The Empty Head Theater: Class Act

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.

The Experience

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.

The Performance

• 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.

Commitment to Access

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 Apponte, Em Carubis, Darlene Costello, Paige Dillon, Paul Ellis, Max Ellis, Isaac Kiernan, and Carly Rhode.