Cornerstone Theatre Arts announces new artistic director

Evelyn Albino will soon be the new artistic director of Cornerstone Theatre Arts, a nonprofit based in Goshen.

"The timing is right, and Evelyn is the right person for the job," said Ken Tschan, Cornerstone's founder and current artistic director, in a statement. "I approached her about a year ago and we’ve been working toward this transition ever since.”

Albino will begin the job on Sept. 15.

Tschan said he will remain very much on the scene, filling a brand-new role of director of theater education and outreach.

Albino has been with Cornerstone since 2012 as an actress, director, promoter, and manager of the box office. She has also spearheaded several special projects.

“I feel as if every position I have held in my professional life and every theater project I have taken up to this point in my life has prepared me for this new and exciting role,” Albino said. “It will be my great honor to continue the work that Ken started some 20 plus years ago."

As for Tschan, his sights are set.

“The best way, I feel, for our company to grow as an entity is for each individual to grow as a theater artist," he said. "That then speaks to new projects that will excite and challenge both the artists and our audiences. I’m looking to produce more Shakespeare and I’m looking to provide more theater workshops,” pointing to acting, directing, playwriting, and technical elements of the drama.

Such activity will begin in September and October. So the next main stage production will be "Twelve Angry Men," directed by B.J. Boothe in November. The One-Acts, originally scheduled for September, are being work-shopped and honed for future production.

Albino earned a bachelor of fine arts in acting from New York University. She has performed and directed all throughout the Hudson Valley Region.

Tschan has a master's in theater studies from Regent University and is currently completing the M.F.A. Program with Regent. He has also performed and directed, and taught extensively throughout the region. Together, the two are eager to take Cornerstone Theatre Arts into the 2020’s.

Board members Joe Betro, Drew Smith, Craig Calzaretta, and Mal Stewart will be meeting soon to finalize the business details of this dynamic transition.

Cornerstone Theatre Arts is located at 223 Main St. in Goshen. For more information call 820-3352 or visit CTA on Facebook.