By: Mr. Michelichi, Instructional Paraprofessional/ Substitute Teacher 

Ocean Academy staff and students were out this past week getting involved in the community supporting the Engage Toms River program. “Engage Toms River is a program that is committed to sustaining the participation of all Toms River residents in the arts. Their mission is to encourage every citizen to awaken their creativity, individuality, artistic and technical abilities to embed interaction with the arts and culture in our community”. (http://jayandlindagruninfoundation.org/engage-toms-river/)

Recently The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts hosted an Engage Toms River event that provided an opportunity for young local thriving theatre groups. After a careful audition process five groups were chosen to perform a ten minute scene from any musical comedy of their choice. The following theater groups were chosen to compete for the grand prize of a possible $10,000 Bellarine Theatre Company, Our Gang Players, Toms River High School North Nautical Star Theatre Company, Brick children’s Community Theatre and the Ashley Lauren Foundation Theater Ensemble. The winning company at the Engage Toms River Event was the Ashley Lauren Foundation Theater Ensemble, however, there is still a chance for your favorite to win $5,000 with the People’s Choice Award will be given to one of the current contestants and is posted for available voting.

People’s Choice Award Voting will be open until midnight on December 7, 2016.  Ready, set, VOTE!

The following link will direct you to Engage Toms River and the voting process:

http://jayandlindagruninfoundation.org/giving-tuesday-theater-group-challenge-videos/