The Growing Stage, a professional member theatre of the Association of Actor's Equity, has found its new home in the historic Palace Theatre in Netcong, New Jersey. Begun eighteen years ago as a not-for-profit organization with a large force of dedicated volunteers and a small professional staff. The Growing Stage is dedicated to "nurturing the development of the performing arts through education and the creation, production and performance of works that engage the entire family." It is this mission and the corresponding work that make The Growing Stage so unique and separate from the other venues and theatrical companies in New Jersey.
The Growing Stage purchased The Palace Theatre to farther its mission and to embark on a journey to create the only Performing Arts Center in the state dedicated solely to young people and their families. Its vision goes beyond its current menu of great family-oriented productions and education programs by embracing the artistic disciplines of music, art and dance.
Based in Netcong, a working-class New Jersey community. The Growing Stage reaches out to families who might never have been exposed to live theatre, music and dance. Schools, such as El Primer Paso, a nearby Latino pre-school in Dover, are partners with us in reaching new families. And, with the theatre conveniently situated on the train line into Newark, urban students from all city-stops can easily access and participate in the programs and performances. To date, more than 100,000 people have been exposed to the wonder of the performing arts in their classrooms, gymnasiums and at our theatre.
The noted Russian teacher and director, Konstantin Stanislawsky said, "It is necessary to act for children as well as for adults, only better!" At The Growing Stage, this standard is at the core of all of its programs and will not be compromised. As an Actor's Equity theatre, our professional presentations are designed to entertain and educate the entire family.
