Outpost in the Burbs is a nonprofit organization that provides music and cultural programs for the community. The organization's programming operates out of three different venues -- the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, Montclair High School and the First Congregational Church. Since its inception, Outpost in Burbs has produced hundreds of folk performances by well-known artists. In addition, it also works on service projects with various charitable organizations, including Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, Dress for Success and local food banks. A full list of events, service projects and performances is available on its website.
Operating since 1937, Studio Players is a non-profit theatre company. The company puts on a variety of shows, including musicals, original plays, hit plays and the "Magic Trunk" series, a series of shows geared towards children and families. Auditions are open to the public, and those interested in helping with costumes and set design are welcome to join, too.
Founded in 1922, The Wellmont Theatre is a theatrical and music venue located on Seymour Street in downtown Montclair. Originally featuring only live preformances, Wellmont began screening movies in 1929. In 2008, the theatre underwent a $3 million renovation and now hosts regularly scheduled live entertainment events from world renowned performers.
Alexander Kasser Theater is a performing arts facility owned and operated by Montclair State University. The 53,000 square-foot facility features a 4,600 square-foot lobby area with a gallery space that can accomodate up to 500 people for receptions. The auditorium itself has a 500-seat capacity, an oversized stage and an orchestra pit, and is fully-equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
Founded in 2002, Jazz House Kids is a community-based, non-profit organization offering year-round musical, educational and cultural programs for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The program's staff of established jazz musicians provides instrument and vocal instruction, emphasizing fun, diversity, fundamentals, creativity and music appreciation. For information about program admission and scheduling, visit the Jazz House Kids website.
Essex Youth Theater is a theater arts school for ages 4 - 11. This group offers small classes and uses custom-written scripts so that each child receives a part and individual attention. The school has a full musical production at the end of each semester. A summer day camp is also available. The classes are held at the Studio Playhouse on Alvin Place.
Church Street Guitar Studio provides one-on-one guitar instruction to students. The studio is owned and operated by Ivan Max, a musician with more than 20 years' experience. Classes are offered daily in a relaxed environment with low-pressure instruction at the student's pace. Max is also a professional flamenco musician who is available to perform at private events in the tri-state area.
Founded in 1925, the Monclair Operetta Club (MOC) is the oldest theatrical community organization in the area. It produces opera and musicals including such productions as "Rent", "Ragtime", "The Sound of Music", "Titanic--The Musical", "Into the Woods" and "The Wizard of Oz." There are four annual concerts attended by 3,000 people.
Outpost in the Burbs is a unique nonprofit organization. It is dedicated to building and supporting the community through music, community service and cultural programs. Staffed by more than 100 volunteers, the organization hosts live concerts Friday nights throughout the fall, winter and spring. It donates its time and resources to local food banks and charitable initiatives, like Toys for Tots and Habitat for Humanity. It regularly hosts community activities, and updated concert and event schedules are available on the organization's website. It always welcomes support in the form of donations and volunteers.
