School-day-tailored Main Stage shows, lesson plans and more
All TGS educational programming supports NJ and National core-curriculum guidelines and standards.
Field Trip Matinees
Field trips feature main stage productions that have been tailored to meet the tight constraints of a school day. A post-show Q&A session with the professional artistic team and activity guides will be provided for your students.
TM & © Hidden Pigeon, LLC
The Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!
December 4-20, 2026
Written by Mo Willems & Adam Tobin
Composer Deborah Wicks La Puma
Family/Pre-K to 3 rd Grade
When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in search of the greatest gift ever? Terrific tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs!
Tales From the Great Swamp
Playwright & Director: Stephen L. Fredericks
Puppet Design: Robert Cutler
Puppet Construction: Atticus Stevenson
In the heart of the Great Swamp, the hum that resonates through the woods, hinting at a deeper connection to nature, has suddenly stopped. Among the vibrant life forms that typically stir in the spring vernal pools, three seemingly insignificant creatures emerge: Mack, the Spring Peeper Frog; Dobs, an Eastern Dobson Fly; and Blu, the rare Blue Spotted Salamander.
Together, the trio embarks to seek the guidance of the four elemental guardians inspired by the Lenapé Creation Story. This transformative journey reminds us of the vital importance of environmental stewardship, and that even the smallest creatures can have an impact on our world’s future.
Tales From the Garden
Playwright & Director: Stephen L. Fredericks
Tales From the Garden is a fun-filled 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. During the course of the show, each actor takes on several different roles to make the history, folk tales and legends of New Jersey come to life.
TIGGER! A New Musical
May 7-23, 2027
Based on the book, “The House at Pooh corner” by A.A. Milne
Book & Lyrics by Janet Stanford
Music & Additional Lyrics by Deborah Wicks La Puma
The Hundred Acre Wood enjoys a time of general calm. Everyone knows their place and function in the group and is satisfied with how things are. Christopher Robin is absent in mornings because he’s off being taught his Three R’s although none of his friends can really grasp what this entails. Kanga and Roo, once newcomers themselves, are now established members of the community. Rabbit continues to be bossy organizing search parties and people while Pooh and Piglet are their usual selves, being pulled into other adventures or playing Poohsticks in which they race to see whose stick goes first in the water under the bridge. Eeyore continues sad and under-appreciated. Everyone is content in their roles, that is until the unexpected arrival of a Tigger! TIGGER the Musical is a delightful musical tale about learning how to accept and appreciate newcomers to our community.
Touring & Resident Company
Beyond our Main Stage Matinees, The Growing Stage offers unique resources for educational enrichment through our touring and resident companies.
Fulfilling our mission of nurturing the performing arts through education, we have had the privilege of performing for schools throughout New Jersey.
In addition, The Growing Stage is on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts approved roster of Artist Residency Companies.
