Fredericks remains chairman of NJ Theatre Alliance

Press release follows regarding Steve Fredericks elected to a 10th term as chairman of the NJ Theatre Alliance.

A lot of regular theatergoers, particularly those without children, have never been to Steve's charming Palace Theatre (yet another one of NJ's wonderful old vaudeville theaters, on the shore of Lake Musconetcong), but Steve's a good guy, his company does great work and they are one of the state's success stories.

As the state's only professional theater dedicated to children's programming, they stick mostly to the Sleeping Beauties, Cinderellas and Junie Jones type of fare. But every once in a while, they cross over to more dramatic works (last year's "A Midnight Cry," about slavery and the underground railroad, was a gem). Fredericks and another director, Perry Arthur Kroeger, also stage delightfully original adaptations of familiar fairy tales, full of surprises and updated humor. Kroeger's are often seriously cracked, containing some seriously warped humor and stuff the parents will get, but still won't warp the children.

They also have a strong company of Equity pros (Lea Antolini Lid and David Spellman are the most consistent of several regulars) who work well with the local kids (and some talented amateur adults) who fill out the casts. The kids, by the way, often will surprise you with their ability to carry a show.

More importantly, they pack 'em in, fulfilling their mission of luring a theater-ignoring generation into the theater. A lot of other theaters repeatedly fail at this task, despite their best efforts. So it's good to have Fredericks in a position of leadership as the theater world struggles to adapt to a world overloaded with competition for our attention and disposable income.

So hats off to Steve. I hope he's getting some rest while the summer is dark and his director of Education, Lori B. Lawrence, heads the summer camps and classes.

Read on, folks.

Fredericks elected to 10th term as Chairman of NJ Theatre Alliance
Netcong, NJ -- Stephen L. Fredericks, founder and Executive Director of The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, Netcong, NJ, has been elected to his tenth consecutive term as Chairman of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
Founded in 1981, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance is the only statewide service organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States and is viewed by New Jersey's arts community and its colleagues nationwide as a leader in developing model programs which foster collaboration, cooperation and audience development.
The New Jersey Theatre Alliance exists to promote and develop professional theatre in the Garden State by providing programming that fosters a collaborative environment amongst the state's not-for-profit, professional theatre companies. NTA supports and encourages professional theatre arts activity, arts education, artistic presentations and other programs designed to increase public access and exposure to, interest in, and understanding of the art of theatre.
According to NJTA Executive Director John McEwen, during Fredericks’ leadership over the past ten years NJTA membership has increased and they launched a number of new programs including NJArtsTix.com., the nation’s first state-wide discount ticketing program for the performing arts.
"All of us at NJTA value the time Steve has devoted to our organization and the guidance he has provided to our membership," McEwen said.
Fredericks founded The Growing Stage, located in the Historic Palace Theatre in Netcong, NJ, 26 years ago to nurture the development of the performing arts through education, and to create, produce, and perform works that engage the entire family. Seeking to be a model of excellence in theatre for young audiences The Growing Stage strives to develop new initiatives through the arts, on both the stage and in the classroom, which will enhance and benefit the lives of young people across the state.
Founded in 1981, The Growing Stage is a not-for-profit thriving center for the performing arts that engages a community of professional equity actors and artists, community players, students, teachers and families who share in the wonder and enriching environment of theatre. As the only theatre solely dedicated to young audiences in New Jersey that owns its own facility, The Growing Stage offers children throughout the state performances on their Main Stage as well as an extensive educational program.
The Growing Stage 26th annual Main Stage season opens Sept. 28 with The Dinosaur Musical. For tickets and information, call 973-347-4946 or go on-line to www.growingstage.com.