(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Asbury Shorts USA returns to the revered Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, New Jersey on Saturday, March 11th to present their national touring “Short Film Concert- An Evening of the World’s Best Short Films.” The first film blasts on to the screen at 8:00pm. Diane Raver, Founder of The Garden State Film Festival, will once again serve as Guest Host. The short film concert is recommended for ages 16 and up.

Combining classic short films with current festival winners, Asbury Shorts USA provides a rare opportunity for audiences to view global hits on a real cinema screen as opposed to YouTube, computers or smart phones.  Oscar nominated director Jason Reitman (“JUNO,” “Up in the Air,” “Thank You for Smoking,“ “Ghostbusters Afterlife”) calls Asbury Shorts: “The best short film show I’ve ever seen.”

The March 11th presentation will feature a mix of outstanding comedy, drama and animated shorts in a fast paced, eclectic lineup including Oscar winners, “Best of Show” awardees from U.S. film festivals and international honorees. Included in the program this year will be a segment entitled: “Local Spotlight” featuring “Escape Artists” an eight-minute comedy short produced by Karen Goeller, a Monmouth based filmmaker.

Algonquin Arts Theatre is located at 60 Abe Voorhees Drive in Manasquan, N.J.  Tickets cost $15 general admission. For all show/ticket info please visit www.algonquinarts.org or call 732-528-9211.

Asbury Shorts “concerts” have been presented at: The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Lake Shore Theatre in Chicago, The Vero Beach Museum of Art in Florida, Summer Stage in Central Park, Dante Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., Director’s Guild Theater in Manhattan, The AERO Theatre in Santa Monica, CA, Osprey Arts Center in Nova Scotia, Canada, Royal Festival Hall in London, U.K., The Leminske Theater in Berlin, Germany...to name a few of the prestigious venues where audiences have enjoyed these amazing films including 12 years at Algonquin Arts Theatre.

Algonquin Arts Theatre offers broad access to the arts across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also the unique communal conversation that exists between audience and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals. AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage directly and personally in the arts, providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.

In addition, Algonquin Arts Theatre will present a session of their popular Lifelong Learning Series focused on Asbury Shorts: March 8, 2023, 1:00pm - A Long and Adventurous Life in Short Films. Lecture / Screening Delivered by Asbury Shorts USA Founder & Director Doug LeClaire. Doug LeClaire delivers a lively and informative lecture & screening detailing the world of independent short film production and exhibition. Explore a retro perspective of Doug's 38 years in production management, producing, directing through the lens of TV commercials, indie films and various film projects including Asbury Shorts USA.

ALGONQUIN ARTS THEATRE (AAT) is a 501c(3) non-profit center for performing arts, providing cultural enrichment and arts education for residents and visitors of Central New Jersey and the Jersey Shore through high quality performances and programs in theatre, music, dance and film.

Located in Manasquan, N.J., AAT is an integral part of the Shore region, offering broad access to arts experiences across multiple disciplines. Deeply committed to education, AAT serves students of all ages not only through art and music instruction, but also through the unique communal conversation that exists between audience member and performer. A journeyman house, AAT features the work of young and emerging artists, designers and directors working alongside seasoned professionals.

AAT provides a platform for local and regional performers to showcase their work and offers audiences the opportunity to engage very directly and personally in the arts, fostering greater participation and providing an engaging means for exploring personal and societal issues through the world of the stage.

Algonquin Arts Theatre's programs are made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is also provided by Hackensack Meridian Health, the PNC Foundation, Manasquan Bank, Sunnyside Manor, the Dodge Foundation, the Provident Bank Foundation and the generosity of other businesses and our patrons.