Star Royale Theatre: A Brief History
Welcome to Star Royale Theatre, your gateway to an extraordinary summer camp experience! Long before the era of Glee and American Idol, our small regional community-based theater in Pompton Lakes ignited the spark of passion for theater in countless young individuals. We've been dedicated to nurturing the imaginative, creative, and performing arts talents of budding stars since 2001 under the original company name of Smiling Rhino Theatre.
At Star Royale Theatre's Stars of Stage Summer Camp Experiences, we believe in empowering young minds and fostering their artistic growth. Our exceptional faculty comprises seasoned professionals who deeply care about our campers, recognizing them as unique individuals and future leaders. Whether their aspirations lie on the stage or in other areas, we guide and support them every step of the way.
Experience a summer like no other as you embark on a thrilling and enchanting journey at Star Royale Theatre. With each passing year, we introduce brand-new, innovative, and forward-thinking camps, tailored to unleash the full potential of our campers. It's not simply about meeting Broadway stars; it's about becoming the next generation of Broadway stars.
Join us as we delve into the captivating history of Star Royale Theatre, tracing its humble beginnings and remarkable growth. Discover how our theater has become a beacon of inspiration for young talents, igniting their dreams and setting them on a path towards theatrical greatness.
Embrace the legacy, unlock your potential, and shine like a star at Star Royale Theatre – the ultimate destination for aspiring performers and lovers of the arts. Stay tuned as we unveil the enthralling tale of our theater's journey from its inception to the present day.
History & Overview
Originally known as the Colonial Theater, this iconic establishment has been a cherished cultural landmark since its doors first opened in 1913. Initially, it dazzled audiences with its enchanting vaudeville performances, bringing joy and entertainment to the community.
As the years rolled by, the theater underwent a transformation in the 1980s, evolving into a duplex movie theater. This expansion brought a fresh cinematic experience to Pompton Lakes, as the theater now housed two screens, enabling movie enthusiasts to indulge in a wider range of film offerings. For over a decade, the Colonial Theater thrived as a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, providing a haven for movie lovers to immerse themselves in captivating stories. We even happened across a YouTube channel featuring a series of short videos from former employees of The Colonia Theater that you can watch HERE.
The Early Years
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Beyond our thrilling summer camp programs, we offer a plethora of exciting workshops and enrichment programs that cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of our aspiring performers. We are proud to announce our partnership with Actors Technique New York (ATNY), renowned for their expertise in developing acting skills. Through this collaboration, participants have the extraordinary opportunity to work closely with Broadway producers involved in the current revival of the iconic "Sweeney Todd" and the smash-hit sensation "Hamilton." This summer, we are thrilled to unveil our Hamilton Immersive Camp, where campers will engage with Broadway professionals, delving into the world of this groundbreaking musical. Additionally, we provide workshops in visual arts, focusing on filmmaking and acting for the camera, allowing participants to explore the intersection of performance and film. Join us on this artistic journey, honing your skills and immersing yourself in the magic of theater and visual arts at Star Royale Theatre.
The Middle Years
Since 2001, Smiling Rhino Theatre (now Star Royale Theatre), under the visionary leadership of owner and artistic director Carmela Wolosz, along with her husband Ken Wolosz, has been a shining beacon of artistic excellence in Pompton Lakes, NJ. Carmela, a seasoned performer, and her chiropractor husband Ken embarked on a shared mission to create a theater that would captivate hearts and ignite the imaginations of audiences far and wide.
The unique original name of the theater, Smiling Rhino, was inspired by a small rhino statue that Carmela received as a gift from Ken. As she recalls it:
"When I did Pippin pre-Rhino, the first show I ever did in this space, Ken bought a plastic smiling rhino to put on the set as decoration and I've kept her and have brought her with me when I did show's elsewhere and put it on the stage where no one could see - and just kept that tradition - and still do!"
This cherished smiling rhino has since become an enchanting symbol, making an appearance in every show performed on the stage. It serves as a hidden Easter egg, a testament to the theater's rich history and Carmela's own tradition of incorporating a rhino into her performances. Keep a keen eye out for this delightful piece of the theater's legacy.
In the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, Smiling Rhino Theatre made its debut with a heartfelt and unifying musical revue called "Magic to Do." This poignant community production uplifted spirits and reminded everyone of the power of togetherness during challenging times. Since then, Smiling Rhino Theatre has remained committed to its core mission: to provide p
Through the years, Smiling Rhino Theatre has cultivated a loyal fan base and a talented troupe of actors, but its warm and welcoming embrace extends to newcomers as well. Nestled in the cozy corner of Pompton Lakes, this theater strives to create a family-like atmosphere, where everyone feels included and cherished. Beloved annual traditions, such as the Christmas Spectacular, Golden Oldies, and Red Carpet Gala, further strengthen the bond between the theater and its devoted community.
As pioneers in arts enrichment and education for area youth, Smiling Rhino Theatre goes above and beyond. Their workshops and summer day camps offer unmatched experiences, enriching the lives of young performers and providing a nurturing environment for their creative growth. This summer, they proudly introduce the only film and theater fusion summer camp in NJ. Campers aged 5 to 16 will have the opportunity to write, rehearse, film, and perform in their very own music videos, musical feature films, and sketch comedy shows with live audiences. Smiling Rhino Theatre is all about innovation, preparing the future performers and leaders of tomorrow for success both on and off the stage.
Stepping into the world of Smiling Rhino Theatre aka Star Royale Theatre allows you to immerse yourself in a realm of boundless creativity, warmth, and inspiration.
A New Era
Our raked seating theatre set for our annual Golden Oldies show
The talented cast of our sold out run of Matilda the Musical
Our rebranding under Star Royale Theatre was made to better represent our core values and better reflect our mission. At Star Royale Theatre, our focus is to ignite a passion in the next generation of performers and theater enthusiasts, where everyone who walks through our doors is made to feel like the star they truly are, be it a performer or a patron.
Since our inception in 2001, Star Royale Theatre has proudly served as a shining beacon in the heart of Pompton Lakes. Our unwavering mission remains unchanged - to provide innovative productions and unparalleled arts enrichment and education opportunities for youth. We are deeply committed to our community, offering accessible, professional theater experiences close to home, eliminating the hassle of city commutes without compromising on quality.
Through our rebranding, we have refreshed our name to better align with our values, mission, and unwavering dedication to our patrons, students, and campers. Star Royale Theatre is not just a venue; it's a haven where everyone is embraced with care and respect. We create a safe space where kids can unleash their imaginations, teenagers can explore and discover their true selves and the world around them, and adults can freely participate in their passion for theater without inhibition, judgment, or pressure.
Mamma Mia, this hit show had a wedding proposal ON STAGE!
At Star Royale Theatre, we strive to stay at the forefront of innovation in the world of theater. Our commitment to creating a warm, welcoming, and creative environment remains resolute, ensuring that both patrons and performers can enjoy unforgettable experiences time and again. We understand the transformative power of the arts and endeavor to provide a space where dreams come to life, talents are nurtured, and individuals flourish.
Join us as we embark on this exciting new chapter. Experience the magic of Star Royale Theatre, where stars are born, dreams take flight, and lifelong memories are created. Be part of our vibrant community as we continue to ignite the passion within each and every star who graces our stage.
While our name may have changed, the people, patrons, performers, and staff that give this place it's magic and make it a premiere destination and second home for so many hasn't changed; and that smiling rhino is still somewhere on every set, so be sure to look out for it the next time you're in the theatre.
WORKSHOPS
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ATNY has seen their students get booked on shows like Outer Banks, The MArvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Sound of Music Broadway Global Tour, Law & Order SVU, The Piano Lesson on Broadway, and so many more and Star Royale Theatre is an exclusive partner in the Northern NJ area with them.
Beyond our thrilling summer camp programs, we offer a plethora of exciting workshops and enrichment programs that cater to the diverse interests and aspirations of our aspiring performers. We are proud to announce our partnership with Actors Technique New York (ATNY), renowned for their expertise in developing acting skills. Through this collaboration, participants have the extraordinary opportunity to work closely with Broadway producers involved in the current revival of the iconic "Sweeney Todd" and the smash-hit sensation "Hamilton." This summer, we are thrilled to unveil our Hamilton Immersive Camp, where campers will engage with Broadway professionals, delving into the world of this groundbreaking musical. Additionally, we provide workshops in visual arts, focusing on filmmaking and acting for the camera, allowing participants to explore the intersection of performance and film. Join us on this artistic journey, honing your skills and immersing yourself in the magic of theater and visual arts at Star Royale Theatre.
Education, Diversity, & Inclusion
We understand the importance of actively listening, learning, and evolving to better serve our community. With this in mind, we have united to establish a comprehensive set of commitments and initiatives that will transform Star Royale Theatre into a welcoming and inclusive home for individuals from all backgrounds.
We invite you to explore and learn more about our dedicated efforts and unwavering commitments to education, diversity, and accessibility. Together, we aim to create a vibrant and nurturing environment where everyone can feel empowered, represented, and valued.
College Collaborations
At Star Royale Theatre, we are proud to present College Collaborations, an exceptional program tailored for college students pursuing degrees in the arts, education, or technical theater. This transformative initiative aims to provide valuable internships and mentorship opportunities that shape the future stars of tomorrow. Through College Collaborations, students have the chance to gain real-world experience, refine their skills, and forge meaningful connections with industry professionals. Whether it's working backstage, assisting in educational programs, or contributing to the creative process, this program offers an immersive and enriching environment for students to thrive and grow. We believe in nurturing and empowering the next generation of performers and theater practitioners, and College Collaborations serves as a vital stepping stone in their journey towards success. For more information, email our College Collaborations team!
Stars on Stage
at Star Royale
SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAMS
Do you dream of standing in the spotlight on opening night, of seeing yourself on or directing television sitcoms or blockbuster movies, of hearing the applause of an audience?
Imagine sharing your dreams with kids just like you who love film and theater arts! Register Now!
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