News from the official blog of The Growing Stage | The Growing Stage

The Growing Stage Theater - A Place For Family Stories

News from the official blog of The Growing Stage | The Growing Stage

By  Earline Kris

The children’s theatre of New Jersey, known affectionately as The Growing Stage Theater, has been a central part of family entertainment and creative development for many years. It is, you know, a place where young imaginations truly take flight and where audiences of all ages can experience the magic of live performances. This organization has a long history of bringing people together through the performing arts, offering a welcoming space for both those on stage and those in the seats.

For decades, this special theatre has been, like, a cornerstone in its community, consistently putting on shows that delight and inspire. It’s a spot where, as a matter of fact, stories jump off the page and come to life right before your eyes, creating memories that stick around long after the final bow. The focus here is always on performances that speak to everyone, from the littlest audience members to the grown-ups who bring them.

The commitment of The Growing Stage Theater to its community is pretty clear, offering a warm invitation to everyone who wants to experience theatre. They are, you see, a true champion of the performing arts, working to make sure that the joy of live storytelling is something everyone can share. It's a place where, honestly, every visit feels a little bit like coming home.

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What Makes The Growing Stage Theater So Special?

The Growing Stage Theater stands out because it has, you know, a very clear aim: to create and present theatre that truly brings families together. This organization is well-known for setting a very high standard in the world of children's theatre, making sure every show is something truly memorable. They are, in a way, always working to make sure that the quality of their performances is something people talk about for good reasons.

This theatre is, actually, one of a select few in the country that focuses solely on the performing arts for young audiences. Since its beginnings in 1982, it has held a unique spot in the theatre world, dedicated completely to inspiring younger generations. It's pretty cool to think about how long they have been doing this, consistently providing a space for creativity and joy for so many years, nearly four decades, you know.

The popularity of The Growing Stage Theater is pretty evident when you look at the numbers. Last season, for example, a remarkable twenty-five thousand people came through its doors, which is quite a crowd for any theatre. That kind of attendance really shows how much people appreciate what they do and how much joy their shows bring to so many families, it's almost a testament to their dedication.

The Growing Stage Theater - A Home for Young Performers

The Growing Stage Theater is currently looking for bright, young individuals to join their summer arts day camp as counselors. This is, you know, a really neat chance for college students and even high school students who have finished their sophomore year by June 2025 to get involved. It's a way for younger people to gain valuable experience while helping to shape the next generation of artists, which is pretty important.

The camp itself is under the careful guidance of Lori, who helps make sure everything runs smoothly and that the young participants have a wonderful and enriching time. This means that, basically, anyone who joins the team will be working with someone who truly cares about the development of young talent. It’s a supportive environment where, you know, aspiring theatre professionals can learn and grow.

Beyond the camp, The Growing Stage Theater has a history of nurturing young talent, offering opportunities for performers as young as ten years old. For instance, they recently held auditions for a funny courtroom play, specifically looking for younger actors. This shows their commitment to providing platforms for kids to get on stage and, you know, experience the thrill of performing, which is quite wonderful.

Who Helps The Growing Stage Theater Flourish?

Behind every successful organization, there are people with vision and dedication, and The Growing Stage Theater is no different. The individuals who lead this theatre have worked tirelessly to build it into the beloved institution it is today. They are, you see, the ones who help set the direction and make sure the theatre stays true to its mission of bringing quality performances to families. It’s a collective effort, but some key figures stand out, naturally.

The theatre’s commitment to its community is also reflected in its leadership, which strives to make the space a welcoming spot for everyone. They work to ensure that the theatre mirrors the diverse community it serves, making sure that both artists and audience members feel a sense of belonging. This means that, in a way, the theatre is always thinking about how to be more inclusive and open to all.

Stephen L. - The Vision Behind The Growing Stage Theater

Stephen L. is, as a matter of fact, the founder and executive director of The Growing Stage Theater. His vision has been instrumental in shaping the theatre's journey since its inception. He is, essentially, the driving force behind many of the theatre's achievements and its continued presence in the community, which is pretty significant.

His role involves overseeing the many aspects of running a theatre, from the creative side of putting on shows to the practicalities of managing the organization. It's a big job, to be honest, that requires a lot of passion and hard work. Stephen L. has, you know, been dedicated to this cause for a very long time, making sure that the theatre remains a cherished place for families.

Key Figure at The Growing Stage Theater
NameStephen L.
RoleFounder and Executive Director

How Does The Growing Stage Theater Bring Stories to Life?

The Growing Stage Theater is all about creating, producing, and performing works that genuinely engage audiences, especially families. They have a knack for taking beloved tales and, you know, transforming them into live stage experiences that captivate everyone who watches. This means that, basically, they put a lot of thought into selecting and developing shows that will resonate with both young and older theatre-goers.

One example of their creative approach is their musical adaptation of a well-loved holiday television special. They took this classic story and, you know, brought it to the stage with music, allowing it to soar in a whole new way. This kind of work shows their ability to take familiar narratives and give them a fresh, exciting stage presence, which is pretty cool.

Their mission also includes nurturing the performing arts through education. This means that, in addition to putting on shows, they are also committed to teaching and developing new talent. They believe that theatre is not just about entertainment but also about learning and growth, which is, you know, a pretty important aspect of their work.

The Palace Theatre - The Home of The Growing Stage Theater

The physical home of The Growing Stage Theater is the historic Palace Theatre, located at 7 Ledgewood Avenue in Netcong, New Jersey, on Route 183. This building has, you know, a story of its own, serving as a significant place for the performing arts in the region. It’s a very fitting setting for a theatre that aims to bring so much joy to its community.

Back in 1995, The Growing Stage Theater actually bought the Palace Theatre. After that, they started a big project to bring the building back to its former glory, turning it into a central spot for the performing arts in the area. This was, you know, a huge undertaking that showed their long-term commitment to having a dedicated space for their work and for the community.

The theatre is, you see, a place where history meets modern storytelling, providing a charming and comfortable setting for every performance. It’s a venue that has seen countless shows and, basically, has been a part of many people’s lives over the years. The restoration work means that it can continue to be a cherished spot for theatre for many more years to come, which is pretty neat.

What Can You Expect from The Growing Stage Theater?

When you visit The Growing Stage Theater, you can expect a truly welcoming experience, as they aim to be a home for everyone. They want to make sure that all people feel comfortable and included, whether they are performing on stage or enjoying a show from the audience. This means that, honestly, they put a lot of effort into creating an atmosphere where everyone feels like they belong.

The theatre is also very keen on reflecting the community it serves. This means that, in a way, the stories they tell and the people involved in their productions often mirror the diverse backgrounds of the people who live nearby. It’s about making sure that the theatre is a true reflection of its surroundings, which is pretty important for building strong community ties.

For those who attend regularly, season tickets offer some really good perks. You get, for example, reserved seats, which means you always have your spot waiting for you. There's also, you know, unlimited ticket flexibility at no extra cost, so if your plans change, it’s easy to adjust. Plus, there are no individual ticket fees, and season ticket holders get a twenty percent price reduction off regular ticket prices, which is quite a deal.

Making Theatre Welcoming at The Growing Stage Theater

The Growing Stage Theater strives to create an environment where everyone, from the artists who bring the stories to life to the patrons who come to watch, feels genuinely welcome. This commitment to inclusivity is, you know, a core part of their identity. They believe that theatre should be a space where all voices are heard and all people are celebrated, which is a wonderful aim.

Their dedication extends to making sure the theatre is accessible and inviting for a wide range of people. They want to make sure that the experience of going to the theatre is something enjoyable and easy for everyone. This means that, basically, they consider how to best serve all members of their community, making sure that the theatre is a truly open place.

What's Next for The Growing Stage Theater?

The Growing Stage Theater is always looking ahead, planning new seasons and new opportunities for engagement. They recently announced their forty-third season, which is, you know, a pretty remarkable milestone for any theatre organization. This upcoming season, titled "Pure...", promises to continue their tradition of bringing engaging and family-friendly performances to the stage.

As a member theatre of the Association of... (the text is incomplete here, but it suggests they are part of a larger network), they are connected to a broader community of theatre professionals. This means that, in a way, they are always learning and sharing best practices with other organizations, helping to keep their own work fresh and exciting. It's a sign that they are committed to ongoing growth and development.

The theatre continues to be a central spot for arts, culture, and humanities, relying on donations to help support its valuable work. This shows that, basically, the community plays a very important role in keeping the theatre going and helping it to thrive. Their continued presence means more chances for families to experience the magic of live performance and for young people to find their voice on stage, which is pretty special.

The Growing Stage Theater, known as the children’s theatre of New Jersey, is located in Netcong, New Jersey. It is a place that brings families together through its productions and educational programs. The theatre saw twenty-five thousand people attend last season and offers season tickets with benefits like reserved seats and discounts. Stephen L. is the founder and executive director, and Lori directs the summer arts day camp. The theatre operates out of the historic Palace Theatre, which it purchased and restored in 1995. Its mission includes nurturing performing arts through education and creating engaging works. The theatre is currently in its forty-third season and seeks to be a welcoming home for all, reflecting its community.

News from the official blog of The Growing Stage | The Growing Stage
News from the official blog of The Growing Stage | The Growing Stage

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Facility Rentals | The Growing Stage

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The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey | goNetcong
The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey | goNetcong

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