Students wanting to express their voice have a platform with DramatiK Xpressions.

DramatiK Xpressions is a registered student organization at Eastern that focuses on the performance of African American theatre. The group was established last spring.

Keiyanna Franklin, the president of DramatiK Xpressions, said it is really important for the organization to break away from negative stereotypes and aspects society depicts minorities.

Franklin said the organization practices a variety of performing arts.

“We do dance, singing, acting and writing poetry- everything,” she said.

Franklin said many people join DramatiK Xpressions with little or no experience in theater, but whoever wants to act is welcomed into the group.

“Commitment is key,” she said.

Corinne Enning, the vice president of DramatiK Xpressions, said in its last play, “The Color Ebony,” group members wrote performances about homosexuality, race and mental illnesses.

“The group is Black theater, but anyone’s able to join,” she said.

Jonnell Jordan, a freshman psychology major, said he wanted to join after seeing “The Color Ebony.”

“I liked all of the performances,” Jordan said.

Jordan said since he had experience with acting, he decided to try out for the organization at the open audition held Sunday in the Dance Studio of the Student Recreation Center.

Destiny Lee, treasurer of DramatiK Xpressions, said she and other members express their feelings through the productions.

“Theater is more than just acting; it’s what you bring to the stage,” she said.

DramatiK Xppressions will premiere “A Summer’s Visit,” in the fall 2010.

The group meets at 4 p.m. on Saturdays in Lawson Hall basement.

Alesha Bailey can be reached at 581-7492 or ambailey2@eiu.edu.