special event:
The Unwitting Magician
Monday, Dec. 8th at 7pm
UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage
360 Hamilton St, Rahway, NJ
The Unwitting Magician is a unique theatrical and magical one-night-only experience. A lone actor steps onto a bare stage—armed with little more than a music stand and a sealed manila envelope. Inside: a script they have truly never seen, its contents a complete mystery. The actor has no idea what sort of play or theatrical experience may unfold. As the actor reads the script to the audience he (or she) is swept into a whirlwind of impossible feats and playful surprises, becoming an unwitting magician and inviting the audience to question who is truly in control—the performer, the script, or something more magical still?
Join us for this special piece currently in development; this performance will feature Stacey Linnartz (Our Town/ATG, Life Sucks/Wheelhouse, God of Vengeance/Barrow Group).
The event is free but registration is requested. A Q&A with the playwright and actor will follow the event.
Created by Jeremy Dobrish , a director, playwright, artistic leader, creative director, and teacher whose focus has been developing and directing new plays and musicals. He has directed at Second Stage, MCC, Joe’s Pub, The Promenade, The Variety Arts, The Century, Actor’s Playhouse, etc. His productions have received several Lortel and Drama Desk nominations.
ATG Partners with Union Township for MLK Oratory Competition for Students ages 11-18
The Township of Union and ATG are proud to announce that the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition is now open to ALL Union County Students ages 11 – 18 years old.
“The Township of Union is honored to launch this competition, which gives our youth a meaningful opportunity to connect directly with the powerful, timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr,” said James Bowser, Mayor. “By studying and reciting his speeches, these students are not just performing; they are actively engaging with the ideals of justice and equality that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. truly believed.”
The competition will begin with a preliminary video submission process, where students must memorize and perform an excerpt from one of four pre-selected, well-known speeches by Dr. King, choosing one that personally resonates with them:
· “I Have a Dream”
· “What Is Your Life's Blueprint?”
· “The Drum Major Instinct”
· “I've Been to the Mountaintop”
The submission window closes on December 12. Submissions should be between 3 and 5 minutes long, with point deductions for those under or over the allotted time. Participants may perform their selected speech in full or choose a meaningful excerpt that fits within the time limit. Performances will be judged by four criteria: Clarity & Articulation, Interpretation & Emotional Connection, Stage Presence & Delivery, and Memorization & Accuracy.
A panel of judges will choose finalists to perform live at the final event on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the DMK Black Box Theater. Participants will be split into two groups: middle school, ages 11 to 13, and high school, ages 14 to 18. All participants will receive a certificate, and the top three will win a trophy and cash prizes: first place $300, second place $200, third place $100.
For more information and registration details, please visit uniontownship.com.
ATG announces landmark partnership with township of union, nj
The Township of Union and American Theater Group (ATG) are proud to announce a transformative partnership that will bring professional theater and diverse arts programming to the newly constructed DMK Black Box Theater. Located in the heart of Union’s thriving business district, at 1980 Morris Avenue in Union, this dynamic collaboration will expand cultural access for local residents while establishing Union as a regional arts destination.
“This is a unique opportunity for Union residents and our neighbors to experience high-quality arts programming right here in our own community,” said James Bowser, Jr., Mayor. “The DMK Theater will be more than just a venue—it will be a vibrant cultural hub for performances, education, and community engagement. We are thrilled to be working with American Theater Group to bring this vision to life.”
Under the partnership, ATG will produce three major theatrical productions annually, along with a range of monthly community events such as play readings, cultural celebrations, interviews with theater professionals, and cabaret performances. The collaboration also includes dedicated programming for youth, including a summer theater camp and educational opportunities through ATG’s acclaimed New Works/New Voices playwriting workshops.
“Union Township’s vision for the arts is both inspiring and ambitious,” said Jim Vagias, ATG’s Producing Artistic Director. “We are honored to serve as Artist-in-Residence and bring professional, inclusive, and innovative theater to the DMK Black Box Theater. This partnership allows us to expand our reach in Union County, and deepen our commitment to education, diversity, and meaningful storytelling.”
The Township will support the initiative by providing a Liaison of Arts and Cultural Affairs who will promote events and optimize the audience and performer experience. In turn, ATG will provide artistic leadership, production oversight, and support for a wide range of events that reflect the community’s diverse voices and interests.
“This collaboration is a milestone for ATG and the community,” said Stephen Schnall, President of ATG’s Board of Trustees. “We’re proud to partner with a municipality that values the power of the arts to connect, educate, and inspire. Together, we’ll make the DMK Theater a model for how professional theater can thrive within a community setting.”
The first official season of programming is expected to launch later this year, with a grand opening celebration and inaugural performance series to follow.
The Union Arts Center is located within the new, state-of-the-art Public Library. The Arts Center includes the DMK Black Box Theater, the Union Art Gallery curated by Les Malamut, Union TV studios, classrooms, and The Center Café. Please visit https://www.uniontownship.com for more information.
just in time benefit event: June, 2025
ATG Board members and guests came out to support fellow Board member and Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk, currently starring in the Bobby Darin Broadway musical Just in Time. Attendees enjoyed a matinee performance and then headed to a local restaurant for a reception with Michele and her cast mates, including Gracie Lawrence, Erika Henningsen, Joe Barbara, Lance Roberts, Emily Bergl and Caesar Samayoa. Proceeds will help fund ATG programming and arts-in-education programs.
