One Night Speakeasy at Elmwood’s 2025 Gala

On August 2nd, step just off of main street to the newest speakeasy in town – at least, for the night. The beloved local theater will be transforming its multiple studios and main stage into a glittering 1920s immersive experience for guests. 

For most patrons, the stage and lobby is all they get to see. This time, however, guests will not be in their preassigned seats quietly watching performers and instead be invited to explore the secrets of the historical playhouse.

With a nearly 30 year background in acting, Rachel Schulte, the head planner of the gala, comes well equipped to create a night with the spectacle and joy of theater as the foundation. Taking a moment away from the rigors of planning, Schulte sat down with the RCT to divulge a few sneak peeks into the night. 

The decor for the evening will utilize Elmwood’s deep stores of set pieces, props and historical items to transport patrons to a more pre-21st Amendment kind of world. 

The mainstage area will plunge guests into prohibition days of old, with an open bar supplying all the giggle water a bootlegger could desire. With a live jazz band flapper favorites, guests will be hard pressed to keep from busting out their best Charleston. Those searching for something more exclusive may find themselves slipping downstairs for a pick-your-own-adventure style performance. Fancy a peek into your future? Door 1 leads you to an all-seeing tarot reader. Something a bit more sultry? Burlesque performers are secreted away just next door. Down the hall, guests may find a more relaxed lounge to take a break from it all.  

The gala is a yearly event put on as a way to assist Elmwood with their next-level productions. “It’s a really exciting way to get people who maybe aren’t as familiar with the theater involved and really show them what Elmwood does and what they can do,” said Schulte. “It’s one of the reasons that having the gala at the theater is so cool; you get to really see where you’re investing your time and maybe even your money in.”

Guests are encouraged by Schulte to lean into the speakeasy theme.“Have fun with it,” she said. “Let yourself be inspired by the theme and do with it what you will.”

Even though she is not a resident of Rockland herself, the local playhouse is what drew Schulte to the area and to planning this year’s gala. “I think [Elmwood] is a really special place, and hopefully that love shows through in the gala itself,” shared Schulte. “Elmwood is probably the warmest, most inviting, kindest theater environment that I’ve ever found myself in,” With intimate performances and plenty of space to mingle, the event promises to be one fit for theater lovers and the theater curious alike. Schulte agreed – “If there was ever a time to dip your toes into the waters of community theater, I’d say this is it.”

Tickets for the gala or inquiries about sponsorship can be done at elmwoodplayhouse.com or by calling 845-353-1313.