Community theater in Montclair seeks aid after flooding

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (PIX11) — Studio Players, a longtime community theater in Montclair, is asking for donations and volunteers to help clean up and recover after Sunday’s flooding.

The theater’s prop room and green room were destroyed when rainwater breached the theater’s garage door.

“The rain broke the garage door, and then the power went out so none of our pumps were working,” said E. Dale Smith-Gallo, president of Studio Players.

In operation since 1937, Studio Players is a creative hub that has fostered Broadway talent and helps young performers foster their skills.

“It’s a special place that’s been here for so long and means a lot to a lot of people,” said Amy Fox, past president of Studio Players.

The theater has flooded twice before – once in 2019 and again during Hurricane Ida. Each time, the theater’s board installed new protection measures, including a system to notify them of water intrusion. But when the power went out Sunday, so did the alarms.

“So when the notification went to our facilities manager, we were already three-and-a-half feet underwater,” said Smith-Gallo.

Studio Players’ board is turning to the community for donations, as well as volunteers to help clean and sort props on Saturday. Anyone interested in volunteering can stop by the theater from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 24th, dressed and ready to work.

The theater is located at 14 Alvin Place in Montclair, NJ. Click here if you are interested in donating.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.