(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company will conclude its 2026 Fringe Festival with Unseen, written and performed by Kimberly Prentice, November 19–22, 2026, in the Kutz Theatre. Blending physical comedy, rapid-fire character changes, and heartfelt storytelling, Unseen takes audiences backstage into the demanding, unpredictable world of Broadway's wardrobe crew, celebrating the people whose essential work often goes unnoticed.
Audiences are invited to experience Broadway from a fresh perspective through the eyes of Pam, a veteran theatrical dresser responsible for keeping a production running smoothly, one costume change at a time. As she navigates elaborate quick changes, demanding actors, backstage confrontations, and the seemingly endless challenges of live theatre, Pam works tirelessly in the shadows to ensure that everyone else can shine.
But what happens when the person who spends her life helping others be seen begins to feel invisible herself?
As the pressures of the job mount, Pam reaches a breaking point. With the support of unexpected allies, she begins to find the confidence to speak up, stand her ground, and claim the recognition she deserves. In this energetic and deeply human story, Prentice explores the universal desire to be valued, heard, and acknowledged, reminding audiences that the people working behind the scenes are every bit as essential as those taking the spotlight.
Although Unseen is a one-woman show, Prentice brings more than 30 distinct characters to life, transforming seamlessly between performers, crew members, and backstage personalities. Through a remarkable series of quick character changes, physical storytelling, and sharp humor, she creates a lively theatrical world that captures both the chaos and camaraderie of life behind the curtain.
Performances take place Thursday, November 19 at 7:00pm; Friday, November 20 at 7:30pm; Saturday, November 21 at 7:30pm; and Sunday, November 22 at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $27.50 to $30.00 for adults with student discounts available for select performances. Tickets are available for purchase online. All performances take place in the Kutz Theatre at the Lackland Performing Arts Center, located at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ, on the campus of Centenary University.
Centenary Stage Company also offers a Thursday evening Buy One, Get One Free rush-ticket special, with tickets available for purchase in person at the CSC Box Office beginning at 5:00pm on the day of the performance.
The Box Office is located in the Lackland Performing Arts Center at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown, NJ. Regular Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 1:00pm–5:00pm, and two hours prior to each performance.
Critics have praised the production for its humor, emotional resonance, and thoughtful examination of the people whose labor makes live performance possible.
"Funny, yet also thought-provoking and inspiring, Unseen is a fantastic show that offers something slightly different than your traditional one-woman show." — The Indiependent
"Unseen tackles a universal issue of ignoring those who do seemingly menial, but absolutely necessary, jobs. It's done with such grace — both through the words spoken and also physically... Prentice play(s) all of the parts magnificently." — Theatre Weekly
As the final production in Centenary Stage Company's 2026 Fringe Festival, Unseen offers a fitting conclusion to a season celebrating distinctive voices, original storytelling, and theatrical experiences that challenge audiences to see familiar worlds in new ways. Whether audiences are longtime theatre lovers or simply curious about what happens beyond the footlights, this heartfelt comedy offers a fresh appreciation for the people who make the magic of live performance possible.
The 2026/27 Season of Performing Arts at Centenary Stage Company is made possible through the generous support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the Sandra S. Kupperman Foundation, the John and Margaret Post Foundation, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. CSC corporate sponsors include Heath Village, Visions Federal Credit Union, Fulton Bank, Explore Warren, and the Hackettstown Rotary Club, along with the many members and supporters of Centenary Stage Company.
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ
There are multiple performances including:
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
@ 7:30pm
New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ
Thursday, October 22, 2026
@ 8:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
Carteret, NJ
Thursday, October 22, 2026
@ 7:30pm
State Theatre New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ
