(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey (STNJ) invites the community to its signature fundraising event, A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christopher's Restaurant & Bar located inside The Heldrich Hotel. This highly anticipated evening directly supports STNJ's arts education and community engagement programs, which serve more than 30,000 children and families each year.
More than a celebration, A Night In Lights is a vital investment in STNJ's mission to eliminate barriers and ensure that live performance is accessible to all. Proceeds from the event make it possible to deliver transformative arts education programs, provide affordable and subsidized ticketing initiatives, and expand community outreach efforts that bring the joy of live entertainment to individuals and families across New Jersey—regardless of circumstance.
Funds raised through the Gala power impactful programs, including free tickets for veterans, subsidized admission for STNJ's flagship Performances for Schools, $10 DiscoveryTix for families enrolled in NJ's Families First Program and Medicaid cardholders, and complimentary tickets for New Jersey charities. Through these initiatives, STNJ continues to create meaningful, inclusive arts experiences that inspire, educate, and connect communities.
This exciting celebration of the performing arts in New Jersey will feature live entertainment, excellent food, signature cocktails, and silent and live auctions, along with STNJ's annual Mission Drive—an opportunity for guests to directly support State Theatre's education and community engagement programs.
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit STNJ.org/Gala, email [email protected], or call 732-247-7200, ext. 512. Christopher's Restaurant & Bar is located inside the Heldrich Hotel - directly across the street from the State Theatre at 10 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
As part of the celebration, STNJ will present its inaugural Spotlight Awards, recognizing artists, technicians, and cultural leaders whose work expands access to the arts and strengthens community connection across New Jersey. This year's honorees include acclaimed jazz vocalist, producer, and educator Svetlana Shmulyian—founder of STNJ's Swing Makes You Sing Jazz Residency program and a passionate advocate for arts education—and Craig Werner, Master Electrician and Lighting Designer, whose decades of service have helped shape the Theatre's artistic excellence. Werner will receive the Legacy Spotlight Award in recognition of his enduring impact.
STNJ gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its early commitment sponsors, whose leadership and investment help make this event—and its far-reaching community impact—possible. Current sponsors include: Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Campbell; EAB Insurance Group; Craig & Nancy Guiffre; Alma Scott; Boraie Development LLC; Johnson & Johnson; NAI DiLeo-Bram & Co. and The DiLeo Family Foundation; Magyar Bank; Joey K. Grinkley & Todd A. Shamy; Lisa & Rick Martin; Robin E. Suydam & Paul Corkery; Saul Curtis; Stephan DeMicco & Jeanne M. Fox; Kevin & Eileen Hoagland; IBEW Local 456; The Karma Foundation; Peter & Maggie Stavrianidis; Turner Construction Company; Benjamin & Christine Bucca; Eileen Harkins; Richard & Larisa Leist; and Wendy Wiebalk & Steve Cahn.
Co-chaired by Johnson & Johnson alumnae Eileen Harkins and Alma Scott, State Theatre New Jersey's A Night in Lights brings together community leaders, philanthropists, arts advocates, and theater-lovers on May 30 for an unforgettable evening with a powerful purpose.
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.
