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Bill

SJR 153

Designates The Growing Stage Children's Theatre of New Jersey as New Jersey State children's theatre.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Parker Space

Designates The Growing Stage as New Jersey’s official state children’s theatre to promote arts education, outreach, and New Jersey’s cultural heritage.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
#artsandcul #children #commemoratio
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Bill Summary · SJR 153

SJR 153 — Designates The Growing Stage Children's Theatre of New Jersey as New Jersey State children’s theatre

Status: Introduced in the Senate on February 20, 2025; Referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

Classification: Joint Resolution

Subject: Arts and Culture, Children, Commemoration

Purpose and intent

  • Designate The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey as the New Jersey State children’s theatre. The resolution emphasizes the theatre’s role in introducing children and families to the performing arts and its broader contribution to arts education and community engagement.

Key provisions

  1. Designation
    • The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey is officially designated the New Jersey State children’s theatre.
  2. Effective date
    • The designation takes effect immediately upon enactment (Section 2).

Background and justification (as presented in the introduced version)

  • The Growing Stage is a professional member theatre of Actors’ Equity Association, with a mission to nurture performing arts education and to create, produce, and perform works engaging the entire family.
  • The theatre is described as a national and state leader in arts education for children and families, with programs dating back to 1981.
  • It highlights extensive outreach to underserved communities to broaden access to live theatre, music, and dance.
  • Notable programming includes an homage to New Jersey titled “Tales from the Garden,” chronicling the state’s history and identity.
  • Historical notes:
    • Formerly known as The Growing Stage Theatre for Young Audiences until 2006.
    • Housed in the Palace Theatre in Netcong; the Palace Theatre is acknowledged as a historic venue saved by the theatre and now listed on national and state historic registers.
    • Since moving to the Palace Theatre, The Growing Stage reports over 100 shows, about 1,500 performances, and more than 250,000 attendees, with estimated operational budget growth from $30,000 (1982) to $700,000 (2010).
  • The statement frames the designation as recognizing the theatre’s enduring contribution to New Jersey’s cultural landscape and its inclusive community impact.

Who would be affected

  • The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey (the designated institution) would gain ceremonial recognition as the state’s designated children’s theatre.
  • The broader public and audiences across New Jersey could benefit from heightened visibility of the state’s emphasis on children’s arts education and cultural programming.
  • State tourism, cultural heritage, and arts education promotion efforts may reference the designation in outreach and programming.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Status: Referred to a Senate committee after introduction; no further actions listed in the provided text.
  • If enacted, the designation would take effect immediately per Section 2 of the bill.
  • Related legislation: AJR 169 is a companion bill.

Summary assessment

SJR 153 is a ceremonial, symbolic designation recognizing The Growing Stage as the New Jersey State children’s theatre. It highlights the theatre’s educational mission, community outreach, and historical significance, including its leadership in child and family performing arts and its role in preserving and promoting New Jersey’s cultural heritage. The bill does not authorize funding or policy changes, but it could bolster statewide promotion of children’s arts programming and tourism if enacted. Companion AJR 169 exists.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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