The Northeastern Theatre Ensemble was founded by Zeve Ben Tov in 1992, and produced eight seasons at The Scranton Cultural Center. In the fall of 2000, the Theatre changed its name to The Northeast Theatre and moved to Keystone College where it produced four and a half seasons. In September 2001, David Zarko became producing artistic director, bringing with him 13 seasons of experience as a theatre administrator and 23 years as a professional director.

In March 2005, TNT returned to Scranton for its series of new radio plays, Lackawanna Rails: 100 Years of Life in the Anthracite Valley, which it presented in Kreitler Hall at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. In May 2005, it took up residency on the second floor of the old Hotel Jermyn. On July 7, 2008, the organzation became known as Electric Theatre Company, a name that reflects both Scranton's nickname and heritage, and the resident artistic company's theatrical goal.

The Theatre's season has grown from three mainstage plays in 2001-02 to eight in 2008-09. Griffin Conservatory offers early career actors professional training and apprenticeships at a reasonable price. The Play's the Thing distributes free tickets for mainstage shows to high school students, and supplies carefully researched online study guides. In Bocca al Lupo offers a study abroad opportunity in the Lazio and Umbria regions of central Italy in conjunction with Teatro Boni of Acquapendente and Lingua Si of Orvieto.

Electric Theatre Company is the only theatre between Philadelphia and Ithaca, NY operating under a seasonal contract with Actors' Equity. Between 80% and 100% of the actors in any given show are union members. Five out of six directors each season are members of The Society of Stage Director and Choreographers. Designers are working professionals or professors of theatrical design from all over the country. ETC also enjoys the services of three full-time and three part-time paid staff. These are aided by a core of volunteers.

A significant contributor to downtown revitalization, the Theatre has attracted over 15,000 people to more than 350 performances since moving back to Downtown Scranton in March 2005 .