NEWBURGH, NY — The Empty Head Theater Company proudly presents Out of the Box 2: Far From Nirvana a new play by Jack Rushton. The two-week presentation reinforces EHT’s commitment to original theater celebrating new voices, bold ideas, and innovative storytelling. Performances will take place August 20, 21 and August 27, 28, 29 at The Ellis, 60 Dubois Street, Newburgh, NY.
This year Out of the Box 2 features the full length play Far From Nirvana by Jack Rushton; developed through The Empty Head Theater Company’s collaborative workshop process: Together this work explores contemporary social, cultural, and personal issues through comedy, satire, fantasy, and drama. The play offers a unique perspective while reflecting the company’s commitment to producing theater that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and rooted in today’s world. Unlike a traditional theater festival, Out of the Box emphasizes script development. Throughout the summer, playwrights, directors, actors, and designers collaborate to refine each script before it’s fully staged premiere. The result is an exciting evening of fresh theatrical voices and stories that continue to evolve through the creative process.
The production opens on Thursday August 20 and concludes with a Closing Reception following the performance on Saturday, August 29, where audience members are invited to meet the playwrights, director, cast, and creative team for an informal evening of conversation and celebration.
The Empty Head Theater Company is Newburgh’s resident ensemble dedicated to producing new plays, contemporary comedy, and socially relevant theater with a slightly offbeat twist. Based at The Ellis, the company develops original work through collaboration among playwrights, actors, directors, and designers, creating theater that is inventive, engaging, and distinctly Hudson Valley.
Far From Nirvana
The Ellis
60 Dubois Street
Newburgh, NY
Thursday, August 20
Friday, August 21
Thursday, August 27
Friday, August 28
Saturday, August 29 – Performance followed by Closing Reception
Performances begin at 7PM.
For Tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-empty-head-theater-company-out-of-the-box-2-far-from-nirvana-tickets-1994859093248
For interviews, reservations, or additional information, contact pelliscult@gmail.com
Assigned a class at the door, you're trapped in a cardboard world. Experience 6 bold short plays on power, status, and social systems.
Join The Empty Head Theater Company for the premiere of Class Act, an immersive evening of six original short plays written and performed by our multi-cultural ensemble. Hosted at our new permanent home, The Ellis—a restored 100-year-old church in Newburgh—this production challenges the traditional boundaries between artist and observer.
Upon arrival, you won't just choose a seat; you will be processed. Each patron is assigned a social class—Upper, Upper Middle, Middle, Working, or Lower—and seated accordingly within a designed social system.
The entire environment is constructed from sculpted cardboard, creating a fragile yet imposing structure that surrounds the audience. In this space, there is no "front of house"—performers and audience occupy the same air, making the systems of power and privilege immediate and tangible.
Six Original Works: A collection of high-stakes short plays including Tranzilla, Woke Pope, and The Revolutionary Swine Federation.
Ensemble-Driven: Every piece was written and developed collectively by our diverse company of artists.
Social Commentary: Expect sharp satire and provocation designed to move you beyond passive consumption toward reflection and action.
Rooted in the belief that theater is for everyone, we ensure that no one is turned away for lack of funds. Join us as we enter this space of uncertainty together to question the structures that hold us.
Cast & Creators: Raymond Aponte, Em Carubis, Darlene Costello, Paige Dillon, Paul Ellis, Max Ellis, Isaac Kiernan, and Carli Rhoades.
This isn’t circus slapstick or red noses for kids’ parties. SomeClowns are physical comedians who mix European clown, vaudeville, and physical theater into a raw, ridiculous, and surprisingly tender performance. Their goal? To show up, break the rules, and throw audiences headfirst into the joy (and chaos) of being human.
Expect vulnerability, mischief, and moments that teeter on the edge of disaster. Arguments over imaginary rules. Sudden love affairs with the audience. Maybe even a little smoke (though hopefully no fire). SomeClowns thrive on danger, discovery, and delight—and invite the crowd to come along for the ride.
It’s silly. It’s unpredictable. It’s strangely moving. And it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Tickets: Free. Limited seating. Reservations suggested.
What: SomeClowns — An original, interactive comedy-theater experience
When: Sunday, September 28 | 4:00 PM
Where: The Ellis, 60 Dubois Street, Newburgh, NY
August 9, 2025
Newburgh, NY – Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy, mystery, and live audience participation as The Air Pirates Radio Theater brings their latest production, Herb Marks Freelance: The Case of the Crime in Hand, to The Ellis 60 Dubois Street Newburgh, NY on August 9, 2025.
Blending the golden age of radio drama with a contemporary interactive twist, The Air Pirates Radio Theater delivers a high-energy, immersive experience where audiences don’t just watch the show—they help create it. From supplying live sound effects to joining in on crowd noise, the audience becomes part of the action, guided by an onstage cue card assistant.
Performed by a skilled ensemble, Herb Marks Freelance: The Case of the Crime in Hand, is a fast-paced radio comedy set in the world of hard-boiled detectives, femme fatales, and double-crossing villains. As always, the actors play multiple roles, seamlessly shifting between characters right before your eyes—sometimes even holding conversations with themselves.
The production is staged as a live radio broadcast, with actors at microphones, scripts in hand, and the audience providing crucial sound effects. Footsteps? That’s you. Doors slamming? Also you. A dramatic gunshot? Don’t worry, we’ve got props for that. The experience captures the nostalgic feel of 1940s and 50s radio serials while infusing them with modern humor and themes that resonate with today’s audience.
Join us on August 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM at The Ellis 60 Dubois Street Newburgh, NY for an evening of over-the-top comedy, immersive storytelling, and an audience experience like no other.
This event is presented as part of OC Arts Month, a county-wide celebration of artists, performers, and creative communities across Orange County.
For tickets, click below:
August 23rd and 24th at 7pm.
The Empty Head Theater presents Out of the Box, its festival of new plays. This summer’s event features four short plays that take a unique look at post information age communication.
August 16th and 17th at 7pm.
The Empty Head Theater presents Out of the Box, its festival of new plays. This summer’s event features four short plays that take a unique look at post information age communication.
PEP productions is presenting Out of the Box, a Celebration of New Plays featuring six 30-40 minute plays to be workshopped in Newburgh at The Ellis, a new performance space at 60 Dubois St. Beginning in May play readings will be open to the public and continue through June and July culminating in a full production of three plays selected from the public readings.
Each month two plays will be presented, at The Ellis, as staged readings open to the public. At these readings we will have an open discussion about the material. Three plays will be selected for a full production on August 16 & 17 at The Ellis in Newburgh and on the 23rd & 24th at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.
We are seeking actors over the age of 16 of all types. Please bring a prepared monologue of no more than two minutes.
Rehearsals begin April 17 & 18.
PEP productions is presenting Out of the Box, a Celebration of New Plays featuring six 30-40 minute plays to be workshopped in Newburgh at The Ellis, a new performance space at 60 Dubois St. Beginning in May play readings will be open to the public and continue through June and July culminating in a full production of three plays selected from the public readings.
Each month two plays will be presented, at The Ellis, as staged readings open to the public. At these readings we will have an open discussion about the material. Three plays will be selected for a full production on August 16 & 17 at The Ellis in Newburgh and on the 23rd & 24th at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.
We are seeking actors over the age of 16 of all types. Please bring a prepared monologue of no more than two minutes.
Rehearsals begin April 17 & 18.
PEP productions is presenting Out of the Box, a Celebration of New Plays featuring six 30-40 minute plays to be workshopped in Newburgh at The Ellis, a new performance space at 60 Dubois St. Beginning in May play readings will be open to the public and continue through June and July culminating in a full production of three plays selected from the public readings.
Each month two plays will be presented, at The Ellis, as staged readings open to the public. At these readings we will have an open discussion about the material. Three plays will be selected for a full production on August 16 & 17 at The Ellis in Newburgh and on the 23rd & 24th at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center.
We are seeking actors over the age of 16 of all types. Please bring a prepared monologue of no more than two minutes.
Rehearsals begin April 17 & 18.
