Our Story
Stars Theatre Company emerged from the vision of Laura Rizzo, an award-winning director, choreographer and educator whose four decades of artistry have shaped theatre communities both locally and abroad. Inspired by her belief that powerful transformation occurs when individuals are treated as true artists, she envisioned a place where all ages from 8-80 could access professional-caliber training in a nonprofit environment. Fueled by her 36+ years of directing, choreographing, and teaching across national and international stages, she established a home for those eager to develop confidence, discipline, and collaboration on and off the stage. Today, Stars Theatre Company in Rutherford, NJ brings extraordinary theatre experiences to life through rigorous training, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to accessibility, ensuring every participant grows as part of a welcoming, artist-driven family.
Our Mission & Values
Stars Theatre Company was founded to create space where all ages 8-80 are recognized as artists and invited to rise. We honor the craft of live theatre with intentional, rigorous programs that inspire real transformation. Our core values - artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement - are lived daily, from rehearsals to performances. As Bergen County's only Rutherford nonprofit theatre exclusively dedicated to all age theatrical performers, we champion accessibility, collaboration, and professional standards. Each workshop fosters creative growth by treating every participant with dignity and fostering an environment where skills are built, support is genuine, and the love of theatre unites us all.
Meet Our Staff
Laura Rizzo Ed.D.
Founder/Executive Director
Dr. Laura Rizzo is a nationally recognized director, choreographer, and certified theatre and dance educator with more than 36 years of international experience in the performing arts. Her career spans over 200 productions on and off Broadway, as well as extensive work in community, professional, and educational theatre across the United States and abroad. Holding master’s degrees in theatre, dance, and educational leadership, along with a doctorate in ESOL, Laura has dedicated her career to shaping performers through rigorous, compassionate, and artist-centered instruction. Her leadership has earned numerous honors, including Broadway World Awards, regional theatre awards, STANJ Teacher of the Year nominations, NJPAC and Foxy recognitions, the Arts Education Award from Broadway Cares, the New Jersey Governor’s Awards in Arts Education – Educator Honors, and FATE awards for excellence in theatre education. In addition to her artistic work, Laura has served for more than 15 years as a professor of English at several New Jersey colleges and universities, bringing her expertise in language, literacy, and communication to her academic teaching. As Executive Director of Stars Theatre Company in Rutherford, NJ, Laura leads with a signature blend of artistic discipline, mentorship, and community engagement. She believes every performer is an artist and fosters an environment rooted in respect, creative growth, and accessibility. Under her direction, Stars Theatre Company continues its mission to provide extraordinary theatre training that inspires, empowers, and elevates performers of all ages.
Matthew Anderson
Musical Director/Conductor
Main Stage Adult Theatre Company
Matthew S. Anderson is a veteran music educator, composer, and director with more than twenty years of experience in public schools, universities, and professional theater. He holds degrees in Piano and Music Composition from Temple University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied on full scholarship. Matthew currently teaches music, band, and choir at Dr. William H. Horton Elementary School in Newark and serves as Liturgical Music Director at Central Unitarian Church in Paramus. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Felician University and has contributed to more than 200 theatrical productions as a musical director, rehearsal pianist, and educator. His compositions have earned national awards and frequent commissions, and his professional background includes work with Surflight Theater, Cape May Stage, ACM Records, and the Peace of Heart Choir in New York City. Matthew brings deep musicianship, versatility, and a lifelong commitment to arts education to every ensemble and community he serves. Dedicated, collaborative, and deeply committed to musical growth at every level, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge, artistry, and passion to every ensemble, classroom, and community he serves.
Bart Nativo
Stage Manager/Sound Technician
Bart Anthony Nativo is a Stage Manager with an associate’s degree in Audio Engineering from Honolulu Community College’s Music Entertainment and Learning Experience (MELE) Program. His theatre experience includes technical production and sound design for RENT at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, PARADE at Mānoa Valley Theatre, and Bye Bye Birdie at Rising Stars. In addition to live theatre, Bart has experience engineering sound for studio productions involving music, voice acting, sound effects and foley, as well as live events, including concerts featuring Santana bassist Benny Rietveld at Mānoa Valley Theatre. Before entering the entertainment industry, Bart served four years in the U.S. Army as a Horizontal Construction Engineer, gaining experience in building and supporting the foundations and structures necessary to sustain military operations. His early exposure to theatre through school and family also introduced him to backstage work and set construction, with productions including Seussical the Musical and Grease. Outside of theatre, Bart coaches' Special Olympics basketball, plays drums and percussion with the School of Rock in Maywood, NJ, and enjoys roller hockey and traveling. He brings a hands-on technical background, a collaborative spirit, and a strong commitment to creating a respectful and encouraging environment where artists and audiences alike can thrive. Bart is excited to contribute to Stars Theatre and help build productions that are both technically strong and memorable for audiences.
Taylor Hartman
Dance Captain
Taylor Hartman is thrilled to making her Stars Theatre debut. Taylor holds a BFA in Dance performance from Missouri State University, theatrical Credits Include A Shepards Christmas Carol (Mandy Ford), Jingle Ozark (Featured Dancer, Dance Captain) The Nutcracker (The Sugar Plum Fairy), Vocal Credits: The Comeback Cabaret, (Dir. Sara Laursen) National Tour Credits: MJ: The Illusion: (Jamie King Universal Swing)
George Tuzzeo
Musical Director
Youth Theatre Company
George F. Tuzzeo is a seasoned keyboardist and independent music professional based in Paramus, New Jersey, with more than 25 years of live performance experience. A graduate of the University of Nevada–Las Vegas, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music, George has built a diverse and dynamic career across multiple musical formats — including solo piano, one‑man band, vocal duo, and classic rock, Motown, and soul ensembles.
His performance history spans an impressive list of renowned venues, such as Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Poconos; Lincoln Center; the Naples Philharmonic; Bergen Performing Arts Center; BB King’s in New York; and The Beacon Theatre. In addition to large concert halls, George is a frequent performer at private country clubs, special events, and celebrations throughout the region.
Known for his versatility, professionalism, and warm stage presence, George continues to be an in‑demand musician for both public and private engagements. He is also listed as an Independent Music Professional on LinkedIn and has been booked for numerous events through The Bash platform.
A longtime resident of Paramus, George brings decades of experience, musicality, and passion to every performance, making him a trusted and beloved figure in the New Jersey music community.
