Local Organizations

Looking for a place to get involved? Take a class? Share your masterpiece? Here, you’ll find information on the many arts organizations who call Maplewood home. If you would like to add your organization’s info, please let us know.

Public & Non-Profit Organizations

Adult School of South Orange - Maplewood - A community school for people of all ages, launched in 1933 and now offering more than 150 courses and lectures on a wide range of subjects including art, music, business and finance, fitness and recreation, languages and technology. Classes meet in school buildings after hours and in numerous other venues throughout the community. Special programming for children includes computer science classes and Suzuki violin lessons during the school year, and a summer enrichment program enjoyed by hundreds of kids each year. Website. Email. Phone: (973) 378-7620

Durand Hedden House and Garden - 523 Ridgewood Road, Maplewood. A historic house museum that finds compelling ways to explore our community's fascinating past - through nature, architecture, music, food, social life, local history, reenactments and participatory activities - and to spotlight the "treasures" in our own backyards. Website. Email.

Maplewood Artist Collective - A non-profit arts organization dedicated to providing a forum for artists and creatives through local events and gatherings. Regular events include Life Drawing Classes, Vinyl Brunches, Dance Parties, and an annual event for kids, The Jolly Jingle Jam. Website. Facebook. Instagram. Email. YouTube.

Maplewood Garden Club - Since 1927, the Maplewood Garden Club (MGC) has been bringing gardeners together from Maplewood and surrounding communities. Beginning in 2017, MGC will launch a Youth Garden Program. MGC is a membership organization that holds regular meetings in the off-season at the Memorial Library, main branch. W ebsite. Email.

Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission - Gives guidance and "provides the authority for local historic sites, buildings and districts to be identified and formally designated; and for the regulation of future development and/or alteration of such sites and in such districts to ensure that inappropriate development will not harm historic character." Website.

Maplewood Memorial Library - A township institution that enriches the quality of life throughout Maplewood by working to instill a love of reading….bringing together diverse people, information and ideas…serving as a place for life-long learning, intellectual freedom and cultural stimulation…representing, through its collections, the diverse interests and points of view of the community…and offering free and equal access to digital resources. Main branch: 51 Baker Street (973) 762-1622 Hilton branch: 1688 Springfield Avenue (973) 762-1688. Website.

Maplewood Village Alliance - A non-profit special improvement district that includes merchants, property owners and residents dedicated to the preservation, promotion and enhancement of Maplewood Village. The Alliance sponsors and promotes events in the downtown Village business district, welcoming the local community to the Village area and helping to create a favorable environment for our local businesses. Phone: 973-762-4556. Email. Facebook.

South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race - A non-profit organization dedicated to building a unique, suburban community that is racially, socially, and culturally integrated and truly inclusive, where there is equity and equality for all. Its numerous programs use pro-integrative, race-conscious strategies to further this goal in all areas of community life, including education, business, the arts, and interfaith activities. The Coalition is celebrating its 20th year of creating integration and inclusion in our two towns. Phone: 973-761-6116. Email. Website.

Springfield Avenue Partnership - The Springfield Avenue Partnership creates, sponsors and coordinates marketing and promotional events for the Springfield Avenue business district. These efforts promote local businesses and help create a favorable environment for new businesses to locate here. The Partnership was created by a small group of neighborhood citizens who wanted to revitalize the main shopping corridor in their neighborhood. It is now a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation governed by a board of trustees comprised of business and property owners,
local residents, and municipal officials. Phone: (973) 763-6011. Email. Website.

Art Studios, Galleries & Classes

1978 Arts Center - 1978 Springfield Avenue, Maplewood. A community space dedicated to the arts. The Center provides classes and workshops, art shows, film programs and live performances—and provides a forum for artists to work, exhibit and interact. Website. Email. Phone: (862) 438-8191

Art Studio Now - 499 Summit Avenue, Maplewood - Small art classes thoughtfully tailored to your child’s creativity. Art Classes, Spring Break Mini- Camp, Summer Camp! Website. Email. Phone: 973.378.3798

Funky Fun Art - 60 Woodland Rd-3rd Floor, Maplewood - Funky Fun Art offers art classes and workshops for children and adults! This brand new studio space is a blend of traditional art and technology. Unique summer camp options and school break workshops. Come join the Funky Fun! Website. Email. Phone: 908-635-1595

Geralyn’s Art Studio / Gallery 103 - 103 Baker Street, Maplewood. Geralyn’s Art Studio offers painting and sketching classes to adults and children, as well as children’s summer camp options. The work of local artists is featured at Gallery 103. Website. Email. Phone: 973-275-1966

Acting, Dancing Improv & Music Classes

Acting with Emily - 94 Baker Street, Maplewood. Classes for all skill levels and ages in acting, improv, dance, audition technique, filmmaking, and musical theater. Taught by local industry professionals. Website. Phone: (973) 996-8668

In Tune Music School - 155 Maplewood Avenue, Maplewood. With classes in guitar, vocals, bass guitar, keyboard/piano and drums, In Tune encourages its students to experience the many different aspects of learning an instrument. They provide both one-on-one lessons and small group classes, with a focus on the camaraderie of playing with others. Website. Email.

Inspirational Dance Company - Dance lessons and performance opportunities for boys and girls ages 3 - adult. Classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern/contemporary, break dancing, zumba, and Latin dance including salsa, merengue, bachata. Facebook. Phone: (973) 761-7236

LaChaney’s Dance and Music Academy - Dedicated to the Discipline of Dance & Music Our experienced instructors are committed to helping students of all ages find success both in and out of the studio. Our instructors are passionate about helping each student build the confidence that comes from a positive dance training experience. Website

Lydia Johnson Dance School - A not-for-profit, fine arts dance school linked to our New York professional company. At the LJD School, every child is a dance maker! Website

Maplewood NJ Folk Dancers - Dances drawn from traditions of Eastern Europe, Western Europe and Isreal. Partners are not needed. Beginners welcome. Easy dances taught at the beginning of the session; followed by intermediate-level dances, and followed by open dancing. $5 per session. Thursdays 8mp - 10:15pm (7:30pm - 10pm in Summer) at Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. Website

Music for Aardvarks with Kat - Aardvarks songs and stories reflect the landscape of the modern child, conveying messages that inspire kindness, love, confidence and individuality in a language that is direct, interesting and enjoyable for kids, and fun for grownups! Website

Progressive Theater - Progressive Theater aims to tell culturally enriched stories that cultivate the true meaning of diversity in the theater community by empowering the misrepresented and under-heard. Website

Rocket Improv - The main mission for the Bottle Rockets is to learn improv through creative and imaginative play! Basic foundational improv techniques are introduced through simple age appropriate exercises and games. The children are constantly creating their own scenes and characters, and cooperative play and teamwork is encouraged throughout. The students share what they have learned with their family during the final class. Website

Rockness Music - Research-based mommy and me classes target the social, emotional and physical development of your child. For kids to want to learn, they need to be inspired. Real Rock n Roll musicians create an inclusive, and interactive class environment which drives teh children to embark on an adventure of important educational takeways. Website

South Orange Maplewood Adult School Flamenco Dance - Learn the fundamentals of fiery flamenco and explore basic foot, arm, hand movements and rhythms of rumba, tangos and sevillanas. No prior dance experience required. Wear shoes with sturdy heels and comfortable clothing. Website

Performing Arts

American Theater Group - American Theater Group, a professional member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, was launched by Producing Artistic Director James Vagias in 2012 with co-founders Joe Mancuso, Rick Sordelet and then Mayor of Rahway Jim Kennedy. ATG produces musicals and plays, as well as offering a new reading series and arts-in-education programming. Its focus is on producing new and classical works, primarily by American playwrights, with an emphasis on the development of new works and the rediscovery of undeservedly neglected older ones. American Theater Group’s Board of Trustees chairperson is South Orange resident and Tony Award-winning actress Michelle Pawk. Email. Website.

Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Society, Inc. (GSP) - Garden State Philharmonic is dedicated to a mission of maintaining and operating a professional symphony orchestra at the Jersey Shore; to giving concerts of cultural and educational value in and for the community; and to fostering such related activities that will encourage interest in and appreciation of music. Many Open-to-the-public Rehearsals take place at The Woodland in Maplewood, NJ. Website.

Gregory Omar Osbourne Inc. - Maplewood native Gregory Omar Osbourne's production company works both independently and with other local theater organizations to advocate for diversity in the arts through live theater. His work is frequently featured in the community, most recently presenting "Five Guys Named Moe" at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts. Website. Email.

Luna Stage - 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. As producer, innovator, and educator, we are dedicated to eliminating barriers to participation, and nurturing the next generation of audiences and artists. 555 Valley Road West Orange, NJ 07052 Phone: (973) 395-5551. Website

Maplewood Community Music - An organization of “hobbyist” (amateur and professional) musicians dedicated to playing music together and bringing music to the Maplewood/South Orange community. Ensembles include Swingtown, a big band; Jackson Square, a Dixieland band; and Bones Unlimited, a trombone ensemble. They play at a wide variety of community events, and welcome newcomers. Website. Email.

Maplewood Glee Club - An organization of male singers who come together for the pleasure of singing together. Now in its 70th year, the group is known for both its semi-annual concerts and its scholarship program, which helps young local musicians pursue their studies. All newcomers welcome, both amateur and professional. Sponsored by the Maplewood Recreation Dept. Facebook. Email. Phone: (908) 273-5777

Midtown Direct Repertory - A professional, ensemble-based theater company composed of over 100 working Broadway actors and theater professionals who call Maplewood and South Orange home. Midtown Direct Rep is dedicated to developing and presenting new plays and musicals, focusing on work that reflects our uniquely diverse community. MDR produces a reading series of new plays at The Woodland. Email. Website.

Papermill Play House - Paper Mill Playhouse is a regional theater with approximately 1200 seats, showing several plays and musicals each year. 22 Brookside Dr. Millburn, NJ 07041 Phone: (973) 376-4343 Website.

Performers Theater Workshop - 1 Pierson Road, Maplewood. Established in 1984, PTW is dedicated to arts education for students of all ages and abilities. Classes available from dance, to instrumental and vocal music, to acting techniques. Phone: (973) 327-2250. Email. Website.

Rent Party - A monthly live music event at The Woodland featuring local and sometimes national bands. All proceeds go to three local food pantries, to help fight hunger in our community. Rent Party also maintains a large community garden and runs a BackPack Pals program, which provides a weekend bag of nutritious food to about 100 food-insecure kids in local schools. Email.

Seton Hall University Arts Council - The Seton Hall University Arts Council, housed within the College of Communication and the Arts, strengthens the cultural vitality of the visual, literary and performing arts for the University campus and the surrounding community. Performances, plays and concerts are held on campus or at SOPAC and include The Classical Concert Series, Jazz 'n the Hall, Poetry-in-the-Round, The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute, The Seton Hall Choral Program, Seton Hall Theatre and The Walsh Gallery. Website

Society of Musical Arts - A volunteer association that provides an opportunity for amateur and professional musicians to play baroque and classical music in a chamber orchestra, and presents free public concerts with multi-generational appeal to the residents of Essex County. Phone: (973) 433-0224. Email. Facebook.

The Strollers - The Strollers have been producing community theater in Maplewood since 1932. Founded “to provide an opportunity for artistic and dramatic education and enjoyment for its members and the community,” the Strollers hold regular auditions for the 4-5 shows they produce each year (including a children’s theater piece), and welcome new members. Phone: (973) 763-8453. Email. Website.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey -The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is the state's largest professional theatre company dedicated to the presentation of Shakespeare's canon and other classic dramatic entertainments. The main performance space is the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre at Drew University. It is fully accessible with two entrances to the building.

The Theatre’s Outdoor Stage is located on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth in nearby Florham Park (at the Convent Station train stop). The grass-and-stone amphitheater accommodates approximately 500 audience members. Seating is general admission; the amphitheater opens 30 minutes before the performance. The large lawn surrounding the amphitheater is open for picnicking before each show. Audience members may bring their own food and beverages, or purchase snacks and soft drinks on-site. Patrons are encouraged to bring low-backed beach chairs into the amphitheater. The F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre 36 Madison Avenue Madison, NJ 07940 Box Office: 973-408-5600 Email. Website.

South Orange Orange Performing Arts Center SOPAC - 1 SOPAC Way South Orange, NJ 07079 Box Office:(973) 313-2787 Box Office Hours: Mon - Sat, 12-6PM and 2 hours prior to performances. Website.

South Orange Symphony Orchestra - A full-size symphony orchestra of volunteer amateur and semi-professional musicians, led by a professional conductor. Founded in 1949, the orchestra performs several free concerts a year in Maplewood/South Orange, offers scholarships to students of stringed instruments, and holds an Artist Competition for solo performances with the Symphony. Email. Website.

Studio B - A multidisciplinary, non-profit arts organization that showcases the work of local artists, and creates original work. Founded in 2008, Studio B is known for many signature events: a regular Story Slam for local writers, the Bizarre Bazaar where over 40 fine artists and artisans sell their work, an annual Speakeasy – a vaudeville-style variety show with an eclectic assortment of entertainments, and a regular series of podcasts including Milkwood and Biscuits and Bourbon. Studio B also produces music and film series, programming for kids, and original theater pieces. They are known for their standing-room-only shows. Email. Website. Facebook. Instagram.

Suburban Legend - Suburban Legend is a Maplewood-based production company with an emphasis on fun, comedy and variety entertainment. Founded in 2014, each year we produce an original family-friendly comedy show in the British Pantomime tradition. We also partner with other companies to produce improvisational comedy and other non-traditional theater. Contact. Website.

The Theater Project - Theater company dedicated to producing new and lesser-known plays, The Theater Project produces most of its “main stage” plays at the Burgdorff, as well as acclaimed improv classes for tweens and teens. With additional regular events in Cranford, the Theater Project encourages its audiences to think beyond the status quo. Phone: 908- 809-8865. Email. Website.

Recreation & Fitness

Maplewood Senior Center - There are exercise classes, meditation, games, informational programs and lunch gatherings happening at the Maplewood Senior Center at 106 Burnett Avenue, and you are welcome to join! Offering a robust schedule that includes multiple fitness classes, group trips, lunches and movies; they also welcome you to bring your own friends and use the space to meet and mingle.

Check out the registration website at : https://maplewood.recdesk.com/Community/Home for upcoming programs and events. Feel free to call for a tour or ask about all programs between the hours of 9:30am-4pm. 106 Burnett Ave.
Maplewood, NJ 07040 Phone: (973) 763-0750. Website.

Maplewood Recreation Department - The mission of the Maplewood Division of Recreation is to provide entertaining, safe, and varied recreational programs and services to the township's diverse population in a cost-effective and progressive manner. They constantly strive to review, improve, and expand programs and ser-vices to keep pace with the changes and needs of the entire community. From youth to senior programming, they offer a wide array of programs. “All for fun and fun for all!” Visit their website for more program information or call (973) 763-4202 and they would be happy to help you join the fun too! - 574 Valley St. Maplewood, NJ 07040 Phone: (973) 763-4202. Website.

South Orange Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs - The mission of the Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs is to enhance the quality of life in South Orange, by providing a well-rounded program of leisure time activities for community residents of all ages and interests. Currently, the main recreation and community space, the Baird Center, is undergoing a 2-year renovation. Many programs are continuing in outdoor spaces or are being hosted in Maplewood. 298 Walton Avenue South Orange, NJ 07079 - Phone: (973) 378-7754, ext. 2

Each summer South Orange Recreation and Cultural Affairs holds a range of outdoor activities such as Art in the Park and the Summer Concert Series. Email. Website.

The Connection - The Connection offers classes and programs for all ages. Seniors can get fit, stay in shape, make new friends and find companionship in their wide range of fitness programs designed specifically to help older adults. Participate in group fitness and wellness classes; enjoy time in their beautiful 5 lane, 25 yard pool; choose from a variety of dance classes; work with a personal trainer in the Fitness Center. Membership dues and facilities fees apply. 79 Maple Street Summit , NJ 07901 Phone: (908) 273-4242. Email. Website.

Continuing Ed & Adult Classes

The South Orange- Maplewood Adult School
A community school for people of all ages, launched in 1933 and now offering more than 150 courses and lectures on a wide range of subjects including art, music, business and finance, fitness and recreation, languages and technology. Typically classes meet in school buildings after hours and in numerous other venues throughout the community, however since Covid-19, many classes are now offered online or outdoors. Special programming for children includes arts and crafts, coding, golf, pickleball and Suzuki violin lessons, as well as a summer enrichment program enjoyed by hundreds of kids each year. Website: www.somadultschool.org. Email: schoolinfo@somadultschool.org

Durand-Hedden House & Garden - Durand-Hedden House is an historic house museum that explores our community's fascinating past through local history, architecture, social history, historic foodways, music, reenactments, exhibits and to spotlight the "treasures" in our own backyards. Owned by the Township of Maplewood and managed by a non-profit association, the 1790 structure sits on 2 acres of land acquired by Ebenezer Hedden before 1740 and was owned by Henry Durand, brother of artist Asher Brown Durand, from 1812- 1866. The Maplewood Garden Club maintains an extensive and educational herb garden. The Durand-Hedden House opens its doors one Sunday each month, September to June, to share the heritage and development of Maplewood and the surrounding area. Admission to events is free unless otherwise noted; Membership in the Durand-Hedden House & Garden Association is $18 for seniors. Please consider joining as a volunteer or docent. PO Box 206/523 Ridgewood Road Maplewood, NJ 07040. Email. Website

Essex County Kosher Nutrition Program - Each Tuesday at 1 pm, enjoy a free one- hour program on a topic of Jewish or general interest as part of the Essex County Kosher Nutrition Program. Lunch, by reservation, precedes at noon, a $4 donation is requested. For information, reservations, or to receive a monthly menu and calendar call the message line at (973) 530-3504. Village Apartments 110 Vose Ave. South Orange, NJ 07079

Maplewood Senior Center- The Maplewood Senior Center offers a variety of art classes, including water colors, acrylics and sculpture as well as one-time classes like Guided Painting. Schedules and locations vary. Call or go to the rec desk site for registration and details. 106 Burnett Ave. Maplewood, NJ 07040 Phone: (973) 763-0750 Website

The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey - The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey offers a full calendar of engaging and innovative programs and events that makes art accessible to all audiences. Artist talks, lecture series, panel discussions, film screenings, theatrical performances, and hands-on art-making events serve to connect the Art Center’s contemporary art exhibitions with the community.

The Visual Arts Center also offers “Open Studios.” The state-of-the-art studios have scheduled availability for artists to continue their creative process in a fully equipped studio (access restrictions apply to some studios). Please call to make sure there is an Open Studio before you come to the Art Center. Email. Website