(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Effective October 1, 2025, Renai Ellison, an executive leader, life coach and corporate and nonprofit innovator, assumes the role as Gateway Playhouse's new full-time executive director. Ellison takes the reins from Alice Woods who, for the past year, has held the position on a part-time basis.
Ellison, who holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s and a doctorate, has spent most of her career in New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York working in the television industry as an actor in commercials, corporate videos and small theater productions, developing television projects, as well as her work as a host on QVC, PBS, HGTV, and PHL17. Her recent return to her hometown of East Vineland, where she graduated from Buena Regional High School, motivated her to establish roots in South Jersey.
“I have a passion for theater and a love for performing and public speaking,” Ellison said. “Add in my combination of skills, work experience and education, and this new journey with the Gateway is a gift and an answered prayer.”
Aside from day-to-day operations, Ellison plans to concentrate on four major priorities: uncovering funding to take the Gateway to the next level; attracting donors and patrons who are unfamiliar with Gateway Playhouse; strengthening Gateway’s educational program; and enhancing diversity by continuing to draw talent from a wide array of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
“As the Gateway continues to grow and expand, our need for a full-time executive director became more and more evident. To that end, we are thrilled to have Renai Ellison fill that role,” said Katie Calvi, Gateway board president. “Her vision, leadership and passion for the arts perfectly align with Gateway Playhouse’s mission and the direction we wish to take for the future.”
The Gateway plans a welcome reception for Ellison on Friday, October 3, prior to its show Into the Woods. The reception begins at 4:30pm with light refreshments. Ticketholders to the evening’s performance at 7:00pm are invited to join Gateway as Ellison is introduced to its patrons.
“Many know that Katie’s grandfather (Paul Aiken Jr.) started Gateway Playhouse in 1976,” Ellison said. “My vision is to bring Katie’s grandfather’s legacy to complete fruition and even soar past his wildest dreams.”
Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical Into the Woods runs Thursdays to Sundays, September 26 to October 5, with 7:00pm shows Thursdays to Saturdays and 2:00pm matinees on Sundays. Tickets are $25. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point, New Jersey.
Since its reopening in 2017, Gateway Playhouse, a 501-(c)3 nonprofit, has provided quality and affordable year-round entertainment to residents and visitors alike, as well as offered educational opportunities to grammar and high school students, in the hopes of creating future generations of actors, directors and audiences. Aside from an annual mainstage season, the Gateway also produces a variety of comedy and cabaret shows throughout the year.
