Our Story
Stars Theatre Company emerged from the vision of Laura Rizzo, an award-winning director 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, Laura envisioned a place where teens and adults could access professional-caliber training in a nonprofit environment. Fueled by her 36+ years of directing, teaching, and choreographing 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 teens and adults are recognized as artists and invited to rise. Shaped by Laura Rizzo's decades of experience as a director, choreographer, and educator, 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 nonprofit theatre exclusively dedicated to teen and adult 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.
Executive Director
Laura Rizzo
Stars Theatre Company in Rutherford, NJ, is led by Laura Rizzo - an award-winning, nationally certified theatre educator, professional director, and choreographer with over 36 years of international experience in the performing arts. Laura's career spans more than 200 shows on and off Broadway, as well as extensive work in community and educational theatre across the United States and abroad. Holding master's degrees in both theatre and dance, along with advanced educational leadership credentials, Laura has shaped generations of performers through her rigorous, compassionate approach to teaching. Her leadership at Rising Stars YTC earned multiple Broadway World and regional awards for excellence. Now, as Executive Director of Stars Theatre Company, Laura brings her signature blend of artistic discipline and nurturing mentorship to a new generation of teens and adults. By treating every performer as an artist and fostering an environment rooted in respect, community engagement, and creative growth, Laura's vision drives the company's mission to make extraordinary theatre training accessible and inspiring for all.
