In the whimsical land of New Jersey, a state known for its vibrant boardwalks, lush greenery, and an inexplicable number of diners, dwells a troop of extraordinary kids engaged in a magical activity known as Theater/Drama. New Jersey, or as it's known in the secret world of drama - "The Stage State," is a hidden treasure trove of talent, where kids get to explore their dramatic genius. Our story revolves around a quirky imaginary character, Sir Thespian Llama, or as his friends call him, "Thespi-Llama." Now Thespi-Llama isn't your ordinary llama. He doesn't graze meadows or climb mountains. He's got a passion for the theater, a snazzy waistcoat, and a habit of reciting Shakespeare at the most unexpected of times. The kids of New Jersey, inspired by their furry, dramatic compatriot, dive headfirst into the world of theater! They're the kind of kids who treat life as their stage, never missing a chance to perform, be it at school, at the dinner table, or even while brushing their teeth! They play everything from rambunctious pirates to wise wizards, from giggling goblins to elegant elves, with a zeal that can outshine Broadway! This bunch of drama enthusiasts, led by our Thespi-Llama, fill every day with their infectious laughter, wild creativity, and a sprinkle of madness. They make their state proud, keeping the drama alive, in more ways than one. So, when you ask someone about New Jersey, they might talk about the beaches, the parks, or the food, but if you ask Thespi-Llama, he'd say it's the kids in theater who make this state truly extraordinary!
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.

At Appel Farm Arts & Music Center, we believe artmaking is a powerful tool for healing and connecting with others. We have been serving our community as a non-profit since 1978, providing a place for people of all ages, cultures and economic backgrounds to appreciate, study and actively participate in the visual and performing arts. Throughout our seven decades of service, we have continued to expand our programs to include a wide range of arts activities, from local to national and even international projects. We strive to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy that comes with artmaking. Our programs reach over 32,000 children and adults each year, proving that the power of the arts can truly make a difference in people’s lives. At Appel Farm, we are proud to be part of a vibrant and diverse community of art makers, and we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for everyone to express themselves and explore their creativity. We are passionate about continuing to make artmaking a healing, joyous, and fulfilling experience for our community.