History
Luna Stage was founded in 1992 by Jane Mandel and became a professional theatre in 1995. For its first 18 years, the company made its home in Montclair, New Jersey, first in a small space on Walnut Street and then in a larger facility on Bloomfield Avenue.
Luna Stage believes in the transformative power of live theatre. A single performance can change a life and an institution like Luna Stage can transform a community.
Luna Stage develops and produces vibrant plays about local and global experiences. We bring communities together for artistic events that spark conversations and create understanding and change. Firmly rooted in New Jersey's Valley Arts District—a crossroads of cultures—we celebrate the diverse voices that surround us.
Luna Stage is a home for the adventurous theatre goer. Our work is resonant and responsive, sometimes daring and always challenging.
Over the course of its history, Luna Stage has contributed to the development of over 100 new works for the stage. Our world premieres have gone on to be produced in New York and across the country earning the theatre a reputation for artistic excellence.
Our classes for children and adults and our developmental programs for early career artists inspire our community members to nurture their own creativity and vision.
Our unique approach to producing and our work itself fosters an environment of inclusivity, understanding, and infinite possibility.
Our Name
People all over the world can see the moon - it is a constant reminder that all humanity is connected on this earth. The name Luna Stage was created during the rehearsal process for the very first show ever produced at the theatre, IN THE NAME OF THE WOMAN. Under the guidance of then Artistic Director Jane Mandel, a collective of artists decided to delve into the history of women and began studying ancient matriarchal cultures. They discovered that the moon was an important creative symbol all over the world, time and again, in every culture, appearing in sculpture, paintings and writings. 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!
Our Funders
Luna Stage is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and a Senior Member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. Luna Stage gratefully acknowledges the support of The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, HANDS, Inc., The JP Morgan Chase Foundation,The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State/A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, CityScience, The Whitehill Foundation, Lawrence Kantor, Inc., The Provident Bank Foundation, PNC Financial Services, Man With a Van, Inc., The Puffin Foundation, and The Dramatists Guild 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.