By Cathy Miller

Hailing from Hackettstown, Stephen Fredericks, the founder and executive director of The Growing Stage – the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, grew up with a passion for theatre and now, with his theatre comfortably ensconced in Netcong, his dream is a rock-solid reality.

Fredericks moved to New Jersey at the age of 14 and was raised in Chester.

He was involved with community theatre as a youngster alongside his father. He recalled, “The first major role that I played was probably in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” which I performed when I was in high school. I played Charlie Brown.” As he got older he began to grasp the impact theatre could have on a young life.

His childhood theatre experiences were always fun and fairly carefree. “I enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside others in putting a show together, the rehearsal process, and then, of course, performing,” he recalled.

“My Dad was a community theatre director who shared his passion for theatre with me, but I don’t think he ever had the dream to take it any further than that,” Fredericks explained. “It was a wonderful social activity for him where he built a meaningful community of friends.”

Fredericks attended Arizona State University, majoring in business management and marketing with a minor in theatre, later switching his minor to major and vice versa. His business sense and business background guided him straight out of college into the world of theatre and The Growing Stage. It’s been 41 years, and Dr. Don Doyle, his former professor, is still a mentor.

With all it has to offer, Fredericks loves living in Hackettstown, where he and his wife, Lori Lawrence, bought a house in 1995.

That’s the same year he purchased the iconic Palace Theatre, built in 1919 – a New Jersey entertainment landmark for over 50 years. Through assorted iterations and serious disrepair, it has stood strong. Fredericks was fully aware of the dire state of the Palace and he embraced the history of the facility from day one. He laughed, “You can only save one theatre at a time.”

Moving their personal belongings into their new home the same time as moving the Growing Stage from Chester to it’s new home in Netcong, was challenging to say the least.

For 12 years Fredericks served as president of the Hackettstown Foundation for Excellence, which supports teachers with funding for new initiatives beyond the school budget. He coached his three children in Hackettstown’s basketball, baseball, and softball recreation leagues. Lori pitched in as well. He enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

As for his passion, he’ll occasionally take on an acting role at The Growing Stage (particularly if there’s a need for Santa Claus), but first and foremost he’s the executive director and artistic director. He explained, “As Executive Director I’m responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s operation – fundraising, marketing, production, education, and facility. An Artistic Director is responsible for all productions, in addition to the ones I personally direct.”

Fredericks remarked, “Lori and I have worked together at the Growing Stage for a number of years. She serves as Director of Educational Programming, and she’s truly wonderful at what she does,” adding, “She’s the talented one in the family!”

Having grown along with The Growing Stage, Fredericks has plenty of memorable performances. “The FIRSTS…the first-ever Growing Stage production titled ‘The Nightingale’ at the Black River Theatre in Chester; our first performance at the Palace Theatre, ‘The Wizard of Oz,’; and our current production called ‘Maddy & Eleanor,’ which is the first show of a full five-show Main Stage season since 2018/2019.”

Some eyebrows were raised when they produced “The Miracle Worker,” “The Secret Garden,” and “Peter & The Starcatcher,” but all three performances received very positive critical reviews.

Fredericks explained the eyebrow reaction. “We often push our audience’s expectations when we break their preconceptions of what ‘theatre for young audiences’ should and can be. We have a tremendous respect for our young audience’s intelligence, empathy and imagination and we seek to encourage their personal growth through the arts.”

Always looking to contribute to the community’s vibrancy and livability,” Fredericks noted, “If the performing arts are to remain an active part in a child’s life, they must be inclusive, rather than exclusive.” The Growing Stage targets professionally produced, yet accessible and inclusive, theatrical and arts education programs.

In May 1995, Fredericks purchased the Palace Theatre on behalf of The Growing Stage for $100,000, and began the process of renovating it. On March 1, 1996, they re-opened the Palace with “The Wizard of Oz,” attracting 1,200 patrons over six performances.

In 2010, State Senators Bucco and Oroho presented Bill SJR68, officially designating The Growing Stage as the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey. It passed with unanimous support on the Senate floor in June 2011.

After a $3 million renovation/restoration project and a successful reopening, Fredericks commented, “The Palace was on the let-it-burn list of the local fire department. It’s now registered with the National, State of New Jersey, and County of Morris Registers of Historic Places.”

“The Wizard of Oz” was The Growing Stage’s first show at the Palace and the play returns every five years to commemorate the occasion. “When we produce ‘The Wizard of Oz’ we utilize the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of the 1939 MGM classic film, because that’s something families of all ages can share, connect to, and appreciate together. That said, we do tweak productions in the design elements, but we stay true to the film’s original style and structure. We like to think that we create more than a moment for families that come to The Growing Stage, we create a memory that they will share for a lifetime. For us, no piece represents that opportunity more than ‘The Wizard of Oz’,” Fredericks explained.

The Growing Stage, which attracts mainly young people from Warren, Sussex and Morris counties, is the only theatre-for-young-audiences company in the state of New Jersey that owns its own facility. The fully-restored Palace features a 240-seat theatre (with “yellow brick road” aisles, a nod to “The Wizard of Oz”). A second floor balcony/art gallery overlooking the stage. There’s also a dance studio, rehearsal space, classrooms and costuming on the second floor, along with administrative offices. The stage, box office and a modern concession area occupy the first floor.

Throughout the theatre, lovingly referred to as the Jewelbox Theatre because of its intimacy and rich colors, are lush wall murals painted by artist-in-residence Perry Arthur Kroeger, featuring many of the characters that have appeared on The Growing Stage.

Fredericks’ dream of bringing professional theatre to children and their families has sent down deep roots. “As the audience and our reputation for outstanding theatre grew, the company embarked on a journey to create the only performing arts center in the state dedicated solely to young people and their families. We provide those aspiring to act with the unique opportunity to work alongside professional adult artists,” Fredericks disclosed.

The best piece of advice Fredericks can offer youngsters exploring any aspect of the performing arts as a career is simply, “Dare to dream. Anything’s possible as long as you hold on to your dreams and convictions, and are willing to work for it.” He continued, “Also make sure you allow others to share in your dream. No one does anything meaningful by themselves.”

He’s always understood the impact of theatre arts beyond being a performer. For Stephen Fredericks, the success of a show is more rewarding than finding personal acclaim as an artist.

From initial planning to standing ovation – working with a small professional staff and dedicated group of volunteers – Fredericks explained the production process. “The path begins with choosing a season that reflects the company’s mission and provides all facets of your audience with a reason to come join us for a show. That’s followed by individual auditions to cast the show, five to six weeks of rehearsals to prepare it, about the same amount of time to design and build the lights, costumes, sets and props, and finally the performance itself. It’s a crazy way to make a living, but I guess someone has to do it,” he said with a smile.

The best advice he ever received: “To thine own self be true,” penned by “some playwright in England,” Fredericks noted with a figurative wink.

The Growing Stage’s next production, “Maddy & Eleanor” opens on February 3 and runs through February 12. Fourth grader Maddie, fed up with school-yard drama, comes home and turns to her iPhone for solace. She gets an unexpected surprise with a magical call from Eleanor Roosevelt. Call 973-347-4946 for information and tickets.

For details on the storied histories of both The Growing Stage and the Palace Theatre, visit www.growingstage.com.

The Growing Stage – the Children’s Theatre of New Jersey
The Historic Palace Theatre, 7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ 07857
Box Office: 973-347-4946          www.growingstage.com