New Jersey’s performing arts scene is heating up as the state enters a busy audition season across theatre, music, and community talent showcases. From classic musicals to youth-focused talent competitions, performers of all ages have multiple opportunities to step into the spotlight in 2026, highlighting the state’s vibrant arts and entertainment ecosystem.
Central to the season is Jersey Talent, the beloved community showcase returning to the historic State Theatre New Jersey on Saturday, May 16. Open to performers ages 8 to 25, Jersey Talent offers a safe and supportive environment for youth to display their skills in music, dance, theater, and other performance art. Applicants submit a short audition video online—no longer than two minutes—with a deadline of February 20, and selected performers will be invited to live callback auditions later in February. Solos and small groups of up to four are welcome, and parental approval is required for participants under 18. Tickets for the live show go on sale Friday, April 17, giving families and fans the chance to cheer on emerging talent on one of New Jersey’s most prominent stages.
For theatre enthusiasts, auditions for professional and community productions are underway across the state. CDC Theatre is holding open calls for Fiddler on the Roof this week on January 8 and 10, continuing its tradition of bringing classic musicals to life. The Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan is accepting performers for 9 to 5: The Musical on January 18 and 19, while the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is hosting auditions for Disney’s Frozen in early February, welcoming youth and adult actors alike. Meanwhile, New Jersey Repertory Company is seeking Equity actors for its 2026 season, with auditions scheduled for January 25 and 26, requiring two contrasting contemporary monologues. Additional opportunities include Centenary Stage Company’s Equity Principal auditions for Dial M for Murder on January 15 and Studio Players Inc’s auditions for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors on January 11 and 12.
Film and television casting also presents avenues for local talent. Grant Wilfley Casting is seeking background actors ages 14–17 for the A24 horror series Mama’s Boy, filming in North Jersey, while other projects like the feature film Sunny and the music rom-com short Accompany Me are recruiting actors and extras across the state. These opportunities highlight New Jersey’s growing role as a hub for film and television production in the tri-state area.
For those interested in music and comedy, several open mic events provide accessible platforms for performance. Bliss Coffee Lounge in Somerville hosts open mic nights on the first and third Thursday of each month, with the next session on January 15. The Folk Project in Morristown offers its Open Stage event on January 9, welcoming musicians, poets, and comedians to share their work in front of a live audience.
Beyond traditional stages, New Jersey’s unique entertainment events continue to expand opportunities for performers. The NJ Renaissance Faire in Fieldsboro is holding cast auditions for its 2026 Three Musketeers season on January 17, demonstrating how historical and cultural productions also contribute to the state’s performing arts ecosystem. Additionally, the NJ Theatre Alliance’s 2026 Combined Auditions, opening for registration on February 6 at Kean University, will bring together representatives from over 40 professional New Jersey theaters, offering a centralized avenue for actors to be seen by multiple companies.
These auditions, talent showcases, and open mic events collectively underscore New Jersey’s thriving arts and entertainment scene, providing performers of all ages with pathways to grow their skills, gain exposure, and connect with the state’s rich cultural community. Whether on stage, on screen, or in a local coffeehouse, aspiring artists have a wealth of opportunities to make their mark. For those looking to explore upcoming performances, events, and creative experiences, Explore New Jersey’s entertainment guide serves as a comprehensive resource, keeping residents and visitors informed about the latest happenings across the state.
With audition season in full swing, 2026 promises to be a dynamic year for New Jersey performers, offering a range of stages, screens, and venues to showcase talent, build confidence, and celebrate the arts in communities large and small.
