To enhance and encourage teamwork, improve the quality of life by building, developing and nurturing talent through social, theatrical and community life at large.
Our Vision
To be a premier arts institution in Kenya and beyond, inspiring creativity, fostering cultural dialogue, and empowering individuals to use the transformative power of theatre and film for personal and societal growth.
Our Motto
"Take it to the next level!"
Recent Productions
The Waiting Room
Family secrets unravel in a hospital waiting room.
The Homecoming
A comedic but tense family reunion in Nairobi.
The Samaritan
When justice meets corruption, who wins?
2023: Major Barbara | 2022: Accidental Death of an Anarchist
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Society's Governing Body
Dan Kakuru
President: Oversees the society's activities and represents members.
Leila Kaisa
Vice President: Assists the President and coordinates programs.
Joe Abala
Organizing Secretary: Manages meetings, communications, and logistics.
Cherise Chomba
Secretary General: Oversees administration and record keeping.
Paula Nimurungi
Financial Manager: Handles funds, budgeting, and financial reports.
Articles & Updates
The Rise of Contemporary Theatre in Kenya
Discover how modern Kenyan playwrights are transforming traditional stage with innovative stories and styles that connect with the youth while celebrating heritage.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Stage Play
Go behind the curtains with our directors and stage managers as they share insights into script adaptation, set design, and stage coordination for a successful production.
The Power of Drama in Social Change
Explore how drama in Kenya is addressing social issues, inspiring community discussions, and influencing positive change through powerful storytelling.
Stay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, events, and audition information.
Join DRAMSOC
For Students
Open to all Strathmore University students regardless of experience level.
We hold auditions for each production. No prior experience necessary!
Check our social media for audition dates
Prepare a 1-2 minute monologue (optional)
Cold readings provided at auditions
All roles are open to members
Contact Us
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us through any of our social media channels or email us at strathmoredramasociety@strathmore.edu
About Us
Who We Are
The Strathmore Drama Society (DRAMSOC) is a vibrant student-led organization at Strathmore University, dedicated to nurturing artistic talent, fostering creativity, and driving social impact through theatre and film. Established in 2006, DRAMSOC has grown into a leading platform for students to explore, develop, and showcase their theatrical and cinematic talents. Since its inception, it has trained and nurtured hundreds of students in acting, directing, scriptwriting, and technical theatre. We have driven social impact through drama and expanded its reach beyond Strathmore University, engaging communities across Kenya through outreach programs and performances.
Our Mission
To provide a dynamic platform for students and the community to explore, develop, and showcase their theatrical and cinematic talents while using drama as a tool for education, social change, and entertainment.
Our Vision
To be a premier arts institution in Kenya and beyond, inspiring creativity, fostering cultural dialogue, and empowering individuals to use the transformative power of theatre and film for personal and societal growth.
Our Motto
"Take It to the Next Level!"
Our Core Values
Quality: Excellence in all productions and programs.
Integrity: Transparency and accountability in all operations.
Creativity: Innovation in storytelling and artistic expression.
Honesty: Authenticity in all interactions and engagements.
What We Do
Productions: Annual theatrical plays and short films that address social issues and entertain audiences.
Training: Workshops and mentorship programs in acting, directing, cinematography, and more.
Outreach: Community programs that use drama to educate and inspire underserved populations.
Events: Open mic nights, and collaborative projects with other clubs and organizations.
Our Impact
Over the years, DRAMSOC has:
Empowered young talent, with many alumni pursuing careers in theatre, film, and media.
Addressed critical social issues such as mental health, gender equality, and environmental conservation through impactful productions.
Built a strong alumni network that continues to support and mentor current members.
Our Team
The Passionate Leaders Behind DRAMSOC
Leadership Team 2024/2025
Meet the dedicated leaders who guide DRAMSOC towards excellence in theatrical arts, foster community, and ensure every production reaches its full potential.
Dan Kakuru - President: Dan leads DRAMSOC with vision and dedication, overseeing all society operations, representing DRAMSOC to the university and external partners, and ensuring the society's strategic direction aligns with our mission of theatrical excellence.
Leila Kaisa - Vice President: Leila supports the President in all activities, steps in during absences, and plays a crucial role in member engagement and community building. She ensures smooth operations and maintains the vibrant DRAMSOC culture.
Joe Abala - Organizing Secretary General: Joe manages all organizational aspects, coordinates meetings and events, maintains member records, and ensures efficient communication within the society. His organizational skills keep DRAMSOC running smoothly.
Cherise Chomba - Secretary General: Cherise handles correspondence, documentation, and administrative duties. She maintains society records, prepares meeting minutes, and ensures all documentation supports DRAMSOC's professional operations.
Paula Nimurungi - Financial Manager: Paula oversees all financial matters, manages budgets, handles fundraising initiatives, and ensures fiscal responsibility. Her financial acumen enables DRAMSOC to bring ambitious productions to life sustainably.
Production Team
Every production features a dedicated creative and technical team assembled specifically for that show. Our production teams typically include:
Director - The artistic visionary who interprets the script, guides actors, coordinates all creative elements, and shapes the overall production. Directors work closely with all departments to realize their creative vision.
Stage Manager - The organizational backbone of any production, managing rehearsals, calling cues during performances, coordinating backstage operations, and ensuring everything runs smoothly from tech week through closing night.
Cast - Our talented actors who breathe life into characters, undergo rigorous rehearsals, develop chemistry as an ensemble, and deliver powerful performances that captivate audiences night after night.
Technical Crew - The skilled technicians managing lighting, sound, set construction, props, and special effects. They create the physical and atmospheric world that supports the storytelling and enhances the audience experience.
Costume & Makeup Team - Artists who design and create costumes, apply makeup, manage wardrobe, and handle quick changes. They transform actors into characters through visual storytelling and period-appropriate styling.
PR & Marketing Team - The publicity force behind every show, creating promotional materials, managing social media campaigns, engaging audiences, documenting the production process, and ensuring strong ticket sales.
Production teams are announced for each show. Check our social media and articles section for updates on upcoming productions and their creative teams!
Behind the Scenes
DRAMSOC wouldn't exist without the countless hours of work from our dedicated members. From late-night rehearsals to early-morning set builds, from costume fittings to lighting plots, every member contributes their unique talents to create theatrical magic.
Want to Be Part of the Team?
Whether you dream of performing on stage, directing productions, managing technical elements, or supporting behind the scenes, DRAMSOC has a place for you. Join us and discover your theatrical passion!
Our Departments
The Backbone of DRAMSOC Excellence
DRAMSOC operates through specialized departments, each contributing unique expertise to create theatrical magic. Our department structure ensures that every production receives professional attention in all aspects - from concept to curtain call.
Directing & Production
Core Responsibilities:
Overall artistic vision and direction for productions
Script selection and interpretation
Casting actors and assembling creative teams
Blocking, staging, and choreography
Rehearsal scheduling and management
Coordinating all departments
Sample Activities: Directors' workshops, script analysis sessions, blocking rehearsals, character development exercises, production meetings, tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals.
Skills Developed: Leadership, creative vision, communication, collaboration, time management, artistic interpretation, decision-making under pressure.
This department shapes the artistic heart of every production, transforming words on a page into living, breathing theatre.
Technical Theatre
Core Responsibilities:
Lighting design and operation
Sound design and audio engineering
Set construction and stage management
Props creation and management
Special effects and technical innovations
Safety protocols and equipment maintenance
Sample Activities: Lighting plots and programming, sound cue creation, set building workshops, props fabrication, technical run-throughs, equipment training, troubleshooting technical issues.
Skills Developed: Technical proficiency, problem-solving, attention to detail, safety awareness, teamwork, adaptability, creative technical solutions, electrical and carpentry skills.
The unseen heroes who create the atmosphere, mood, and physical world that brings each production to life.
PR & Marketing
Core Responsibilities:
Publicity campaigns and promotional strategies
Social media management (Instagram, YouTube, TikTok)
Poster and program design
Press releases and media relations
Audience engagement and community outreach
Photography and videography documentation
Sample Activities: Social media content creation, poster photoshoots, video trailers, press kit development, opening night coverage, behind-the-scenes content, audience surveys, sponsor presentations.
Skills Developed: Marketing strategy, graphic design, copywriting, social media management, photography/videography, public relations, brand management, analytics.
The storytellers who ensure the world knows about DRAMSOC's incredible work and brings audiences through our doors.
Training & Development
Core Responsibilities:
Acting workshops and technique classes
Voice and movement training
Technical theatre training programs
Mentorship and skill development
Audition preparation sessions
Continuous learning initiatives
Sample Activities: Weekly acting workshops, voice projection exercises, movement and physicality training, improvisation sessions, character work, script reading groups, masterclasses with guest artists, technical skills workshops.
The practical backbone ensuring DRAMSOC has the resources to bring ambitious theatrical visions to life sustainably.
Scriptwriting & Research
Core Responsibilities:
Original script development and playwriting
Script adaptation and translation
Historical and contextual research for productions
Dramaturgy and script analysis
Script reading and evaluation
Literary management and archives
Sample Activities: Playwriting workshops, script drafts and revisions, research presentations, dramaturgical notes, historical context research, script reading sessions, writer's rooms, documentation of productions.
Skills Developed: Creative writing, research skills, analytical thinking, storytelling, cultural awareness, literary analysis, attention to detail, historical understanding, critical thinking.
The literary heart of DRAMSOC, ensuring our productions are intellectually rigorous, culturally informed, and artistically original.
Costume & Makeup
Core Responsibilities:
Costume design and creation
Makeup design for characters
Period and character research
Wardrobe management and maintenance
Quick changes and backstage organization
Special effects makeup
Sample Activities: Costume sketches and design boards, fabric selection and shopping, sewing and alterations, makeup tests and application tutorials, wig styling, accessory creation, costume fittings, laundry and repairs.
Skills Developed: Costume design, sewing and fabrication, makeup artistry, color theory, historical fashion knowledge, attention to detail, creativity, time management, practical problem-solving.
The visual storytellers who transform actors into characters through the magic of costume and makeup artistry.
Join a Department
Every department welcomes new members, regardless of experience level. Whether you're a complete beginner or have previous expertise, there's a place for you in DRAMSOC. Our senior members provide mentorship and training to help you develop your skills.
How Departments Work Together
While each department has specialized responsibilities, the magic of theatre happens when all departments collaborate seamlessly. A typical production involves:
Pre-Production: Directing & Production leads script selection, with input from Scriptwriting & Research. Finance & Sponsorship develops the budget while PR & Marketing plans the publicity campaign. Technical begins design concepts and Costume & Makeup starts research.
Rehearsal Period: Directing & Production works with actors while Training & Development provides supplementary skills workshops. Technical builds sets and programs lighting. Costume & Makeup creates and fits costumes. PR & Marketing shoots promotional content.
Tech Week: All departments intensify collaboration. Technical integrates all technical elements. Costume & Makeup finalizes all looks and organizes quick changes. Directing & Production coordinates tech and dress rehearsals. PR & Marketing amplifies publicity.
Performance Run: All departments support live performances, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth operations night after night.
Post-Production: Departments document the production, evaluate successes and challenges, and begin planning for the next show.
"Theatre is the ultimate collaborative art form. In DRAMSOC, we don't just make theatre - we build family."
Our Alumni
Where Are They Now?
DRAMSOC alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in theatre, film, television, media, business, law, education, and countless other fields. The skills developed through drama - confidence, communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking - translate powerfully to any career path.
Notable Alumni Success Stories
Film & Television
Several of our alumni have pursued successful careers in the film and television industry, working as actors, directors, producers, cinematographers, and screenwriters. They've appeared in local and international productions, bringing the storytelling skills honed at DRAMSOC to screens around the world.
Theatre & Performing Arts
Many DRAMSOC members have continued in professional theatre, working with major theatre companies, directing acclaimed productions, teaching drama, and establishing their own theatre groups. They carry forward the spirit of excellence and innovation that defines DRAMSOC.
Media & Communications
DRAMSOC's emphasis on communication and public performance has equipped alumni for success in journalism, public relations, broadcasting, content creation, and digital media. They're telling stories across multiple platforms and reaching audiences worldwide.
Business & Leadership
The leadership, teamwork, and project management skills developed through theatre productions have proven invaluable in business. Alumni hold leadership positions in corporations, run successful businesses, and excel in diverse professional fields.
Education & Arts Administration
Some alumni have become educators, teaching drama and theatre arts, inspiring the next generation of performers and storytellers. Others work in arts administration, managing cultural institutions and supporting the arts sector.
Diverse Professional Fields
DRAMSOC alumni succeed in law, medicine, engineering, finance, diplomacy, and more. The confidence, public speaking skills, emotional intelligence, and creative problem-solving developed through drama are assets in any profession.
Alumni Testimonials
"DRAMSOC wasn't just about acting - it was about discovering who I am, building lifelong friendships, and developing skills that have served me in every aspect of my life. The confidence I gained on stage translated directly to confidence in boardrooms, presentations, and leadership roles."
Alumni Network
DRAMSOC maintains a vibrant alumni network. Former members stay connected through social media, alumni events, mentorship programs, and by returning to support current productions. Our alumni community spans generations and continents, united by the shared experience of bringing stories to life on the Strathmore stage.
Are You a DRAMSOC Alumnus?
We'd love to hear from you! Share your story, stay connected with fellow alumni, and continue to be part of the DRAMSOC family. Your journey inspires current members and shows them the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.
Give Back to DRAMSOC
Alumni support helps DRAMSOC continue its tradition of excellence. Whether through mentorship, guest workshops, sponsorship, or simply attending shows and cheering on current members, your involvement makes a difference. Consider:
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Dan Kakuru
Leila Kaisa
Joe Abala
Cherise Chomba
Paula Nimurungi
