(BOUND BROOK, NJ) -- The Brook Writers Group, a newly formed theater collective dedicated to developing original theatrical works in Central New Jersey, will present its inaugural Staged Reading Showcase on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the historic Brook Arts Center (10 Hamilton Street) in Bound Brook. The event begins at 5:00pm.
Admission to the staged reading performance is free and open to the public, with seating reserved on a first-come, first-served basis via email reservation ([email protected]). Following the live staged readings, attendees are invited to stay for a complimentary "Meet the Playwrights" post-show reception featuring wine, cheese, and light refreshments.
Cultivating Original New Jersey Theater & Playwright Talent
Led by award-winning playwright Tom Cavanaugh, The Brook Writers Group was founded to address a critical gap in regional arts infrastructure by offering local New Jersey playwrights a dedicated incubator to workshop new plays, exchange constructive peer feedback, and bring raw scripts from the page directly to the stage.
"After searching for years for a local writers' incubator in Central Jersey, it became clear that instead of waiting for an invitation, we needed to build our own table," said Cavanaugh. "Thanks to Gail Woerner and the team at the Brook Arts Center, we have created a dynamic home where local playwrights can develop their artistic voices without boundaries. Our goal is simple: to empower New Jersey playwrights and showcase the incredible storytelling talent cultivated right in our own community."
Inaugural Staged Reading Showcase Lineup
The August 2nd showcase features a diverse lineup of seven original short works developed within the writers' incubator:
Benjamin V. Marshall – The Left Side of the Decimal Point
Brad Forenza – Xmas Past
Jeanne Johnston – Fing Shooie
Amanda Woerner – Autobiography
Amanda Lehman – Laugh Therapy Failed
A.J. Ciccotelli – Wasteland
Tom Cavanaugh – Unpaired
Since its inception, the artistic cohort has expanded from six to nine active playwrights. The group meets twice monthly at the historic Somerset County venue to collaborate, share works-in-progress, and participate in industry masterclasses and artistic development sessions.
The Brook Writers Group is a playwright-driven collective operating out of the Brook Arts Center in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Designed to foster vibrant local theater, the group provides script-incubator sessions, professional mentorship, and live public readings to cultivate and promote original works by New Jersey playwrights and theater artists.
Located in Bound Brook, NJ, the historic Brook Arts Center (constructed in 1927) is Somerset County's premier venue for live theater, concerts, film, and arts education, dedicated to enriching the local community through diverse cultural programming.
