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Causes: Arts & Culture, Performing Arts Centers, Performing Arts Schools, Theater
Mission: To nurture the development of the performing arts through education, and to create, produce and perform works that engage the entire family. The Growing Stage is committed to the ideal that if the performing arts are to remain an active part in the life of a child they must be inclusive, rather than exclusive. To that end, programming provided by TGS is as affordable as possible without detracting from the professional artistic we strive to create.
Results: The Growing Stage is the only theatre-for-young-audiences company in the state that owns its own facility, and our restoration of the Palace Theatre, $3+ million effort that began in 1995, has been a catalyst in the revitalization of the working-class community of Netcong. Our theatrical and arts education programs—all of which are professionally produced yet presented in an accessible, inclusive manner—give young people a unique opportunity to participate in the performing arts and reap the life-enhancing benefits of that participation. Located in Morris County, The Growing Stage engages families and young people of all abilities from throughout northern New Jersey. Our active mailing list of more than 9,500 families of diverse socio-economic status from Morris, Warren, Sussex, Bergen, Somerset, Hunterdon, Essex, Passaic, Union, and Mercer Counties. Our web patron list that includes social media and email marketing has an active list of 4,500 patrons. Since our 1982 founding, over 500,000 patrons have experienced the wonder of the performing arts through participation in our programs.
Target demographics: To bring the professional performing arts to young people and their families.
Direct beneficiaries per year: Last year we impacted the lives of over 15,000 young people through the performing arts.
Geographic areas served: New Jersey serving the northern part of our state from Hudson County to Sussex County.
Programs: As a professional theatre member of the Association of Actor's Equity we provide young people and their families with a unique opportunity to play, learn and grow through our Main Stage and Studio Series offerings;our Creative Arts Academy and Summer Arts Day Camp; as well as our school programming and special event concerts that happen throughout the year.