East Lynne Theater Company

East Lynne Theater Company (ELTC) is a professional Equity theater located in Cape May, New Jersey, United States. It is a nonprofit organization under the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, with its administrative office at P.O. Box 121, Cape May, NJ 08204, and performances primarily held at the Cape May Presbyterian Church at 500 Hughes Street. The company can be contacted via email at info@eastlynnetheater.org and by phone at 609-602-8703. Founded in 1980 by Warren Kliewer, the East Lynne Theater Company was named after a popular 19th-century melodrama, reflecting its initial mission to revive plays from America's theatrical past. Over the years, ELTC has broadened its scope to include contemporary works that resonate with American themes. The company's vision is to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, between residents and visitors of Cape May, between artists and the community, and between diverse audience members, including seniors and students. By presenting stories from the past, ELTC aims to foster a deeper understanding of the present. ELTC is also committed to honoring the Black History of Cape May and the future stewardship of the former Allen AME Church. Through its programming, collaborations, student workshops, and outreach efforts, the company promotes meaningful connections across different communities. The theater has been recognized by The New York Times as one of the top 75 theaters offering summer productions in North America. Its Mainstage Season features a variety of productions, including classics, premieres, and new works. Notable productions have included "A Tale of Two Cities, Cobbled Together by The Brothers Lovejoy," "Citizen James," and "Driving Miss Daisy." From 1999 to 2022, Gayle Stahlhuth served as the Producing Artistic Director, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success. In the 2023 season, Craig Fols took over as the new Artistic Director, bringing fresh vision and leadership to ELTC. The company employs members of the Actors' Equity Association, the union for professional actors, ensuring high-caliber performances. ELTC's programs are supported in part by funding from The New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of The National Endowment for the Arts, The New Jersey Department of State, Division of Travel and Tourism, and the generosity of season partners and patrons. ELTC has received honors from the state of New Jersey for its contributions to the arts and the community. It is a proud member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, the South Jersey Cultural Alliance, ArtPride, three Chambers of Commerce, and njsouthernshore.com. The theater also values community engagement and offers educational programs such as the Student Summer Workshop. It encourages individual giving, business sponsorships, and volunteer involvement to support its mission. East Lynne Theater Company's policies reflect its commitment to inclusivity and equity, with a non-discrimination policy, a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), whistleblower protection, a sexual harassment policy, and adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).