Basie Center Launches Bilingual Workforce Development Program, in Partnership with Two River Theater

Basie Center Launches Bilingual Workforce Development Program,
in Partnership with Two River Theater
Program Empowers Spanish-speaking Community in Monmouth County
by Providing Inclusive Employment Training and Opportunities
RED BANK, SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Two River Theater, is proud to announce the successful launch of its Bilingual Workforce Development Program. The partnership, sponsored by OceanFirst Bank and the Grunin Foundation, provides economic empowerment and inclusive opportunities to the Spanish-speaking community in Monmouth County. Already, program participants have been hired as part of both organizations’ front-of-house staff as well as the Basie’s upcoming NJ Hispanic Film Fest.
“At the Basie Center, we are focused on being inclusive so that all community members feel welcome and encouraged to participate in the programs we offer,” says Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “We are proud to work with OceanFirst Bank and are grateful to our partner, Two River Theater, which shares our desire to help create a diverse workforce and prepare the next generation of young bilingual Spanish-speakers for employment in the performing arts.”
“This is a groundbreaking program that strengthens our communities by investing in our neighbors and community partners, and while providing a pathway for young people to explore employment opportunities in the performing arts.,” says Nora DeVeau-Rosen, Managing Director of Two River Theater. “It is a privilege to collaborate with the Count Basie Center for the Arts to give space to new perspectives that contribute to the local economy.”
The multi-factored initiative offers paid training in skills-based development, a financial literacy course, CPR certification and general job preparedness workshops. The Basie Center and Two River Theater worked with local nonprofits to recruit six participants, ranging from 16-18 years old, most of whom had no previous work experience. The participants were cross-trained in front-of-house shifts between the two organizations.
“I really enjoyed the program; it was especially insightful when it came to collaborating with both organizations and their employees. The environment of the program was incredibly friendly and made everyone feel comfortable,” said one participant. “We learned a lot of what happens behind-the-scenes, and whenever we had our shadowing shifts, the ushers and coordinators were all happy to help us. Overall, I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to being a part of both theaters.”
“The Bilingual Workforce Development Program is an innovative opportunity that promotes inclusion while encouraging young people to begin thinking about their financial futures,” said Christopher D. Maher, Chairman and CEO, OceanFirst Bank. “OceanFirst is proud to partner with the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Two River Theater to offer learning experiences that make a difference in our communities.”
According to recent census data, New Jersey has the 8th highest Hispanic population in the nation, with nearly 22% of its residents identifying as Hispanic and/or Latinx/e. In Red Bank, 25% of residents identify as Hispanic and/Latinx/e, with 30% of its foreign-born population speaking only Spanish. To support the dynamic and multicultural communities in the area, there is a continued effort to produce cultural events, public art, and celebrations such as the Basie Center’s New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival and Two River’s Crossing Borders (Cruzando Fronteras) Festival.
Count Basie Center for the Arts
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that embrace and amplify the diversity of the region. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations and driving regional economic prosperity. The Basie Center has hosted an array of world-class artists, including Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross and Ringo Starr. Count Basie Center programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
Two River Theater
Two River Theater produces a theatrical season that includes American and world classics, new plays and musicals, programs for young people, and festivals of new work. Each year, we also offer 40+ events that reflect our diverse community of Red Bank, New Jersey. Two River produces work on two stages—the 350-seat Rechnitz Theater, and the flexible 110-seat Marion Huber Theater. The theater’s recently opened Center for New Work, Education and Design is a three-story facility that includes two rehearsal studios, artist labs, classrooms, expanded shops and centrally located offices. Two River Theater has commissioned and premiered original projects including Be More Chill by Tony Award nominee Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz (the theater’s first Broadway production) and Hurricane Diane by former Playwright-in-Residence Madeleine George (which won an Obie Award for its Off-Broadway run). In June 2019, Two River was nationally recognized by USA TODAY as one of “10 great places to see a play” across the U.S. Two River serves thousands of students and community members through arts and humanities programs at the theater, in schools and throughout its region. Two River Theater is led by Artistic Director Justin Waldman and Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen.