(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents Jersey Talent on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 7:00pm. Jersey Talent, a talent show for ages 8-25, returns for its third year. Ten finalists, including singers, dancers, and instrumentalists, and will perform live at the historic State Theatre. The winner of Jersey Talent wins a spot as a featured performer at the New Brunswick Heart Festival on August 8th. The event will be hosted by radio veteran Terrie Carr (WDHA, Carr Stereo Podcast).
Video auditions for Jersey Talent began in January. From the 122 video submissions, 30 acts were chosen to audition live at the State Theatre. Of the 30 acts, 10 were selected to move forward to the live performance on May 16. Four judges from the New Brunswick community will select the top three finalists. The winner will be chosen based on audience applause. The Jersey Talent judges include Benjamin Bucca, Jr., Judge at the Middlesex County Courthouse; Carolina Moratti, chef, activist, and community organizer; Jessica Trechak, State Theatre's Director of Event Services; and Lindy Zeledón, Director of Family & Community Engagement for Foundation Academies.
The Top 10 finalists include singer Piotr Kowalczyk (17, Hillsborough), singer Autumn Henriquez (12, Westampton), drummer Antonio "Tony" Brucchieri (10, Harding), dancer Lexi Valentin (24, Manalapan), singer Reno Rabinowitz (13, Scotch Plains), guitarist John David Sia (11, Jersey City), Isla Griswold (15, Upper Saddle River), tap dancer John Boudouvas (11, Metuchen), singer Gianna Roman (17, Sayreville), and Bharatanatyam dancer Naviyasri Rajeshkumar (15, Montgomery Township).
"We're thrilled to showcase this year's outstanding finalists in the third annual Jersey Talent," said Sarah Chaplin, State Theatre New Jersey President & CEO. "Through Jersey Talent, our goal each year is to give young people a welcoming and supportive space to express themselves through the arts in front of friends, family, and the broader community."
Tickets are $17.25 and available for purchase online or by calling State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469). State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.
After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in State Theatre New Jersey, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, celebrated its 100th Anniversary after major renovations in December 2021. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre's historic significance was honored when PBS featured it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey. Having played a significant role in revitalizing New Brunswick—crowned "Jersey's Best Destination of the Year" for 2025 by Jersey's Best magazine—State Theatre resides in the heart of the city's arts district.
Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six and a half million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have included high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Peter Frampton, and Leanne Morgan. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.
State Theatre New Jersey's programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.
