Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman AURA K. DUNN
District 25 (Morris and Somerset)
SYNOPSIS
Designates The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey as New Jersey State children’s theatre.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey as the New Jersey State children’s theatre.
Whereas, The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is a professional member theatre of the Actors’ Equity Association whose mission it is to nurture the development of the performing arts through education, and to create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family; and
Whereas, The Growing Stage has been widely recognized as a leader in the State and nationally in educating and introducing children and families to the performing arts; and
Whereas, Since 1981, The Growing Stage has developed programs and inspired the State’s children to create, explore and share their natural gifts of creativity and expression; and
Whereas, The Growing Stage actively reaches out to communities underserved in the arts and introduces people to live theatre, music and dance who might otherwise never have experienced the performing arts; and
Whereas, The Growing Stage produces an homage to the State entitled “Tales from the Garden” which is a journey through the rich history of "The Garden State," from its original settlers to its many legends, as well as some of the more unique roles New Jersey has played in American History; and
Whereas, The theatre was formerly known as The Growing Stage Theatre for Young Audiences until its 25th anniversary in 2006 when the theatre changed its name to The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey; and
Whereas, The Growing Stage is currently housed in the historic Palace Theatre in the town of Netcong, which after an illustrious history as an entertainment center was in danger of losing its artistic role in the community, until it was saved by The Growing Stage in 1994 and after countless volunteer hours and over one million dollars was raised and invested into the project; and
Whereas, The Palace Theatre, which is home to The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, is now on both the national and State Register of Historic Places and has reassumed its role as a performing arts center in the region; and
Whereas, Since moving to the Palace Theatre, The Growing Stage has produced over 100 shows with 1,500 performances, entertained over 250,000 people, and conservatively expanded its operational budget from $30,000 a year in 1982 to $700,000 in 2010; now, therefore,
Be It
Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:
1. The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is designated the New Jersey State children’s theatre.
2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution would designate The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey as the New Jersey State children’s theatre. The Growing Stage plays a unique role in the State by introducing children and families to the performing arts. The theatre has had a long history of enriching the community by presenting to thousands of people a variety of productions. The theatre actively engages communities of all economic and social backgrounds to be a part of the performing arts.