Ensemble Theatre Company (ETC) of Santa Barbara has added two plays, “Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” by Richard Hellesen, directed by Peter Ellenstein; and “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck and directed by Matt Hawkins.

An actress, wearing a coral colored jacket, stands in front of a podium with an American flag in the background in a scene from 'What the Constitution Means to Me.' (Courtesy photo)
‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ plays Aug. 15-18 at The New Vic in Santa Barbara. (Courtesy photo)

Both shows are being presented outside ETC’s five-play season. The productions offer insights into American life and governance, encouraging audiences to reflect on the past and consider the future.

Individual and group tickets are on sale now through the company’s ticket office and website.

“These powerful – and timely – performances truly resonated with me, and not just my artistic side,” said Scott DeVine, ETC’s executive director. “Having received my undergraduate degree in political science, I’m a firm believer that the lessons of our past are destined to be repeated if we do not share them with future generations.

“These special productions deliver on ETC’s mission to share theatrical events that entertain, educate, provoke thought, ignite imagination, and encourage conversation.

“I believe our diverse audience will find them to be thought provoking, historically accurate, creative renditions of our collective history at a time when being familiar with and discussing our past is essential.”

“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” explores one of America’s most influential leaders and offers a reminder of the resilience and vision required to lead a nation, ETC said.

The one-man show delves into the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, offering an intimate portrayal of the man behind the presidency.

The production features Tony Award winner John Rubinstein (“Pippin,” “Children of a Lesser God”) in A New Los Angeles Repertory Company production.

“Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground” runs July 11-14 at The New Vic Theatre.

Next up is the University of Notre Dame Production of the Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist play “What the Constitution Means to Me,” starring Stacy Stoltz and Paul Fagen, and featuring a local student debater.

“What the Constitution Means to Me” is a deeply personal and timely piece recounting Schreck’s teenage years participating in constitutional debate competitions, ETC said. The production examines the profound ways the U.S. Constitution shapes our lives.

“This play is part memoir and part societal commentary, blending personal reflection and historical facts to deliver a powerful reflection of America,” said DeVine. “‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ is an important play for all Americans to see, it is universal, no matter our differences.

“It will have you thinking about the foundation and the future of our democracy and I hope inspiring conversation within our theater and our community.”

“What the Constitution Means to Me” plays at The New Vic Aug. 15-18.

Every seat for the run of “What the Constitution Means to Me” is priced at $30, and anyone under 18 can get a free ticket. The special pricing is made possible thanks to producers Susan Lichtenstein and John Rokacz, and supporting producer Paula Bruice.

Single tickets for both shows are available through the ETC box office, 805-965-5400, or online at etcsb.org. Prices subject to change.