Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/07/2023
New Jersey professional and family caregivers are invited to submit all forms of creative writing, including prose, poetry, and theatrical pieces that reflect the theme of caregiving or the personal healing experience. Selected pieces will be woven together by professional theatre artists into an evening of readings celebrating, exploring, and bearing witness to the caregiving experience.
“This is the eighth year of the Healing Voices project, and we are delighted to partner with McCarter Theatre Center, and Premiere Stages,” said John McEwen, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Caregiving and caring for one another is essential to the fabric of our society. Whether someone is a professional health-care worker, a caregiver for a spouse or relative with a disability, or a parent caring for a child, these stories show the incredible compassion and strength of people who spend their time and energy caring for others. The New Jersey Theatre Alliance is proud to be able to support our member theatres in lifting up these important voices through this program.”
All entries must be original works and must not have previously been published. All pieces should reflect the theme of caregiving, in whatever way resonates with the writer. Pieces that explore the personal healing experience will also be considered.
Anyone who identifies as a caregiver is invited to submit their writing by January 31, 2024 at https://njtheatrealliance.org/healing-voices.
"Healing Voices showcases deeply personal stories that will resonate with anyone who has persevered through illness, loss, and healing,” said Nick Gandiello of Premiere Stages. “The featured pieces often display acts of grace in a variety of settings; they find both the heartbreak and humor in some of life's biggest challenges. We are honored to help share these exceptional reflections on caregiving."
Founded in 1981, New Jersey Theatre Alliance was the first statewide service organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States, and is a leader in developing model programs that unite, promote, strengthen, and cultivate professional theatre in New Jersey. Funding for the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, is provided in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey Cultural Trust, and contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations including The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Grunin Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund hosted by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, OceanFirst Foundation, MidAtlantic Arts Foundation, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, The F.M. Kirby Foundation, E.J. Grassmann Trust, RSI Foundation, and The Union Foundation.
EVENT PREVIEWS
Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's "London Suite"
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse presents Neil Simon's London Suite with three performances from July 11-12, 2026. Witty, charming, and unmistakably Neil Simon, London Suite invites audiences into a series of hilarious and heartfelt encounters set in the same London hotel room.
The Light Opera of New Jersey presents "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center
(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- The Light Opera of New Jersey presents H.M.S. Pinafore from July 11-12, 2026 at the Sieminski Theater Cultural Arts Center. This is a comic operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan that satirize the British class system.
Pioneer Productions presents encore run of "What the Constitution Means to Me" in Chatham Borough
(CHATHAM, NJ) -- Pioneer Productions is thrilled to announce encore performances of their production of Heidi Schreck's "What the Constitution Means to Me." Following a sold-out run of the show in downtown Morristown earlier this year, the original cast and production team have partnered with Chatham Borough to present an encore weekend July 11-12, 2026 at the Stanely Center.
Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"
(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.
Main Street Theatre Company presents "The Music Man JR."
(OLD BRIDGE, NJ) -- Main Street Theatre Company presents The Music Man JR. across two weekends from July 11-19, 2026. There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian in this adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic.
Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot
(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.
The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts
(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
Iron Mountain Stage Company presents "46 Plays For America's First Ladies"
(RINGWOOD, NJ) -- Iron Mountain Stage Company presents 46 Plays For America's First Ladies from July 11-19, 2026. A biographical, meta-theatrical, genre-bending ride through race, gender, and everything else your history teacher never taught you about the founding of America.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th
(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.
The Theater Project presents "Having Our Say" by Emily Mann
(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project's 2026 summer season will begin with a bang with a production of Having Our Say, Emily Mann’s 1995 Tony Award-nominated drama about "two 'maiden ladies' with century-old stories to tell", July 11-21, 2026 at the DMK Black Box Theatre.
FEATURED EVENTS
