East Lynne Theater Company Appoints First Executive Director and Moves to New Venue for 45th Season

CAPE MAY, N.J. – The East Lynne Theater Company is entering a transformative phase with the appointment of its first executive director, Mark David Boberick. The change marks a significant step forward as the company prepares for its 45th season in a newly renovated venue. Boberick, who has been a board member for three years, will oversee both artistic and business operations, combining his two-decade experience in scenic design and business leadership. Previously housed at the First Presbyterian Church, East Lynne’s new home will be at the historic Allen African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on Franklin Street. The church, which is undergoing a $1.2 million renovation, will be renamed the Clemans Theater for the Arts in honor of Dave Clemans, a local arts patron. The theater’s grand opening will feature the inaugural photography exhibit, Legacy Through the Lens, exploring Black history in the area, followed by the theater’s annual Spring Soiree fundraiser. The move to the Allen AME Church comes as part of a broader shift for the company, which aims to expand its programming beyond its focus on early American playwrights. The theater will now incorporate contemporary works and host year-round events, such as concerts, children's programming, weddings, and exhibitions. The company is already in the midst of a capital campaign to fund the renovation and plans to offer flexible seating, a sound booth, and staging in the transformed space.