Kamarie Chapman

Kamarie Chapman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Washington University's College of Fine and Performing Arts, where she has taught playwriting, theatre theory, dramaturgy, and cinema studies for 15 years. Her work bridges academic instruction with active playwriting and community engagement initiatives.

She holds an M.F.A. from The University of New Mexico (2009), with dissertation research focusing on gender and playwriting.

Chapman's research centers on amplifying underrepresented voices through innovative performance practices, with particular emphasis on intimacy coordination, gender dynamics, and collaborative new play development. Her creative scholarship addresses mental health, historical narratives, and social justice through diverse theatrical forms including musicals, short plays, and community-based productions.

Her recent creative output demonstrates consistent focus on socially engaged theatre, frequently incorporating community collaboration (e.g., roller derby partnerships) and accessibility frameworks. Works explore themes of identity, legacy, and resilience while utilizing experimental structures like movement-based narratives and multi-generational storytelling.

Chapman has received national recognition including:

• Kennedy Center David Mark Cohen Award
• Kennedy Center Paula Vogel Playwriting Award (Co-winner)
• ATHE National Playwriting Award
• Humana Heidman Award Finalist
• NPA/Seattle Rep/SAG Screenwriting Contest Top Five Finalist

As an educator, she mentors emerging playwrights and directs university productions, while serving as Kennedy Center American College Theatre Region VII Vice-Chair for the National Play Program. Her advising extends to community initiatives like the Bellingham Story Hour storytelling collective.

Chapman actively contributes to equity in theatre as Co-Artistic Director of Bellingham Story Hour, member of WWU's CFPA Accessibility/Equity/Diversity/Inclusion Committee, and through professional affiliations with the Northwest Playwrights Alliance, The Dramatists Guild, and Artists Trust.