(PRINCETON, NJ) -- On June 12, 2026, McCarter Theatre Center concluded its 2025–2026 Season with a memorable Gala honoring Emily Mann, who served as McCarter's Artistic Director and Resident Playwright for 30 years, and presenting her with the inaugural Roger S. Berlind Award.
The evening brought together artists, supporters, and friends to celebrate Mann's legacy and lasting impact on American theater. It also marked an exciting step forward for McCarter's commitment to fostering new works and bold voices through the Emily Mann Lab.
The Gala highlighted McCarter's mission to inspire, educate, and connect audiences through artistic programming and Stage Door Access, the theater's education and community engagement initiative.
The celebration culminated in a performance by Tony Award winner Kecia Lewis, featuring "Mama Will Provide" from Once on This Island, Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind," and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from The Sound of Music.
McCarter is one of the country’s flagship theaters and a vibrant center for community and the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the company is an independent nonprofit, serving as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub for arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages.
A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence dates back to its first performances in 1930. Our Town, You Can’t Take It with You, and Bus Stop all premiered at McCarter, paving the way for a long history of launching remarkable works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances worldwide.
The company is equally revered for presenting global artists on its stages, including Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock. Of the 100,000 community members who engage with McCarter each year, more than 5,000 are students participating in educational programs in Princeton, Trenton, and schools across the region. McCarter leads with values of justice, joy, and beauty in belonging—creating a space where artists and audiences can come together to celebrate the power of live performance.
