About SOTC
Standing Ovation Theatre Company (SOTC) began in the summer of 2009 as a small theatre camp for students in Delran, NJ. Under the direction of Mandi Dorfman, the program grew into a year-round training company in 2017. Over the years, SOTC has produced more than 60 productions and introduced hundreds of young performers to the stage. Now in a new chapter of growth, SOTC has returned to its roots as an independent company with a clear mission: to create a welcoming, inspiring space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
As Standing Ovation Theatre Company enters this new chapter, our vision is to redefine what youth theatre can be. While many children’s theatre programs function as community theatres that simply stage productions, SOTC is built first and foremost as a training program. We still produce professional-quality shows, but our focus goes deeper: we are here to teach the craft of theatre—acting, singing, and dance—while building confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Every rehearsal is a classroom, every role is a learning opportunity, and every production is both a celebration of hard work and a stepping stone to future growth.
Our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to create a welcoming, inspiring space where every young performer feels seen, heard, and valued. While we celebrate performance, we are first and foremost an educational training program, committed to developing the skills, confidence, and artistry of every student. Through exceptional training and professional-quality productions, we nurture both the artist and the person — instilling the skills, confidence, and core values needed to succeed in theatre and in life.
Our Core Values:
Kindness
We foster an environment where every student feels welcomed, valued, and respected. Kindness is the foundation of our ensemble, both on stage and off.
Confidence
Through training, performance, and mentorship, we empower students to believe in themselves, take risks, and share their voices with pride.
Collaboration
Theatre is teamwork. We teach our students the importance of supporting one another, listening, and contributing to something bigger than themselves.
Creativity
We encourage curiosity, imagination, and exploration. Students learn to think outside the box, make bold artistic choices, and discover their unique artistic voice.
Growth
We value progress over perfection. Our focus is on developing both the artist and the human — nurturing skills, character, and resilience that extend far beyond the stage.
Our Ensemble Philosophy
Theatre is built on the power of the ensemble. At SOTC, we believe that every performer—whether center stage or part of the chorus—matters equally to the success of a production. That’s why we train from the ensemble up, not the other way around. Every rehearsal is designed to be educational and engaging, so that each student grows, contributes, and feels a true sense of belonging. At SOTC, the ensemble is never an afterthought—it is the foundation of everything we do.
Contact us
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