Passage Theatre's mission is to develop and produce boundary pushing and stylistically adventurous new works for the theatre that entertain and challenge a diverse audience.
We prize works that testify to the resilience of the human spirit.
We strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment for our artists.
We are committed to raising the aspirations of Trenton's youth through our education mentoring program, The State Street Project.
We aim to contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of Trenton, a post industrial city proudly emerging from years of decline.
Description
Passage Theatre was established as a developmental theater in 1985. It is located in the historic, intimate 100 seat Mill Hill Playhouse at 205 East Front Street. Its original mission was to present the work of emerging and established writers who wrote about the urban, working class experience with particular focus on writers from Trenton. The mission broadened in 1995 to produce original work serving an ethnically diverse community with an after school arts component to raise the aspirations of Trenton's youth. A number of Passage's mainstage productions transferred to New York's commercial stage. As a regional theatre in the NYC area, Passage mainly drew its creative talent from NYC. In 2009 the theatre adjusted its priorities and became a community based "resident" theatre company of actors, designers and directors. It continues to develop and produce stylistically adventurous new works for a diverse audience. Through this local approach, artistic excellence has been sustained and audience loyalty and attendance has excelled as never before in its 25 years. Passage hosts an exciting collaboration called Greening:Natural Connections growing Community. This partnership positions theatre at the center of a unique initiative by area environmental groups to raise awareness about sustainability in the Greater Trenton area. Interestingly, Passage notes that its mission based journey throughout the past 24 years brings us full circle back to Trenton...but with some earned national "heft" and a deeper and richer understanding of ourselves and the community we serve.
