Light Opera of New Jersey is holding auditions for its new LONJ Youth Ensemble, a training and performance program for singers ages 13 to 20.
The ensemble is designed for young singers interested in operetta and traditional musical theater. Students selected for the program will receive training and performance experience through Light Opera of New Jersey.
Auditioners should prepare two contrasting selections from operetta or traditional musical theater. In-person auditions are scheduled for June 2 in Basking Ridge, and video auditions will be accepted through June 12.
For more information go to lonj.org.
Local Authors Sought For Library Event
Princeton Public Library is accepting applications for its 2026 Local Author Day.
The event brings together local readers and writers for an Author Fair where published authors from the region can sell and sign books, meet readers and connect with other writers. Participating authors represent a range of genres and write for readers of different ages.
The program also includes presentations focused on both the business and artistic sides of writing. The library describes the event as a way to celebrate authors working in the region while giving writers a chance to network and introduce their work to the public.
Author applications are being accepted from May 9 through July 25. Local Author Day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at Princeton Public Library.
For more information go to princetonlibrary.org.
TCNJ Offers Summer Arts Camps For Teens
The College of New Jersey School of the Arts and Communication is accepting registrations for its 2026 summer arts camps for high school students.
The on-campus programs are designed for teens interested in music, animation, comics, game design, graphic design, music technology, brass instruments, saxophone and video production. Students can explore creative fields while working in a college environment with TCNJ faculty, campus studios, labs and performance spaces.
Programs include the Future Music Educators Institute from June 28 through July 3 for students interested in becoming music teachers or conductors. The institute gives vocal and instrumental high school students a chance to study with the TCNJ Department of Music and explore music education as a possible career path.
TCNJ also will offer 2D Animation Camp, Graphic Design Camp and Music Technology Camp from July 5 through July 10. The animation camp introduces students to professional techniques used to bring characters to life. The graphic design camp focuses on print and digital media projects using the Adobe Creative Suite. The music technology camp gives students experience with composition, audio production, beat-making and recording in a Mac lab and professional recording studio.
Additional programs will run July 12 through July 17, including Comics Camp, Game Design Camp, Summer Brass Institute, Summer Saxophone Institute and Video Production Camp. Students can study comics history and theory, design and program a small video game, strengthen brass or saxophone performance skills, or learn to use professional audio, lighting and camera equipment to produce original video work.
The programs are available with commuter and residential options. Most listed camps are open to rising ninth graders through graduating high school seniors.
For more information go to tcnj.edu.
State Grants Available For Arts Groups
The New Jersey Cultural Trust and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts have released guidelines for Fiscal Year 2027 Institutional and Financial Stabilization Grants for Arts Organizations.
The grant program is intended t o help nonprofit arts organizations strengthen operations and long-term stability. Past funded projects have included establishing cash reserves, developing strategic plans, purchasing equipment and upgrading technology.
The opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations with a primary arts-focused mission. Arts organizations of different sizes and geographic scopes may be eligible to apply.
Organizations must first be designated qualified by the Cultural Trust. Organizations that are not currently designated qualified, or whose qualification will expire before January 2027, must submit a separate qualification application by June 8.
Applications for the grant program open June 10 and are due July 30.
For more information go to nj.gov/state.
Planning Conference Registration Open
APA New Jersey and New Jersey Future are accepting registrations for the 2026 New Jersey Planning & Redevelopment Conference.
The annual three-day conference brings together planners, redevelopment professionals, elected officials, attorneys, engineers, environmental professionals, researchers, nonprofit leaders and community advocates for sessions focused on land use, redevelopment, transportation, housing, infrastructure, sustainability, resilience and economic development.
The conference will be held virtually June 10 and 11 and in person June 12 at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick.
Conference materials say the 2026 event will feature more than 30 sessions, virtual and in-person exhibit areas, networking opportunities and continuing education credits. Sponsorship materials describe the conference audience as a mix of public- and private-sector leaders, including mayors, township managers, planners, developers, nonprofit leaders and environmental service providers.
For planners and related professionals, the conference offers a chance to track current policy issues, earn credits and connect with others working in planning, redevelopment and community development across New Jersey.For more information go to njplanning.org.
Tax Credit Program Targets Tech Startups
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is accepting 2026 applications for the Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program, commonly known as the Net Operating Loss program.
The program allows qualified, unprofitable New Jersey-based technology and biotechnology companies to sell a percentage of their net operating losses and unused research and development tax credits to unrelated profitable corporations.
The program is designed to help early-stage technology and life sciences companies turn tax losses and credits into cash that can be used for growth and operations. NJEDA says the money may be used for working capital, research, equipment, facilities and other allowable expenditures.
Eligible companies generally must have fewer than 225 U.S. employees and meet other program requirements. Up to $75 million is available annually, with $15 million set aside for businesses in Innovation Zones, Opportunity Zones or New Jersey-certified minority- or woman-owned businesses.
The 2026 application deadline is June 30.
For more information go to njeda.gov.
NJEDA Program Accepting Aims At Global Firms
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority is accepting applications for the New Jersey Business Acceleration and Soft-Landing Ecosystem, known as NJ BASE.
The program targets companies in sectors considered important to New Jersey’s economy. Priority areas include clean energy, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, financial technology, transportation and logistics, artificial intelligence and technology.
Eligible companies must be headquartered outside the United States, be revenue-generating and have enough capital to support expansion into the U.S. market. The program is intended to help international companies establish themselves in New Jersey, attract investment and create long-term jobs.
Applications are due Monday, June 15.For more information go to njeda.gov.
Youth Corps Grant Has May Deadline
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 New Jersey Youth Corps continuation grant.
The grant supports a statewide system serving disconnected out-of-school youth ages 16 to 25 who do not have a high school diploma. The program is designed to help young people reconnect with education, training and employment opportunities.
The available funding amount is $8.3 million. The grant is intended for organizations working with youth who need pathways toward long-term career development and sustainable employment.
The application deadline is Friday, May 22. Because that deadline falls just after the May 20 issue date, this is a short-turnaround item and should be used only if the publication reaches readers quickly.
For more information go to nj.gov/labor.
