State Theatre New Jersey’s nationally recognized education and community engagement programs touch the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and families each year, with performances, workshops, artist residencies, and other activities that make the performing arts meaningful, accessible, and affordable to the people in our community.

• STNJ's PERFORMANCES FOR SCHOOLS introduce students across New Jersey to the thrill of live theater. Tickets to these shows are subsidized by as much as 90% to keep them affordable for students from our most at-risk districts.

• STNJ’s beloved MILK & COOKIES series features music and storytelling programs designed to introduce young children ages 3-8 to live performance.

• SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES enable children who are on the autism spectrum and others with sensory sensitivities to experience the joy of live theater. Modulated lighting and sound levels, a designated quiet area, and a relaxed attitude toward theater etiquette create a safe, comfortable, judgment-free environment.
  
  
• FREE SUMMER MOVIES, featuring morning and evening screenings of five family-friendly films, has become a favorite summer activity for for camps and local families.

• Our ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE program allows people to get up close and personal with professional performing artists. Each year, STNJ brings activities, including workshops and performances to classrooms, community centers, elder care facilities, rehabilitation groups, and more throughout our community.
  
  
• STNJ's COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEES, Latino, LGBTQ+, and Accessibility, are comprised of dedicated community leaders that champion diversity, connect us with our richly diverse community, provide outreach and live theater experiences for at-risk youth, and help bring new audiences to our celebrated venue.

• DISCOVERYTIX provides more than $120,000 in ticket subsidies each year, reaching approximately 2,265 individuals who participate in public assistance programs such as WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, and the New Jersey Families First Discovery Program. This program, made possible by the generosity of our community, helps ensure that all members of our community—regardless of income—can experience world-class performances at State Theatre.
  
  
• SYMPHONY SCHOLARS, a free program for music students ages 11-18, provides an in-depth introduction to classical music experiencing a symphony performance at STNJ plus pre- and post-concert workshops.
  
  
• EARLY CHILDHOOD ARTS & LITERACY PROGRAM uses performance as a tool for developing reading skills in kids aged five and under, providing early arts exposure that underserved youngsters would be unlikely to experience otherwise. Each participating class receives a copy of the original book tied to the performance, so students experience the stories both in literary form and being brought to life through a live performance.

• NEW BRUNSWICK HEART FESTIVAL held on the second Saturday in August, celebrates the vibrant arts and history of New Brunswick and Middlesex County. The winner of STNJ’s own Jersey Talent will take the main stage on George Street, alongside music and dance performances, a behind-the-scenes look inside the local arts scene, a close-up of Middlesex County’s history, an arts and artisans market, and more.

Contact Nicole Stinson at 732-247-7200, ext. 513 to learn more about how you or your company can be involved in supporting these important programs, at any level.