A Landmark Moment in Princeton
As celebrations ramp up in honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, a Princeton landmark will have an important role to play.
State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin announced at the legislative body’s reorganization meeting on January 13 that for one special meeting on Thursday, February 5, the Assembly would return to the site of its first-ever gathering: Nassau Hall.
“This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great State and the General Assembly,” he said in his prepared remarks. “The New Jersey Legislature first met on August 27, 1776, in Nassau Hall on the campus of what is now Princeton University. To commemorate that first session, this February we will return to Nassau Hall for a special session as we begin a yearlong celebration throughout our wonderfully historic state.”
It was at that August 1776 meeting that New Jersey’s first governor, William Livingston, was elected; he addressed a joint session of the legislature there the following month. The building — the largest stone building in the colonies at the time of its construction in 1756 — was struck by cannon fire during the Battle of Princeton in early 1777 and briefly served as the nation’s Capitol in 1783.
Opportunities: Scholarships Available
JFCS of Greater Mercer County announces the Rose & Louis H. Linowitz Mensch Award. This is a merit-based award for deserving Jewish eighth-grade and high school senior students living in Greater Mercer County. Candidates should exemplify what it means to be a mensch — a person of integrity and honor, a doer of good deeds, and an all-around good person. Students must be nominated by a member of the community such as a Rabbi, educator, youth group advisor, secular school guidance counselor, teacher, etc. Eighth-grade Mensch-In-Training and high school senior Mensch Award winners will receive prizes up to $750 and $4,000 respectively. This is not a need-based scholarship.
Selected winners are required to attend a recognition event to receive their award on Thursday, April 16.
Applications are due by Monday, March 9.
For more information or to nominate a student, visit www.jfcsonline.org/awards-scholarships, or contact Joyce at 609-987-8100, ext. 201 or JoyceW@JFCSonline.org.
For Theater Kids
McCarter Theatre Center announces the launch of its new Teen Conservatory, an immersive training program for teens ages 13 to 17 designed for young artists passionate about acting, storytelling, and expressive arts. Beginning this summer and continuing throughout the school year, the conservatory offers sustained, high-quality instruction that nurtures artistic growth in a joyful, uplifting, and deeply supportive environment.
Launching with a summer session, the Teen Conservatory features workshops led by working professionals from Broadway, television, film, and the wider entertainment industry. These guest artists bring real-world expertise and authentic insight into the rehearsal room, offering mentorship that deepens students’ understanding of both the artistic process and the profession itself. The first summer session runs June 22 through July 3, with additional sessions continuing through August 28, followed by conservatory programming during the academic year.
“We’ve designed the Teen Conservatory to reflect both the rigor and the joy of professional artistic training,” said Brooke Boertzel, Director of Education at McCarter Theatre Center. “Through sustained practice and mentorship from working artists, students strengthen their craft, cultivate curiosity and openness in their artistic process, and gain the confidence to approach their work with focus and intention.
To mark the introduction of the Teen Conservatory, McCarter will offer two spring masterclasses for teens, providing early opportunities to engage with professional artists and gain real-world insight into the performing arts. On Monday, February 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., McCarter presents a Musical Theatre Intensive featuring Broadway performer Michael Schimmele. A second masterclass, Industry Insights: Casting Workshop, takes place on Sunday, April 12, from 1 to 3 p.m., led by renowned casting director Daryl Eisenberg.
Ideal for teens who thrive creatively, value collaboration, and are excited to learn from inspiring educators and working industry professionals; the Teen Conservatory balances artistic rigor with mentorship and meaningful performance opportunities. Whether students are exploring acting for personal growth or preparing college auditions and professional training, families appreciate the program’s thoughtful, well-rounded approach.
Daily training follows a conservatory-style schedule led by experienced McCarter Teaching Artists. Students develop skills in acting techniques, character development, script analysis, vocal clarity and expressive confidence, movement and physical storytelling, ensemble collaboration, and rehearsal discipline.
To learn more and to register for the Teen Conservatory and Spring Masterclasses, visit mccarter.org/teensummercamp. Questions may be directed to education@mccarter.org.
For Young Musicians
Riverside Symphonia celebrates student musicians with the return of the Caprio Competition open to all non-keyboard instrumentalists who will be no more than 22 years of age on or before April 18, 2026. Applications are available at riversidesymphonia.org or by calling 609-397-7300. All qualified student musicians are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity and participate in this inspiring event.
The public is invited free-of-charge to experience the performances of finalist on Sunday April 19, at South Hunterdon Regional High School 301 Mt. Airy-Harbourton Road, Lambertville. Sponsored prizes include a first place award of $2,000 and a guest performance with the Riverside Symphonia; second place, $1,000; third place, $500.
This year marks the 15th biannual presentation of The Caprio, whose recipients have praised the experience and moved on to significant musical careers with major orchestras, and as recording artists and teachers.
The Caprio Competition was established in 1996 to honor the late John‑Michael Caprio, the founding conductor of the Riverside Symphonia. In addition to his distinguished leadership as conductor and music director of both the Riverside Symphonia and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, Caprio was a devoted educator who dedicated his life to guiding young musicians as they prepared for their own artistic careers. His legacy of mentorship and musical excellence continues to inspire the next generation through this competition.
Last Call for Artists
The Morris Museum invites submissions for the 2026 New Jersey Arts Annual – Common Ground: New Jersey Artists Think Monumental, a juried outdoor exhibition of monumental sculpture, installations, and murals. This exhibition will transform the Museum’s 8.4-acre campus into a dynamic landscape of contemporary art. The submission deadline is Friday, February 13.
Submitted works should respond to scale, terrain, materiality, and public space; provoking curiosity, inviting movement, and reimagining how art lives in shared environments. Artists are encouraged to submit pieces that demonstrate technical excellence, conceptual depth, and a strong sense of spatial dialogue.
Through Common Ground: NJ Artists Think Monumental, the Morris Museum continues its commitment to presenting contemporary art beyond traditional gallery walls — celebrating the power of sculpture to transform open space into a site of reflection, discovery, and wonder.
All artists over the age of 18 who either work or live in the state of New Jersey are eligible to apply. All mediums are eligible. There is no entry fee.
The application is available at artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=14255. For additional information, visit www.morrismuseum.org, call 973-971-3700, or email NJArtsAnnual@morrismuseum.org.
