East Lynne Theater Company's Artistic Director Helms WIZARD OF OZ

On Wednesday, March 21 at 6:00 p.m., enter the wonderful world of "The Wizard of Oz" at West Cape May Elementary School, 301 Moore St., West Cape May, performed by 22 students under the direction of East Lynne Theater Company's artistic director, Gayle Stahlhuth, assisted by technical director, Lee O'Connor. The script is based on the L. Frank Baum classic, complete with Dorothy, the Wicked Witch, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Woodsman.

The residency begins on Tuesday, March 9, with a few acting exercises, reading the script, and everyone writing down what three parts they would like to play. Based on the above information, Stahlhuth assigns roles and rehearsals begin. Parents, teachers, and students, along with Stahlhuth and O'Connor, create the set, props, and costumes. After only ten hours of rehearsal, the students perform with lines learned, blocking complete, props in place and costumes done.

Admission to "The Wizard of Oz" is free and open to the public, but donations of paper products for The Food Closet will be gratefully accepted.

This is the twelfth year Stahlhuth has been able to provide this acting residency and performance for West Cape May Elementary School due to funding from New Jersey Theatre Alliances' (NJTA) "Stages Festival." This is the state's largest theater festival, offering dozens of performances, workshops, classes, and events at theaters, art centers, libraries, schools, senior centers, and other community venues during March. The program was developed to encourage New Jersey residents to attend their local professional theaters by making the experience affordable, accessible, and fun. Since its inception 20 years ago, the program has served over 190,000 people. To receive a full schedule of events, visit www.stagesfestival.org.

Founded in 1981, NJTA is the first statewide organization for professional, not-for-profit theater companies in the United States, of which ELTC is a proud member and Stahlhuth serves on its board. NJTA is a leader in developing model programs that foster collaboration, cooperation and audience development. To learn more about NJTA, visit www.njtheatrealliance.org.

The Stages Festival is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Bank of America; and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. Additional program support has been provided by The Smart Family Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation, and PSEG Foundation.

On March 16 and 17 at 8:00 p.m., "Sherlock Holmes Adventure of the Speckled Band" will be performed at The First Presbyterian Church, 500 Hughes St., Cape May, where ELTC is in residence. This popular radio-style production then travels to several locations in Bergan and Ocean Counties, due to funding from the "Stage Festival."

For reservations and information about these and other East Lynne Theater Company events, contact the theater at 609-884-5898 or visit www.eastlynnetheater.org.