Photos: New Jersey Theatre Alliance Celebrates Local Theatre Community at CURTAIN CALL 2026
The annual gala at Bell Works drew 200+ arts, business, and government leaders across New Jersey.
The New Jersey Theatre Alliance welcomed more than 200 leaders from the arts, business, labor, and government sectors to its annual Curtain Call celebration on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Bell Works. See photos of the event.
The annual gala celebrated the strength, creativity, and collaborative spirit of New Jersey’s professional theatre community.
The evening’s highest honor, the Star Award, was presented to Kevin O’Brien in recognition of his longstanding leadership and advocacy on behalf of New Jersey’s theatre industry. O’Brien, President of IATSE Local 632, was honored for his steadfast support of theatre professionals and organizations throughout the region, as well as his work with numerous arts and cultural institutions.
“Curtain Call is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary artists, technicians, administrators, and advocates who make New Jersey’s theatre community so vibrant,” said John McEwen. “This year’s event was especially meaningful as we recognized Kevin O’Brien and the many talented individuals whose dedication strengthens our stages and our communities every day.”
Guests gathered throughout the evening for networking, performances, tributes, and the presentation of Awards of Excellence honoring outstanding production and design personnel from Alliance member theatres across the state. The event highlighted the remarkable artistry and technical achievements that continue to position New Jersey as a national leader in professional theatre.
Curtain Call also served as a fundraiser supporting the ongoing work of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, including professional development initiatives, advocacy efforts, accessibility programs, and the Career Accelerator Program — a paid mentorship and fellowship initiative cultivating emerging theatre leaders from underrepresented communities.
Held at Bell Works, the event brought together representatives from theatres and arts organizations across the state in a setting that reflected the evening’s themes of innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.
Sponsors for the event included Entertainment Community Fund, Carolyn Ferolito, Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, IATSE District 10, IATSE International, Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC, Joan Rechnitz, and Stages Consultants.
Star Award Honoree, Kevin O'Brien
Guests enjoying Curtain Call 2026
Evelynn Knox
Kevin O'Brien with International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees members
Kevin O'Brien and Award of Excellence
Janeece Freeman Clark and Dwayne Clark
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Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini State Theatre New Jersey (1/24-1/24) |
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C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (11/06-11/06) |
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Gil Shaham Plays Dvořák New Jersey Performing Arts Center (2/18-2/18) |
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Whose Live Anyway State Theatre New Jersey (10/28-10/28) |
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Season Opener: Red, White, and Blue Mayo Performing Arts Center (11/13-11/13) |
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Joshua Henry Enlow Recital Hall (9/13-9/13) |
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Married, Single, and a Baby Robert Shackleton Playhouse (9/27-9/27) |
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Rick Steves' Europe: A Symphonic Journey State Theatre New Jersey (11/08-11/08) |
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Mozart & Ravel Richardson Auditorium (1/08-1/08) |
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Handel's Messiah Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart (12/20-12/20) |