Business Details
37 Years
experience
Premier Arts & Culture in Holmdel, NJ
Holmdel Theatre Company has been a cornerstone of regional arts and culture since its founding in 1989. As a non-profit, semi-professional theatre company, we specialize in fresh interpretations of classic plays and rarely performed modern dramas, fostering a collaborative environment where students and non-professionals work alongside professional theatre artists. Our historic Duncan Smith Theater, a transformed 125-year-old barn, offers an intimate 99-seat black box space that encourages experimental performances and deep audience engagement.We prioritize educational initiatives through youth theatre programs, internships, and masterclasses led by Broadway professionals, nurturing the next generation of theatre artists. With a commitment to community involvement, we rely on donor support and volunteer contributions to sustain our mission of making high-quality theatre accessible to all. Our dedication to artistic excellence, combined with a focus on mentorship and inclusivity, has established us as a vital cultural institution in Holmdel, New Jersey.
Services
Youth Theatre Programs
Internships
Workshops
Masterclasses
Community Productions
Sponsorship Opportunities
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on mentorship with professional theatre artists.
- Our historic 99-seat barn creates immersive audience experiences.
- Youth programs develop skills in acting, technical theatre, and leadership.
- We provide tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities for local businesses.
- Community-driven productions blend classic and contemporary works.
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Services
Youth Theatre Programs
Our Youth Theatre Programs pair students with professional actors and directors to explore musical theatre fundamentals. Participants gain hands-on experience in acting, vocals, and dance while building confidence and technical skills in a supportive environment. These programs emphasize collaboration and artistic growth for ages 8-21.
Internships
Internships offer high school and college students practical training in technical theatre and administrative roles. Interns work alongside industry professionals on set design, production, and management tasks, receiving mentorship and real-world experience while contributing to mainstage productions.
Masterclasses
Led by Broadway stars and industry leaders, Masterclasses focus on audition techniques, scene study, and performance skills. Recent sessions featured Tony nominee Jennifer Damiano, providing students with specialized training to advance their theatre careers through personalized feedback and expert instruction.
Community Productions
Community Productions feature mainstage shows blending classic and modern works, often casting local students alongside professional actors. These performances create unique artistic collaborations that highlight emerging talent while delivering engaging stories to audiences in an intimate setting.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities allow businesses to support regional arts while receiving marketing benefits. Tax-deductible contributions fund productions, youth programs, and venue maintenance, offering sponsors visibility through program ads, event recognition, and community engagement initiatives.
People
Colleen Cook
Executive Director
Colleen Cook leads Holmdel Theatre Company's strategic operations and community outreach initiatives. With decades of experience in nonprofit arts management, she ensures the organization's financial stability and artistic vision align with its educational mission.
Laurie Devino
Artistic Director
Laurie Devino oversees artistic programming and production quality at HTC. As Artistic Director, she curates seasons that balance classic works with innovative contemporary pieces, maintaining the company's reputation for creative excellence.
Greg Snyder
Board President
Greg Snyder chairs the board of directors, guiding governance and long-term planning for HTC. His leadership focuses on expanding community partnerships and ensuring sustainable growth for the organization's educational and artistic programs.
Questions
What type of theatre does Holmdel Theatre Company Company produce?
We specialize in fresh interpretations of classic plays and rarely performed modern dramas, blending traditional and contemporary works in an intimate setting.
Are there opportunities for young performers?
Yes! Our Youth Theatre Program offers students aged 8-21 hands-on experience working with professional actors and directors through productions and workshops.
How can local businesses support HTC?
Businesses can become sponsors, receiving marketing benefits while supporting tax-deductible arts programming that enriches the Holmdel community.
Do you offer behind-the-scenes learning experiences?
Yes, we provide internships in technical theatre and administration, allowing students to gain practical skills in set design, production, and arts management.
Where are performances held?
All mainstage productions take place in the Duncan Smith Theater, a historic 125-year-old barn transformed into a modern 99-seat black box theatre space.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Marisa Kos
Jan 31, 2020
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Save yourself a trip to NYC. You can see a high quality show with professional actors right here and there isn't a bad seat in the house.
Nancy Eve Dalin-Peters
Sep 14, 2019
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An absolutely charming space. Very intimate without feeling cramped. (Although the sound system was spotty.) They have a variety of shows and I would happily go back.
Alice Ripley
Jul 04, 2019
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If you are a theater person you will want to visit The Duncan Smith Theatre in Holmdel, NJ. The ladies who run this place are SPITFIRE DYNAMOS W/ WISDOM AND HUMOR, especially Colleen Cook because she's been my contact of late. Check this place out, and then visit Red Bank, NJ just because...
Jim Dalin
Jun 01, 2019
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We saw a terrific show last Saturday amber were liked the theater very much. Plenty of free parking (although NO handicapped parking! ) and the theater is lovely.
Scott Murray
Dec 24, 2018
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We attended last nights performance with a great of friends in Holmdel, hosted by Eric and Karen Hinds, Much Ado About Nothing!! The actors were outstanding and the venue is similar to The Circle in the Square! I recommend checking out the history of this 25 year old Holmdel mainstay and attending future performances.
Steve Tetreault
Oct 09, 2018
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"The Barn" is a cozy theater space that hosts some wonderful productions. We've rarely been disappointed when we've checked out a reading or performance.
Paul Daws
Sep 18, 2018
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A cozy theatre with a small stage, but a nice place to see a play. Don't expect a big musical production.
