O.C. Theatre Company to Host Fundraiser

By MADDY VITALE Lights, camera, action. Eat and enjoy! The Ocean City Theatre Company has entertained audiences and developed talent, putting on productions, dance numbers and choral performances for 13 years. While the community has generously supported the company, located at 1501 West Ave., now, perhaps more than ever, donations are greatly needed. The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellations of many of the OCTC’s events and programs. Now, the OCTC is calling upon those who love the shows and watching either their children or others showcasing their talents to help the OCTC by joining the company for a night of great food and music for a good cause. All CDC safety guidelines will be strictly adhered to. On Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. the theatre company is hosting a fundraiser outside at Luigi’s restaurant, located at 300 E. Ninth Street. Enjoy a three-course meal and entertainment by Broadway star Kelli Rabke. Since the event is going to be held completely outdoors, a rain date is Saturday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. Due to limited seating, tables must be reserved by Nov. 2.

• Buy a "Family Table" that seats up to 6 people for $300
• Buy a "Couple Table" that seats 2 people for $100
• Can't attend? Show your support by making a donation of $75 and help underwrite the cost of this event.

Once the table is reserved for this alcohol-free event, a menu will be emailed to the attendees. There is also a children’s menu available. According to an OCTC flier advertising the event, it has been nearly a year since the theatre company has been fully functional and it is in need of financial support. “The time is now for us to call upon our fans to #saveourstage and help rescue Ocean City's nonprofit performing arts organization!” the flier says. “We need your support to save 13 years of educational and professional programming that has benefited kids, families and seniors and helped to make Ocean City an arts destination, adding to tourism and a stronger way of life for our fellow residents.” While classes were held virtually throughout the summer, only since last month were OCTC classes offered in person – albeit with limited capacity of 10 participants per class.  OCTC cast of "Frozen Jr." glides along during the Christmas 2019 parade. Michael Hartman, the city’s special events coordinator and OCTC founder, told OCNJDaily.com last month that the OCTC is working hard to offer classes. He emphasized that the company follows all CDC safety guidelines. “As always, OCTC provides a safe space for performers of all ages to push their creativity and develop confidence,” Hartman noted. “We have also gone above and beyond to make sure these offerings meet CDC guidelines so that we are being smart about coming together in a COVID-19 world.” Dana Linthicum, of Ocean City, is a supporter of the OCTC and helped organize the November fundraiser. Her daughter, Kai, is very active in the theatre company. “Our whole family is looking forward to a night of great food and entertainment. But just as important, we are happy to help support the OCTC, which does so much for our community,” Linthicum said. “We really missed all of the shows this year and realize that maybe we took for granted how much they bring to our town.” Linthicum continued, “They (the OCTC Company) have provided our kids with an incredible amount of exposure to the theatre -- as ticket holders, students, cast members and campers. I hope that this is just the beginning of community initiatives to help support all that the OCTC does for Ocean City.” For questions, call 609-398-1118. To reserve a table, drop off a check made payable to OCTC via the mailbox at 1501 West Avenue and be sure to include your name and email address.