hot. strong. unfiltered. like a g̶o̶o̶d̶ decent cuppa coffee!

A little over a year ago, writer/creator Ellis stumbled back upon a collection of bright, upbeat blog posts she'd written during a contrastingly numb, depressive semester abroad. Healing from heartbreak and addressing mental illness had, at the time, felt incredibly isolating and lonely. But since opening up and in return hearing similar stories from truly resilient, sincere individuals, she realized the universality, optimism, and - what a concept! - comedy in the universal experience. Being a human is hard as hell, and hiding that reality on Instagram (or LinkedIn, or Tinder, or KinkedIn, a patent-pending hybrid devised by Yael, a character inThe Only Coffee Shop's characters) is even frickin' harder.

Ellis then wrote a thesis on millennial cynicism as a coping mechanism, along with exploring television format and style in theatre and vise versa, and now considers herself totally equipped to create contemporary meta-dramedic (drama + comedy) satire. Or at the least, she'll critique, defend, and analyze modern audiences and this generation until it's overtaken by the next one. 

We produced this piece originally as a stage play in December 2018. Rehearsals oscillated between improv comedy and emotional sharing sessions. Reception from the public was encouraging and affirmative. Many folks said something along the lines of: "I wish this were a Netflix show, so I could watch it whenever I need it."  

So that's what we're doing! Giving the people what they want and need. Love and laughter with this initially zero-budget limited series: high in caffeine, low in self-esteem, and ultimately maturing, empowering, and surreally real.

The Only Coffee Shop in the City is also making its NYC premiere October 2019 at the Hudson Guild Theatre as part of NY Theatre Fest. 

(below: the original cast and crew of The Only Coffee Shop stage play)

(above: the original cast and crew of The Only Coffee Shop stage play)

collaborative team of pals

Here in our imaginative little metaphorical coffee shop, we see the potential in working together towards this common vision. We think it's honestly rare to find someone who cares about and/or is good at only one single thing, and artists and creators especially love experimenting with mediums and roles.

So this is kinda an all hands on deck operation! Everyone offers a range of skills and thoughts across the board.

**Stage Production Team** 

Bios and headshots, and cast, will be included soon.

Director & Producer: Ellis Stump

Assistant Directors: Tyquan Stevens & Lauren Spinabelli

Stage Manager: Taiwo Aloba

Public Relations: Emily Hulbert

Set Design: Ryan McCloy

Music Director: Nick Karafellis 

**Web Series Team** 

We all act in the series, and also help with filming here, directing there, whipping up snacks on set, discussing the critical dramaturgy, contributing to wardrobe, selecting original soundtrack songs by our musical friends, etc. We all go to Penn State, are involved with theatre, film, and media extracurriculars on campus, and genuinely like each other. 

Ellis Stump is an award-winning writer, performer, director, and producer of dramedic, feminist, activist stories for stage and screen. She graduated this May from Schreyer Honors College with majors in English and Media Studies (Film), minors in Gender Studies, Psychology, and Theatre, and two fellowships including the inaugural Donald P. Bellisario's. She is currently a full-time screenwriter at Inkitt Galatea, headquartered in Berlin (one of three cities she studied abroad), freelancing, and preparing to attend Pace University in NYC for her Dramatic Writing MFA this fall. Additionally, Ellis dabbles in affordable solo world travel and quirky, self-deprecating visual art.

insta: @ellis_liketheisland // twitter: @_liketheisland 

production roles: Co-Producer, Director 

Rachel Rosinger is by no means a cinematographer,  but she’s very excited to take on the challenge of trying out a new role in production. She is a caffeine addict who is currently finishing up her senior year as a film major hoping to pursue a career in screenwriting/directing and acting. Rachel could not be more excited to reprise her role as Rowan and to help bring this wonderful piece of theatre to the screen. 

production roles: Co-Producer, Director of Photography  

Hannah Kelly  is an Art History major. She is primarily a Weird Horse Girl™️ but dabbles in theatre from time to time.

production roles: Assistant Producer, Assistant Director 

Emily Hulbert is extremely excited to be working on Coffee Shop both acting in the production and behind the scenes. She is a rising senior majoring in Communications who hopes to continue acting after college.

production roles: Assistant Producer, Public Relations 

Elijah Armstrong  is an Education and Public Policy major graduating and attending Harvard for his Masters this fall. He is a captain falcon player in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and is eagerly anticipating the release of Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 this July. Watch his TEDx Talk on "Conquering Discrimination and Inequality in Education."

what do THE PEOPLE say?

If you're into group think, then you're in luck. Invest in, or simply b̶i̶n̶g̶e̶ watch, The Only Coffee Shop in the City, and prepare to join the cool kids table.

Written reviews from various students, professors, audience members:

"A tome/poem to the writing gods, and I enjoyed every minute of it! These unique and extraordinary characters as they process their unique and extraordinary lives. This is tremendous work. Truly."

"I truly loved your play. I relate to it so much. I felt incredibly connected to the protagonist, be it in her awful cynical comments, her imagined scenes of conversations turning into jazz numbers, her dealings with grief, etc. I wish you could turn this into a movie so I could deliberately seek it out and watch it at my will when I need a good caricature of my life to reflect upon. God bless your artistry, seriously."

"How beautiful and empowering and emotionally rich your play is. It’s been a few days and I’m still thinking about it. It was incredibly well done, the cast was impeccable and you are so so talented!" ​

"I hope you'll keep me on your mailing list. I want to be there when you and your act go nationwide."

"Very, very well constructed and cleverly written. You all have done a nice job." ​

"Refreshingly honest conversations involving mental health, independence, relationships, and grieving in a society dominated by social media dominate. Realistic characters that portray the awkwardness experienced in everyday life. Even the side characters show depth and affect the plot in surprising ways." - Onward State article

annnnd here's where you come in, my dudes! ​

Making money is not the mission, as perhaps clear from most of our career aspirations. Sharing the themes and ~relatable content~ within this story is our primary wish. Also, we're nearly finished with production, proving we can create art without cash (we're quite thrifty b*tches). We just need your help to distribute it. 

Here's the legit breakdown of where your pennies may go: 

• Food and water on set - nothing bougie, just basic sustenance 
• Support to our generous locations - all local, very giving places that sincerely aid the Penn State and State College communities 
• As aforementioned, promotion and dispersion - we'd love to submit to some festivals!

All that said, your generous contributions can make important art happen. After all, haven't you always dreamed of being a PRODUCER? No? Okay never mind then. 

bangin' perks!!

Go check out the PERKS, baby, among them: "a good morning dog pic of your favorite breed" or "a sketch of you" or "personalized Instagram shoutout" both by a "character of your choice," as well as the opportunity to play a background role in the show or have your name in the credits!

*** After donating, send your e-mail, phone number, or preferred contact info to THEellisstump@gmail.com so we can get you a frickin' puppy pic.***

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your support, from the bottom of our hearts! 

Love,

The Only Coffee Shop team <3