A Night In Lights: Annual Benefit
Save the date!
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Join us on Saturday, May 30, for an intimate celebration of the power of live performance and its impact across our communities. Chaired by Johnson & Johnson alumnae Alma Scott and Eileen Harkins, A Night In Lights is State Theatre New Jersey’s annual benefit raising essential support for our education and community engagement programs.
A Night In Lights will feature a robust cocktail hour, a generous tasting menu of small plates, and delicious desserts. This year's event will also feature:
- A Silent Auction filled with exclusive experiences near and far,
- Our inaugural Spotlight Awards recognizing New Jersey artists and leaders who expand access to the arts to those who need it most, and
- Our annual Mission Drive raising critical funding to strengthen the programs at the heart of our mission.
Following our Night In Lights Annual Benefit, The Beach Boys will take to the State Theatre New Jersey stage, bringing Good Vibrations for a great cause and capping off an unforgettable evening supporting STNJ's education and community engagement programs.
A Night In Lights tickets and sponsorships are available starting Wednesday, March 4. Sponsorships are available both with and without tickets to The Beach Boys performance, so you can customize your support! The best seats for the concert are reserved exclusively for Annual Benefit supporters! Sponsors who commit by March 20 will be included in the print invitation.
Formal invitation and details, including our mainstage performance, to follow.
Spotlight Awards Honorees
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 theatre’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.
Thank You to Our Early Supporters!
Boraie Development LLC
Stephan DeMicco and Jeanne M. Fox
Craig and Nancy Guiffre
Eileen Harkins
Lisa and Rick Martin
Alma Scott
Todd A. Shamy and Joey Kareem Grinkley
Robin E. Suydam and Paul Corkery
Wendy Wiebalk and Steve Cahn
Proceeds from STNJ's Annual Benefit directly support our mission to eliminate barriers and ensure that the power of 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.