The New Jersey Historic Trust and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts announced the FY23 Capital Arts – Historic Locations grant award recipients, which includes The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey. This grant opportunity prioritized project proposals that will be used to halt and remediate the physical deterioration of historic locations. There were 13 grants awarded totaling more than $2.6 million, with a maximum award of $250,000.
Executive Director, Steve Fredericks states, “This award provides The Growing Stage with a much-needed, energy efficient upgrade to its lighting system. The lighting system, which we hope to be installed prior to our first production of the season, THE HARDY BOYS – MYSTERY OF THE HAUNTED HOUSE includes ETC ColorSource equipment, which will allow for the advantage of additive LED color-mixing resulting in rich colors and vibrant whites. The benefits of this retrofit includes better energy efficiency, benefiting the environment, and improved lighting quality which will enhance production quality and as a result, our patron’s experience at our theatre.”
The theatre has been investing in upgrading its technical production values over the past five years. Over that time, we have purchased a new ETC dimmer pack, lightboard, and restored the fly system capability of the Palace Theatre through a $350,000 project completed in September 2021.
We have selected the New Jersey firm, PRG, based in Secaucus, NJ which has 30 years’ experience in lighting installations. Made in the USA, the ETC line is renowned for its quality, durability and reliability. It is also known for its technical support and ease of use. This is a vital component since the Growing Stage provides young people the opportunity for hands-on learning in technical theatre and design.
The Growing Stage appreciates the funding received by the NJSCA, the New Jersey Historic Trust and the 22nd, 24th and 25th NJ Legislative Districts for their ongoing support.
Fredericks continues to state, “This is a pivotal investment for TGS and our patrons. This improvement to our lighting system demonstrates our ongoing respect and dedication to our young audiences and our craft. Our children deserve the same quality and professionalism that is expected by the adult patron, and we are committed to providing it in all of our programming.”
