Central Jersey Marquee Awards

05/24/2026

🎭✨ What a night at the 2026 Central Jersey Marquee Awards!

From unforgettable performances to emotional acceptance speeches, this year’s ceremony celebrated the incredible talent, dedication, and artistry of students and educators from across Central Jersey. Hosted by Broadway star and American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis, the evening brought together 27 schools for a true celebration of high school musical theatre.

Congratulations to our top award recipients: 🏆 Best Overall Production — Franklin High School’s In The Heights
🌟 Best Lead Actor — Roman Engel (Prince Eric, Disney’s The Little Mermaid)
🌟 Best Lead Actress — Sofia Monfredo (Leading Player, Pippin)

Thank you to all of the students, directors, designers, musicians, families, evaluators, and supporters who made this season so special. The future of theatre is incredibly bright. ❤️🎶🎭



(Photos: Host, Lead Actor Winner, Lead Actress Winner, and Best Overall Production)

05/19/2026

Congratulations to all the Nominees and Winners! Musical Theatre in Central Jersey is amazing!

05/07/2026

🎭 We are thrilled to announce that our host for the 2026 will be the incredible Constantine Maroulis!

Now a Franklin Lakes, NJ resident who grew up next door in Wyckoff, NJ Constantine Maroulis is a multi–Tony Award–nominated actor, producer, songwriter, and electrifying rock vocalist who rose to fame on American Idol during its heyday alongside Carrie Underwood. On Broadway, he earned acclaim for his starring role in Rock of Ages, as well as The Wedding Singer and Jekyll & Hyde, in addition to numerous tours and TV credits. His upcoming film, Original Sound, is in theatres now. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Constantine is the father of Malena James. For original music and tour dates, visit ConstantineMaroulis.com

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Join us on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center as we celebrate outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across Central Jersey! ✨🎶

Tickets can be obtained through participating schools, with a limited number of tickets that may become available to the general public closer to the event.

04/27/2026

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here… 🎭

We are proud to announce the 2026 Central Jersey Marquee Awards nominees, celebrating outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across our region.

Join us as we honor these incredible students and programs on Monday, May 18 at 7:30 PM at the Carteret Performing Arts and Event Center.

Congratulations to all nominees! 👏

01/09/2026

🎭 Now Hiring Evaluators for the 2026 Central Jersey Marquee Awards!
Presented by the Carteret Performing Arts Center
We are seeking supportive, passionate theatre professionals to serve as evaluators for the 2026 season. Evaluators attend high school musicals across Middlesex, Somerset, and Mercer Counties and provide constructive written feedback that helps celebrate and elevate student theatre.

Requirements:
• Theatre/Music/Dance background (BFA/BA or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of musical theatre & production elements
• Reliable, professional, and able to submit feedback within 10 days
• Attend ONE virtual training: Jan 16 or Jan 17 at 7 PM
• Commit to at least 4 productions (Jan–Apr)
• No affiliation with competing productions

Compensation & Perks:
• $40 per show
• Mileage and toll reimbursement
• Two complimentary tickets per performance
• Payment after the May 18, 2026 ceremony
Apply by Friday, January 16, 2026:
👉 https://forms.gle/s4dRVhLFzUv5Y6746

Questions? Email [email protected]

12/09/2025

🎭 Applications Are NOW OPEN! 🎭
Schools in Middlesex, Somerset & Mercer Counties can now apply for the 2026 Central Jersey Marquee Awards!

📅 Deadline: January 16, 2026 at 6 PM
🔗 Apply + read all rules:
https://forms.gle/Md285rdAiTXXPnzBA

We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible theatre happening across Central Jersey! ✨

05/21/2025

Thank you for helping us spread the word!

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center hosted the 3rd Annual Central Jersey Marquee Awards on Monday, May 19, 2025, honoring outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre across Middlesex, Somerset, and Mercer Counties.

05/20/2025

🎭✨ What a night! The 3rd Annual Central Jersey Marquee Awards brought together the very best of high school musical theatre—and what an unforgettable celebration it was!

We are so proud of every student, educator, and creative who poured their heart into the stage this season. Your talent and dedication continue to uplift and inspire our entire community.

📄 View the full list of 2025 Marquee Award winners here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WNVIxe_hIsR-O59GRIUCUFBe-OX-pNHV/view?usp=drive_link

And we’re already looking ahead! The 4th Annual Central Jersey Marquee Awards will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026—mark your calendars for another incredible night of celebration!

Thank you all for being part of this amazing journey. Here’s to even more magic next year! 💫

Photos by Susan Cook Photography

05/19/2025

The stage is set, the lights are on, and the excitement is building! Join us LIVE tonight at 7:30 PM for the 2025 Central Jersey Marquee Awards as we celebrate the outstanding achievements of high school musical theatre across Central Jersey!

Catch every unforgettable moment — from thrilling performances to the announcement of this year’s winners — all from the comfort of your home.

Watch LIVE at 7:30 PM: https://youtube.com/live/Leboc63rwHI?feature=share

Don’t miss the magic — be part of the celebration and cheer on your favorite schools!

Live, Monday May 19th at 7:30pm

05/15/2025

Thanks New Jersey Stage!

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The URSB Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center is proud to present the 2025 Carteret PAC Central Jersey Marquee Awards this Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:30pm. This event honors excellence in high school musical theatre and will feature live performances, awards presentations, and a...