Logo for the Montclair Theater Festival featuring the event name in bold white letters with a yellow background and a lemon slice graphic.

ONCE UPON A STAGE

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ONCE UPON A STAGE 〰️

Black background with gray text that reads 'PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE' at the top, and two logos below. The left logo is red with a house and figures, reading 'MONTCLAIR COOPERATIVE SCHOOL' and 'EST. 1963'. The right logo is green with a car image, reading 'PARK STREET Auto SERVICE & REPAIR', 'Trusted since 1995!', and includes a phone number and website.
Seal of Essex County, New Jersey, featuring a yellow lion on a blue background with the text 'County of Essex New Jersey' around the border.
Vanguard Theater logo with purple V shape and white text on black background.

Date: July 12, 2025 | Time: 1PM - 6PM
 Location: Glenfield Park, Montclair, NJ

Step into a day of theater magic, interactive workshops, live performances, and community fun at the Montclair Theater Festival! Presented by Vanguard Theater Company, this vibrant one-day event features family-friendly shows like Shrek the Musical and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, alongside performances from local artists, food trucks, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Whether you're a theater lover, an artist, or just looking for a fun day out with family, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Come celebrate the arts, connect with your community, and make unforgettable memories!

RSVP NOW

Scroll down for more details about performances, workshops, vendors, and more!

  • Incredible Food Trucks & Vendors

    Enjoy a variety of local food trucks serving up delicious bites, plus unique crafts and handmade treasures from local vendors.

  • Interactive Activities & Tabling

    Interactive Activities & Tabling

    Participate in hands-on workshops, creative games, and community tabling to learn about local organizations and initiatives.

  • Stunning Performances

    Watch professional productions of Shrek the Musical and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, alongside local performances showcasing Essex County’s vibrant arts scene.

Event schedule poster for Montclair Theater Festival featuring two showings: 'Run of Show' from 1:00 to 1:15 PM with performances by Tuck Everlasting at Vanguard Theater, 1776 at OffBook Productions, and Nine at Chatham Community Players. 'Education Spotlight' from 1:15 to 1:45 PM with performances of Thirteen at Stageworks, Alice by Heart at Vanguard Theater, Anything Goes at Villagers Theatre, Little Mermaid at Gas Lamp Players, Chicago at Vanguard Theater, and Grimm Tales at Studio Players. The poster has a green background with event details in black and green text.
Schedule of events at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, including excerpts from the 25/26 season Little Moon Stage, and a special feature on Shakespeare's Who's On First at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ.
Schedule listing of performances from 3:25 to 4:30 PM, including titles and theater companies, set against a green background with tree silhouettes.
Green background with trees, white rectangle in the center, containing text about a theatrical performance, and stylized title "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in elegant script.

4:30- 6:00PM

Logo for the musical 'Shrek The Musical' with black background, featuring a green ogre ear on the letter 'S' and the DreamWorks logo above the title.

Get ready for big laughs, catchy songs, and a whole lot of heart! Shrek The Musical brings the beloved animated film to life on stage, following a grumpy ogre, a wisecracking donkey, and a feisty princess on an unforgettable adventure. Packed with humor, surprises, and a powerful message about acceptance and being true to yourself, this show is fun for the whole family.

Black background with white text saying "Your Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey" and a graphic of a feather quill.

"Who Doth Inhabit the Primary Position?"

PRESENTED BY

Close-up of a smiling man with dark hair, wearing a dark blazer and light shirt, against a neutral background.

1:55- 2:10PM

David Foubert

Jay Leibowitz

Partner Showcase Performances

A celebration of New Jersey’s vibrant theater community! Throughout the day, enjoy pop-up performances from a diverse lineup of local theaters, each bringing their own unique style and storytelling to the park stage.

Become a Sponsor, Vendor, or Community Partner

The Montclair Theater Festival is a vibrant, family-friendly celebration of arts and community—right in the heart of Montclair. We’re currently welcoming sponsors, vendors, and nonprofit partners who want to connect with hundreds of attendees in a joyful, creative environment.

Whether you're a local business, artisan, food vendor, or community organization, this is a chance to share your work, build relationships, and support accessible, inclusive arts programming.

Vendor Form
Sponsor form
sponsorship info

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