Paper Mill Playhouse opens studio in downtown Millburn

By
Emily Bader
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Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit theater company, announced recently it has expanded on its Theater School with a lease in downtown Millburn.

The new space, totaling 2,500 square feet, is located at 20 Main St. This is the first property extension of the theater since 1996 and its first into downtown Millburn, it said.

Paper Mill Studios rendering.

An official ribbon cutting for the new space will take place on March 4 at 9 a.m. and the spring session of classes begin the week of April 20.

“We are thrilled to expand our theater’s footprint into downtown Millburn. This expansion allows us to serve the community by increasing Paper Mill Playhouse’s capacity to inspire more students through our arts education programs. This additional space is a wonderful opportunity to further integrate Paper Mill with our business partners in downtown. It literally bridges the gap between our theater and downtown. This is the beginning of a long-term vision to realize a ‘cultural corridor’ that extends from the Turtle Back Zoo through the South Mountain Reservation to Taylor Park in Millburn,” Mike Stotts, managing director, Paper Mill Playhouse.
In June 2019, Paper Mill engaged Posen Architects LLC to design the inside of the space. In December 2019, Haas Construction Mangement LLC began renovation work for new classroom spaces. In all, the new location has two new studio classrooms, a reception area and two accessible bathrooms.

“We are thrilled to see our beloved Paper Mill increase their footprint into downtown Millburn,” Jackie Lieberberg, mayor of Millburn/Short Hills, said. “The addition of Paper Mill Studios to our downtown will contribute a special vibrancy to the area and provide an increased economic benefit to our community.  We look forward to seeing parents, caretakers and students patronizing our retail shops and dining establishments –before, during or after class. “We are so excited to have them here!”

Paper Mill Playhouse, which provides educational programs to nearly 40,000 students each year, said it has approximately $20 million in economic impact each year.

“Paper Mill Playhouse is the economic engine for our downtown district,” Alex McDonald, township administrator, Millburn, said. “Paper Mill brings hundreds of thousands of people into town and has made Millburn a destination. Paper Mill Playhouse is part of the fabric of this community.”