A Night In Lights: Annual Benefit Gala
Join State Theatre New Jersey for an intimate celebration of the transformative power of live performance at A Night In Lights Annual Benefit Gala on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 4:30-7pm. Chaired by Johnson & Johnson alumnae Eileen Harkins and Alma Scott, A Night In Lights raises essential support for State Theatre’s impactful education and community engagement programs.
A Night In Lights will feature a robust cocktail hour, a generous tasting menu of small plates, delicious desserts, and live entertainment. This year's event will also feature:
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A Silent Auction filled with exclusive experiences near and far,
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Our inaugural Spotlight Awards recognizing New Jersey artists and leaders who expand access to the arts to those who need it most, and
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Our annual Mission Drive raising critical funding to strengthen the programs at the heart of our mission.
Immediately following our A Night In Lights Annual Benefit Gala, continue the Good Vibrations with the option to join us at The Beach Boys concert taking place on State Theatre New Jersey's stage. Celebrate a great cause and cap off an unforgettable evening supporting STNJ's education and community engagement programs.
Proceeds from STNJ's Annual Benefit directly support our mission to eliminate barriers and ensure that the live performance is accessible to all. Your participation helps us provide transformative arts education programs, affordable ticketing initiatives, and community outreach efforts that bring the joy of live entertainment to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Purchase Individual Tickets
Duet $870 (2 guests)
Admission for 2 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus The Beach Boys performance seating for 2.
Solo Act $450 (1 guest)
Admission for 1 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus The Beach Boys performance seating for 1.
Arts Access Visionary $25,000 (10 guests)
Admission for 10 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus exclusive seating for 10 for The Beach Boys performance; exclusive reserved seating at Annual Benefit; prominent marquee logo recognition; prominent logo recognition on all Annual Benefit marketing, signage, and promotions; full-page, premium placement Spotlight Journal ad.
Community Engagement Champion $15,000 (10 guests)
Admission for 10 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus premium seating for 10 for The Beach Boys performance; premium reserved seating at Annual Benefit; marquee logo recognition; logo recognition on all Annual Benefit marketing, signage, and promotions; full-page Spotlight Journal ad.
Performances for Schools Partner $10,500 (8 guests)
Admission for 8 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus premier seating for 8 for The Beach Boys performance; premier reserved seating at Annual Benefit; marquee name recognition; name recognition on all Annual Benefit marketing, signage, and promotions; half-page Spotlight Journal ad.
Childhood Arts Literacy Leader $7,000 (4 guests)
Admission for 4 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus The Beach Boys performance seating for 4; shared marquee name recognition; name recognition on all Annual Benefit marketing, signage, and promotions; quarter-page Spotlight Journal ad.
Sensory-Friendly Supporter $3,500 (2 guests)
Admission for 2 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus The Beach Boys performance seating for 2; shared marquee; name recognition; name on all Annual Benefit marketing, signage, and promotions; name recognition in Spotlight Journal.
Artist Residency Advocate $1,300 (1 guest)
Admission for 1 to A Night In Lights Annual Benefit plus The Beach Boys performance seating for 1; name recognition on all Annual Benefit marketing, signage, and promotions; name recognition in Spotlight Journal.
Make a Donation
I am unable to attend, but wish to support with a tax-deductible contribution. Name recognition on Annual Benefit website and in Spotlight Journal.
Advertise in the Spotlight Journal
Distributed both in print and digitally to all Annual Benefit attendees and available online. Email ad and link to langlum@stnj.org as a PDF. All ad contracts and artwork must be received by May 5, 2026.
FULL-PAGE, premium placement $3,000
Ad Size: 5” w x 8” h, 300dpi
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FULL-PAGE $2,000
Ad Size: 5” w x 8” h, 300dpi
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HALF-PAGE $750
Ad Size: 5” w x 3.75” h, 300dpi
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QUARTER-PAGE $500
Ad Size: 5” w x 1.75” h, 300dpi
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Spotlight Award Recipients
Svetlana Shmulyian
2026 Spotlight Award Recipient
Svetlana Shmulyian is an internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist, producer, and arts educator whose work bridges cultures and generations through the joyful power of swing. Founder of the award-winning jazz experience Swing Makes You Sing at the heart of State Theatre New Jersey's Jazz Artist Residency, Svetlana and The New York Collective introduce young audiences to America’s musical heritage through interactive performance and storytelling. A passionate advocate for arts access, Svetlana has led residencies and community programs that engage students, families, and educators in meaningful, hands-on musical experiences. Her commitment to expanding access to live performance and fostering connection through creativity embodies the spirit of STNJ's Spotlight Award—celebrating artistry that resonates far beyond the stage and strengthens communities across New Jersey.
Craig Werner
2026 Legacy Spotlight Award Recipient
Craig Werner has been a cornerstone of State Theatre New Jersey’s production team for decades, bringing live performance to vivid life through his expert lighting design and technical leadership. As the theater’s Master Electrician and Lighting Designer, he has shaped the visual impact of countless performances in New Brunswick, ensuring artistic excellence and technical precision for every show. Long celebrated within the community as the person who truly “knows more about the State Theatre” than most, Craig’s work has been featured in local storytelling and documentaries about the venue’s rich history. His enduring commitment to the arts and behind-the-scenes craftsmanship reflects the heart of STNJ's Legacy Spotlight Award—honoring sustained impact, deep community connection, and a lifetime of elevating the cultural vibrancy of New Jersey.
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Please RSVP by May 20, 2026.
If you have any questions please contact Leah Anglum, Senior Manager of Development Operations at 732-247-7200, ext. 512 or langlum@stnj.org.
State Theatre New Jersey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 16-1616384). All proceeds from A Night In Lights Annual Benefit will help provide educational and community engagement programs that reach over 30,000 children, families, and underserved populations each year and support the continued excellence of our world-class mainstage performances.
THANK YOU TO OUR ANNUAL BENEFIT GALA SPONSORS*
Community Engagement Champions
Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. Campbell
