About Us
Luna Stage was founded in 1992 by Jane Mandel, Artistic Director, and became an Equity Theater in 1995. For 18 years, the company made its home in Montclair, New Jersey, first in a small space on Walnut Street and then moving into a larger facility on Bloomfield Avenue. In the fall of 2010, Luna Stage moved to West Orange and opened its inaugural season at our new home at 555 Valley Road, right in the heart of the Valley Arts District.
Luna Stage has always believed strongly in the power of the arts to bring vitality and enrichment to communities. So, the company is very proud and excited to be part of a dynamic movement of revitalization and community engagement. Our brand new theatre is easily accessible by car or rail from all points in New Jersey and NYC. The facility features a 99-seat black box theatre, a 40-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal studio, art gallery and administrative offices, and has been specially designed to meet the needs of Luna Stage and its audiences.
Our Mission
The mission of Luna Stage is to produce thought-provoking theatre that gives voice to emerging American playwrights and re-examines contemporary and classic plays that speak to our times. As producer, educator and innovator, Luna Stage is committed to collaborating with artists of multiple disciplines and partnering with our community to illuminate the diverse perspectives of our society.
Our Name
The name LUNA STAGE was created during the research and rehearsal process for the very first show ever produced at the theatre, IN THE NAME OF THE WOMAN. Under the guidance of Artistic Director Jane Mandel, the original collective of artists decided to delve into the history of women and began studying the ancient matriarchal cultures. Through their research, they discovered that the moon was an important symbol all over the world for women. Time and again, in every culture, the moon appears in sculpture, paintings, writings and so many other ways. It is a powerful creative symbol. When trying to come up with a name for the nascent company, someone mentioned the word Luna and it just resonated. Luna Stage was born. Everyone in the world can see the moon—its gentle rhythm is always there to keep us in touch with nature and to remind us that all humanity is connected on this earth.
Our Funders
Luna Stage is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation and a full member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.
Luna Stage gratefully acknowledges the support of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, HANDS, Inc., The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State/A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Horizon Foundation of New Jersey, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, The Whitehill Foundation, and The Shubert Foundation.
Accessibility Statement
Luna Stage follows the regulations outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Call our offices at 973-395-5551 for information about architectural access and to arrange for assistive listening devices, large print or any other requested accommodations.
