East Lynne Theater Company's Playwriting Get-Away in Cape May

East Lynne Theater Company's Playwriting Get-Away in Cape May

CAPE MAY - The award-winning East Lynne Theater Company and The Henry Sawyer Inn still have a few openings left for their special "Playwriting Get-Away" on March 1 and 2. All of those who attended last year’s first annual “Get-Away,” left with plays they’d written in less than twenty-four hours. Participants were from a variety of backgrounds and playwriting experience, and reviews were very favorable. One even called it "A real life changing experience."

ELTC's artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth, who heads up the program, uses writing and simple acting exercises to trigger the imagination. Participants are encouraged to create plays, at least ten-minute in length, during three workshop sessions, culminating in readings of these by ELTC performers. This workshop is geared for those who have written plays, as well as those who have always wanted to try their hand at writing a play.

Stahlhuth has taught in a variety of settings throughout the country, including the North Wildwood Writers' Conference, and has received playwriting commissions from the Smithsonian Institution, The Illinois Humanities Council, and other organizations. Theaters that have produced her works include Manhattan Theatre Club and Pennsylvania Stage Company.

Not only are the rooms at The Henry Sawyer Inn conducive to the quiet needed for writing, but the parlor and the dining room are available for individual use, as well as for the locations for the workshops. Cost is $399 for 2 people and $299 for one (plus tax), which includes accommodations, breakfast, afternoon tea and treats for two nights, and the workshop fee. Cost for those who don't need overnight accommodations is $150, which includes the afternoon tea and treats for two nights and the workshop fee.

Reservations are made through The Henry Sawyer Inn by calling (800) 449-5667 or going online to henrysawyerinn@verizon.net. For detailed information about the events, contact East Lynne Theater Company by calling (609) 884-5898 or online at www.eastlynnetheater.org.

There are only a few openings left for the Murder Mystery Weekend at The Henry Sawyer Inn and Twin Gables on Feb. 22 and 23, March 8 and 9, and March 22 and 23.

ELTC is always busy in March with shows on the road, school residencies, and special events in Cape May. "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Norwood Builder" returns on March 15 and 16. With financial support from New Jersey Theatre Alliance's "Stages Festival," ELTC is bringing actor/playwright James Rana to Cape May for a free juggling class for ages 8 on up on Monday, March 4 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ELTC's artists-in-residence are working in two schools, culminating in performances that are free, and open to the public. The schools are Wildwood High School (middle school students) and West Cape May Elementary School.

Contact ELTC for information about any of the above events as well as the 2013 season, season tickets, group sales, educational outreach, and touring productions.