New Jersey professional and family caregivers are invited to submit all forms of creative writing, including  prose, poetry, and theatrical pieces that reflect the theme of caregiving or the personal healing experience. Selected pieces will be woven together by professional theatre artists into an evening of readings celebrating, exploring, and bearing witness to the caregiving experience.

“This is the eighth year of the Healing Voices project, and we are delighted to partner with McCarter Theatre Center, and Premiere Stages,” said John McEwen, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Caregiving and caring for one another is essential to the fabric of our society. Whether someone is a professional health-care worker, a caregiver for a spouse or relative with a disability, or a parent caring for a child, these stories show the incredible compassion and strength of people who spend their time and energy caring for others. The New Jersey Theatre Alliance is proud to be able to support our member theatres in lifting up these important voices through this program.”

All entries must be original works and must not have previously been published. All pieces should reflect the theme of caregiving, in whatever way resonates with the writer. Pieces that explore the personal healing experience will also be considered.

Anyone who identifies as a caregiver is invited to submit their writing by January 31, 2024 at https://njtheatrealliance.org/healing-voices.

"Healing Voices showcases deeply personal stories that will resonate with anyone who has persevered through illness, loss, and healing,” said Nick Gandiello of Premiere Stages. “The featured pieces often display acts of grace in a variety of settings; they find both the heartbreak and humor in some of life's biggest challenges. We are honored to help share these exceptional reflections on caregiving."

Founded in 1981, New Jersey Theatre Alliance was the first statewide service organization for  professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States, and is a leader in developing model  programs that unite, promote, strengthen, and cultivate professional theatre in New Jersey. Funding for  the New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a not-for-profit organization, is provided in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, New Jersey Cultural Trust, and contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations including The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Grunin Foundation, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, New Jersey Arts and Culture Renewal Fund hosted by the Princeton Area Community Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, OceanFirst Foundation, MidAtlantic Arts Foundation, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, The F.M. Kirby Foundation, E.J. Grassmann Trust, RSI Foundation, and The Union Foundation.