By Mary Ann Bourbeau
LONG BRANCH – New Jersey Repertory Company received a $500,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to establish the West End Arts Center, an additional space for performances, as well as educational and community events.
Established in 1997 by SuzAnne and Gabor Barabas, NJRep has been nationally recognized for its mission of staging only new works, many of which have gone on to be produced across the country and internationally. In 2016, the couple obtained a 28,000-square-foot elementary school just five minutes from the main stage. The building is being transformed in stages into a cultural center that will house additional performance spaces, an art cinema, an art museum, a rooftop café and residences for out-of-town actors and playwrights.
When completed, the center, located at 132 West End Ave., will present a wide array of programs in acting, playwriting, art, sculpture, poetry, music and photography.
“This grant allows us to expand our artistic home and deepen our connection to the community,” said artistic director SuzAnne Barabas. “Our mainstage theater will continue to be devoted to world premieres while the West End Arts Center will allow us to support artists in new ways and offer a wider range of programming for audiences of all ages.”
Creative consultant Evan Bergman will spearhead programming at the West End Arts Center, presenting more than 45 events each year. The school’s auditorium has been modernized with new seating, lighting and an updated sound system. The West End Arts Center now hosts a weekly reading series showcasing new plays and musicals in development, continuing its mission of nurturing new voices. On Monday, April 27, there will be a reading of “Advice” by playwright Brent Askari; Monday, May 11, will be a reading of Allan Staples’ play, “Vigorish.” Live music will be presented weekly, featuring Broadway performers, jazz artists and local talent. Check njrep.org for details.
Programming for Kids
The venue will also host free magic shows and family-friendly theatrical events. Initial programming includes puppet shows designed to spark imagination, encourage creativity, and introduce young audiences to the joy of storytelling through vibrant characters, music and interactive fun.
At 2 p.m. April 26, Puppetonia presents “The Missing Magician.” In this show, Lucky Duck wants to be a magician when he grows up and is eagerly awaiting a magic show from Mini Bunny the Magician – until Mini Bunny goes missing! Lucky Duck and Mr. Chris must put on their detective hats to find him. Along the way, they’ll learn some magic tricks themselves. This show is 45 minutes long and is and aimed at children ages 1 to 8.
At 2 p.m. Aug. 9, Puppetonia presents “Construction Party,” in which Lucky Duck and his friend, a construction expert named Petey the Pig, learn about tools, building materials and safety on the job though a fun rendition of “The Three Little Pigs.” This show is 45 minutes long and aimed at children ages 1-8.
For both puppet shows, parents are required to stay with their children during the performances.
Puppetonia crafts its shows to nurture social, thinking and motor skills and encourage self-expression among the children. “These puppet shows are interactive, so the performers have the opportunity to really engage with the children,” said Bergman. “I grew up in New York City and my mom took us to puppet shows and children’s theater. I was always enthralled with the puppet and marionette shows. I think they’re quite special.”
At 11 a.m. May 16, NJ Rep teams up with the Classical Theatre of Harlem for “Fearless Creativity,” an improv and theater games workshop for students 12 to 16. Explore classic games, build ensemble connections, increase confidence and discover the joy of performance. Classes run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and snacks are provided. This program is free, but class sizes are limited, so RSVPs are necessary. Visit njrep.org for details.
“The West End Arts Center represents the next chapter for NJRep,” said executive producer Gabor Barabas. “It will be a place where new plays are born, music is celebrated, families are welcomed, and young artists are inspired. We are deeply grateful to the state of New Jersey and the NJEDA for their support in helping us bring this vision to life.”
The article originally appeared in the April 16 – 22, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
