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Performance Venue:
First Presbyterian Church
500 Hughes St.
Cape May, NJ 08204
Office Address:
121 Fourth Ave.
West Cape May, NJ 08204
P: 609-884-5898
F: 530-884-5895
Gayle Stahlhuth
Artistic Director
eastlynneco@aol.com
The ELTC production of "Tales by Twain"
East Lynne Theater Company
In January, 2009, East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) was voted one of the TOP TWO Equity Professional Theaters in New Jersey in “The People’s Choice Awards,” sponsored by Discover Jersey Arts. Founded in 1980, its mission is to produce provocative classics and history-based contemporary entertainment that deal with the uniquely American experience. Professional actors, directors, musicians, and designers work together throughout the year to create quality productions not seen anywhere else. When patrons experience ELTC’s productions, they witness the company’s engaging perspective on American theater and its unique contribution to the world of theater. In 1996, Ohio State University honored ELTC by asking to house the company’s archives at its “Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute.” FYI: The title “East Lynne” is derived from a famous American play that was seen throughout the country during the 1800s. The company operates all year, with touring shows and educational outreach. From June through December, and March, ELTC performs in residence at The First Presbyterian Church of Cape May, 500 Hughes St.
Mark Edward Lang and Alison J. Murphy in "The Guardsman"
Cultural Education at ELTC
- Artists-in-residence programs for schools
Residencies are tailored to the needs of teachers, curriculum, and/or the community, and may be part of the regular classroom experience or after school for 3rd grade through high school. Length: 1-30 days with 5-10 days being the most requested. Artists are working theater professionals uniquely qualified to share their craft with others. Residencies may be process-oriented and/or geared to a full production with students performing their own original scripts or already-written plays. Topics may be based on historic events and people; site specific/oral histories; stories by American writers; and personal experience and/or the imagination. Teacher prep materials available. Residencies meet most if not all of the Core Curriculum Standards for Social Studies, Language Arts Literacy, and the Visual and Performing Arts.
- Student Theater Workshop
Students ages10-18 have the opportunity to rehearse and perform a play based on an American theme or written by an American author, culminating in a free public performance in July. Ten days total over 2 ½ weeks for a fee of $200.00.
- Intern program
Students ages 13-21 receive hands-on knowledge of theater from administration through performance. This program is free of charge and only available during the Cape May production season. Small stipends available.
- After-Show Q & A with cast and crew
After the performance, first Friday of every production, the audience has the opportunity to ask questions of the cast, director, and crew.
- Workshops in other locations for all ages
ELTC also provides workshops for youth, Elderhostels and other adult education programs, including those with special needs. (Currently providing workshops for the Blind Center of the Jersey Cape, etc.) These take place in libraries, museums, hotels, etc.
- Touring productions
ELTC’s roster of 16 touring productions include works based on Paul Robeson, Louisa May Alcott, Lizzie Borden, Harriett Beecher Stowe, the Suffrage Movement, 1930’s radio-style plays, and a magic show.
Contact Gayle Stahlhuth, eastlynneco@aol.com, for more information about educational programming with the ELTC.
Group Tours at ELTC
ELTC accommodates groups from 10-100 during its June through December, and March Mainstage Production Season in Cape May, coordinating packages for show-only, overnight accommodations + show, and/or restaurant + show. Throughout the year, the company provides shows-on-the-road at a variety of locations.
For more information about scheduling a group tour with ELTC, contact Gayle Stahlhuth, eastlynneco@aol.com.