How do I control Edge symbols from external javascript?

I have come across about a dozen similar discussions, but most have presented solutions that worked in earlier versions of Edge and no longer work.

I am trying to use Edge to build animations that can then be integrated into larger non-Edge projects. I would like to then be able to control the Edge timeline or Edge symbols from elements OUTSIDE of Edge, such as another link or button in the page.

I cannot seem to figure out how to properly reference the Edge stage or symbols.

I have come across several proposed solutions for referencing Edge stage, such as:    

     var comp = AdobeEdge.getComposition("EDGE-966604542");

     var stage = comp.getStage();

     var comp = $.Edge.getComposition("EDGE-966604542");

     var stage = comp.getStage();    

     var comp = Edge.getComposition("EDGE-966604542");

     var stage = comp.getStage();

     and these either DO NOTHING or throw errors about either AdobeEdge or Edge or comp being undefined.

     Does anyone have a solution that really works with the current version of Edge Animate?

Thanks

Scott