About Us

Emberside is a theater group in Vancouver, WA made up of local professionals who have produced theater in the area for over a decade. From staged readings of existing and new works, collaboration with local theater groups, and full blown musical theater productions, we plan to elevate all theater in the SW Washington community. Our goal is to develop a professional theater presence in Clark County that helps to grow the arts and culture in Southwest Washington. 

Philosophy

Southwest Washington deserves a strong professional theater presence, and Emberside Theater is here to fill that void. By collaborating with youth programs and local community theaters, we elevate the entire theater ecosystem in Clark County. This work ensures that every voice has a place on the stage and a story to share.

Theater unites diverse perspectives and amplifies stories that need to be heard. Through bold productions and partnerships, Emberside Theater builds a culture of the arts that speaks to every corner of our community. By fostering dialogue and exploring challenging topics, we create connections and spark understanding.

Storytelling defines us as a community. It heals divisions, strengthens bonds, and creates a shared identity. At Emberside Theater, we provide the hearth where stories of all kinds can be told, bridging divides and igniting pride in the rich diversity of our voices.

Accessibility drives everything we do. High ticket prices will never stand between our community and the transformative power of theater. Grants, donations, and affordable programs like School Group Pricing and Senior Group Pricing ensure that everyone can experience the magic of the stage.

Emberside Theater is reshaping the future of the arts in Southwest Washington. This is more than theater—it’s a movement to connect, inspire, and unite our community, one story at a time.

Sean Kelly

Founding Member & Director

Sean Kelly was born and raised in the high desert mountains of Southern Oregon. There, among a group of artists in the Linkville and Ross Regland Theaters in Klamath Falls, he found his calling a purpose at the young age of 10. Sean performed in dozens of shows, and received several awards and scholarships before graduating Cum Laude from Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon with a BFA in Theater Performance.

Having worked for both the Oregon Cabaret Theater and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, he moved to the Vancouver area in 2006 to share his knowledge. He received his Masters in Teaching from Concordia University in 2010, and proceeded to build an exceptionally successful drama program for Camas High School.

His productions, including his work in direction, scenic, and lighting design, student performances and technical direction, have recieved over 60 nominations from the 5th Avenue Theater Awards including wins for Outstanding Overall Production for Cabaret (2015), Outstanding Direction for Into The Woods (2012) and Outstanding Scenic Design for Little Shop of Horrors (2017). Many of his students have gone on to successful careers in theater and the arts.

Now, Sean is turning his skills toward building a professional theater that Southwest Washington can be proud of with Emberside Theatre.

Debbie Allen

Founding Member

Debbie Allen discovered her love for theater as a young creative collaborator, earning her BFA in Theater Studies from Brigham Young University before stepping away from the professional world to raise a family. Even during that time, she remained connected to the arts–volunteering in community projects and offering her talents in organization, direction, and design wherever they were needed.

In recent years, Debbie brought her skills to Camas High School, where she contributed to numerous productions through hair and makeup design and leadership. It was there that she met Sean Kelly, and the shared dream of building a professional theater company began to take place. Now pursuing a Master’s in Performing Arts Leadership through Shenandoah University, Debbie is committed to creating inclusive, mission-driven theater that fosters belonging and strengthens community connection. With Emberside, Debbie is helping bring to life the vibrant performing arts presence that the region has long been ready for.