior Sam McCalla, was the first play of the semester.  “Lone Star” is a one-act play, made up of three cast members, with a funny but serious tone.  
The second play was “Thom Pain (based on nothing)” by Will Eno and directed by senior G.P. McLeer.   The play was a one-man show played by sophomore George Metropolis about life and love.
Although Center Stage’s main emphasis is student-directed theater, the club also focuses on philanthropy.  Financially, Center Stage supports the American Heart Association.  Each month, the club does a hands-on philanthropy project.  In September they helped out at the SPCA animal shelter.
Coralli said that they encourage all members to actively participate in the club’s philanthropy events.
Many Center Stage students become involved in theater outside of C of C.  Coralli and a few other students take improv classes at Theater 99 on Meeting Street.  Coralli says she enjoys improv because it is a fun way to act and entertain people.
Center Stage members also go on to participate in theater after college.  Former club members have gone on to work on Army Wives, Broadway and the Chicago comedy club Second City, Coralli said.
“The club has a lot of students that go on to do really successful things,” said Coralli.
C of C alumnus Robbie Thomas is currently directing the play “Frost/Nixon” that is playing downtown as part of the Footlight Players’ season.  The play stars Center Stage’s advisor, C of C theater professor Mark Landis, as President Richard Nixon.
“We have quite a few members from all fields of study who come together because they like theater and want to see more of it on campus,” Coralli said.
Center Stage will close the fall semester with the play “The Pillowman,” written by Martin McDonagh and directed by senior Matt Giedraitis. The play is fitting for the Halloween season and is for mature audiences only, Coralli said.  “The Pillowman” will run from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 and all shows start at 8 p.m.  Admission is free for students, faculty and staff.
Check out Center Stage’s Facebook group or follow them on Twitter at ctrstage.  If you are interested in joining their e-mail list, send an e-mail to ctrstage@gmail.com.  The club holds monthly meetings and the next one will be Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the Simons Theater 220 and will be a Thanksgiving potluck dinner.  Everyone is encouraged to check out the club.