George Street Playhouse, located in the heart of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, is a nationally recognized professional theater that has enriched the region’s cultural landscape since 1974. Housed in the state-of-the-art New Brunswick Performing Arts Center since 2019, this 50-year-old institution presents a vibrant mainstage season of groundbreaking new works, classic plays, and hit Broadway productions. With a commitment to arts education and community engagement, George Street Playhouse attracts over 30,000 patrons annually, making it a must-visit destination for theater lovers and families in Middlesex County.
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A Storied History of Theatrical Excellence
Founded by Eric Krebs in 1974, George Street Playhouse began in an abandoned supermarket at George and Albany Streets, marking New Brunswick’s first professional theater. It moved to a renovated YMCA on Livingston Avenue in 1984 and, during the construction of its current home, temporarily resided at Rutgers University’s former Agricultural Museum from 2017 to 2019. Since 2019, the playhouse has thrived in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, featuring the 253-seat Arthur Laurents Theater and the 465-seat Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater. Under Artistic Director David Saint since 1997 and Managing Director Edgar Herrera since 2023, the theater has earned acclaim for productions like Gettin’ the Band Back Together and American Son, which reached Broadway.
- Founded: 1974 by Eric Krebs
- Current Venue: New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, opened 2019
- Leadership: Artistic Director David Saint, Managing Director Edgar Herrera
- Notable Productions: Proof (1999), The Toxic Avenger, Clever Little Lies
The playhouse’s 50th season in 2024–2025 celebrates its legacy of innovative theater and community impact.
Diverse Performances and Programming
George Street Playhouse offers a dynamic mainstage season, featuring a mix of dramas, comedies, musicals, and world premieres. Recent productions include Small, an autobiographical play about a jockey’s journey, and The Shark Is Broken, a comedy inspired by the filming of Jaws. The playhouse is renowned for nurturing new works, with past premieres like Proof by David Auburn earning Tony and Pulitzer honors. Its Touring Theatre program brings issue-oriented performances to over 250 schools, reaching 30,000 students annually. Educational offerings, such as adult acting classes, Summer Academy for kids, and the Puppetry Arts Workshop, foster creativity across all ages.
- Mainstage Season: Dramas, comedies, musicals, new works
- Touring Theatre: Issue-oriented shows for schools
- Education Programs: Adult classes, Summer Academy, Puppetry Arts Workshop
- Capacity: Arthur Laurents Theater (253 seats), Elizabeth Ross Johnson Theater (465 seats)
The intimate venues ensure every seat offers a clear view, enhancing the theatrical experience.
Plan Your Visit
George Street Playhouse hosts performances year-round, with a mainstage season from fall to spring. Here’s how to plan your visit:
- Location: 11 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ
- Season: Mainstage shows from September to May; educational programs year-round
- Parking: Nearby lots, garages, and street parking; expect congestion during peak shows
- Accessibility: Reachable via Route 18, NJ Turnpike Exit 9, or NJ Transit train to New Brunswick
- Facilities: Modern lobbies, accessible restrooms, concessions, lounge with snacks
- Tips: Book tickets early for popular shows; arrive 30 minutes early to navigate parking
Nearby Attractions in Middlesex County
A visit to George Street Playhouse pairs perfectly with exploring other Middlesex County landmarks, offering a mix of culture, shopping, and nature.
- State Theatre New Jersey: A historic venue in New Brunswick for Broadway and concerts
- Woodbridge Center Mall: A major shopping destination in Woodbridge with 136 stores
- Rutgers Gardens: A tranquil botanical garden in North Brunswick
- Cheese Quake State Park: A 1,610-acre park in Matawan with hiking trails
These attractions enhance New Brunswick’s appeal as a vibrant destination for locals and visitors.
Explore Next POI: Johnson Park
A Legacy of Artistic Innovation
George Street Playhouse stands as a beacon of theatrical excellence in Middlesex County, blending a rich 50-year history with a forward-looking commitment to new works and education. From its humble beginnings in a supermarket to its modern home in the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, the playhouse has shaped New Brunswick’s cultural identity. Whether you’re enjoying a world premiere, laughing at a comedy, or enrolling in a workshop, George Street Playhouse offers unforgettable experiences. Its accessibility, community focus, and acclaimed productions make it a cherished landmark. Plan your visit to discover the magic of live theater in New Brunswick.
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