Howard Aronson Metro Scholars

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This year-long program offers a unique opportunity for high school juniors from across New Jersey to learn about professional theater and contribute to the work at Two River. Participants take workshops with professional artists, assist staff in a variety of departments throughout the organization AND see every show in our season for free. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts, want to attend a university program focused on theater, or enjoy theater and want to learn more about how it really works, this year-long program is for you. Since 2005, 223 outstanding students have completed the Howard Aronson Metro Scholar program.

Questions? Email kcordaro@trtc.org

Included in the Howard Aronson Metro Scholars Program:

Insight into how a regional theater really works.
Two subscriptions to our season.
The First Day—the kickoff in the Fall includes an orientation, theater exercises and a tour of the Two River Theater.
Monthly workshops or projects led by TRT staff and guest artists, exploring various aspects of professional theater.
“Coffee Talks” after each production, where students and TRT staff share their feedback on the show.
The Last Day—an entire day of workshops and exercises, run by teaching artists and TRT staff.
Theater career counseling – Education staff, including Director of Education Kate Cordaro and Education Manager Briana Butler, will become a resource for you and will help answer the questions you may have about colleges, career options and concerns.
Travel assistance for this program is available.

Metro Meet Up

JUN 22 / 2025

FREE

We’re inviting Metro Scholars from 2005/06 when the program first started, all the way to present day to celebrate this incredible program, meet new friends and reconnect with old ones! We’ll also announce and toast our 21st class, the 2025/26 Howard Aronson Metro Scholars.

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Metro Meet Up

Applications for 2025/26 closed as of April 29.

Requirements:

High school sophomores who live in New Jersey may apply to be a Howard Aronson Metro Scholar and the program will take place during their junior year (the 2025-2026 school year.)
Students must (1) complete an application, (2) write a Statement of Purpose (info below), (3) submit a written recommendation from a drama / art / tech teacher or guidance counselor, and (4) one of the following:

Acting

Audition with a 2-minute memorized monologue from a published, contemporary play, and then interview with Two River Theater staff.

Set / Costume / Lighting / Sound Design

Prepare a design presentation for an actual or proposed production or scene, and then interview with Two River Theater staff.

Technical / Stage Management

Bring a resume of your technical work and/or stage management book and interview with Two River Theater staff.

The Two River Theater 2024/25 Howard Aronson Metro Scholars are: Lucas Branquinho and EJ Young (Ocean Township High School), Finn Cashman (Christian Brothers Academy), Evan Gabriel, Gracie Hammel, and Kai Williams (Grunin Performing Arts Academy), Zelda Golland (Red Bank Regional High School – VPA), Lake Gulian (Henry Hudson Regional School), Donovan Harris (Howell High School – FPAC), Maggie Havens, Joy Ogunsakin, and Kate Schweikert (Trinity Hall), Rocco Navarria (East Brunswick Magnet School), Maximilian Oster (Shore Regional High School), and Paige Petruzziello (Manasquan High School).

ABOUT HOWARD ARONSON

Howard Aronson was a long-time friend and Two River Theater Board Member who passed away in January 2021. Two River is happy to commemorate his legacy by naming one of their long-time, treasured education programs in his honor. The theater’s education programs meant a great deal to Howard, especially those that provided an intimate mentoring experience with the theater for students. Howard is certainly missed and Two River is thrilled to have his legacy commemorated in this meaningful way.