Program empowers Spanish-speaking community in Monmouth County
by providing inclusive employment training and opportunities

(RED BANK | JULY 21 2025) – The Count Basie Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Two River Theater are proud to continue their Bilingual Workforce Development Program. The partnership, sponsored by OceanFirst Bank and the Grunin Foundation, provides economic empowerment and inclusive opportunities to bilingual speakers in Monmouth County.

Interested applicants can visit theBASIE.org or tworivertheater.org to apply for the program.

“We are proud to build on the success of last year and continue our partnership with Two River Theater and our sponsor OceanFirst Bank,” said Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts.  “Our program serves both sides of the bilingual community, offering services and experience to both our patrons and local workforce.”

“The Bilingual Workforce Development Program embodies Two River’s commitment to fostering a thriving and vibrant community by creating an economic pipeline for young people,” said Nora DeVeau-Rosen, Managing Director of Two River Theater. “By supporting bilingual individuals with a pathway into the arts economy, Two River, the Count Basie Center for the Arts, and the Grunin Foundation are investing in the next generation of workforce—both in the arts and beyond.”

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 will take applications and work with other local nonprofits and schools to identify ideal candidates, many of whom may have no previous work experience. The participants will be cross-trained in front-of-house responsibilities – i.e.: public-facing, customer service-based work like ushering and ticketing – between the two organizations.

Launched in 2024, the Basie Center / Two River partnership gave six area students a feel for what it takes to help guide customers through their experiences of purchasing and consuming the live theater experience. Feedback from participants showed an appreciation for the behind-the-scenes aspect of the program, as well as an appreciation for the shadowing opportunities provided by employees of both nonprofit organizations.

“OceanFirst is proud to partner with the talented teams at the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Two River Theater to offer this innovative opportunity to provide learning experiences for young people in our communities,” said Christopher D. Maher, OceanFirst Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Maher added, “OceanFirst bankers will also be providing financial literacy education sessions for the participants as they begin thinking about and planning for their futures.”

Nearly 175,000 Monmouth County residents speak Spanish, according to county statistics – with many residents speaking little to no English. The Basie Center and Two River Theater hope this program will bridge the gap between English and Spanish speakers to encourage communication and participation in the organizations’ programs and ranks of employment.

Both the Count Basie Center for the Arts and Two River Theatre are equal opportunity employers that stand firmly against discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, familial status, national origin, religion, creed, age, ability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy or veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law.

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COUNT BASIE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

The Count Basie Center for the Arts creates shared educational, artistic, and community experiences that ignite curiosity, understanding, and joy. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie Center is committed to its responsive and inclusive programming, which reflects the diverse spirit and aspirations of its patrons, students, artists, and staff. The Basie Center has hosted an array of world-class artists, including Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Bon Jovi, Ariana Grande, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross and Ringo Starr. The Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts reaches thousands of students yearly, offering a robust slate of performing arts and music classes and experiences.

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 American and world classics, new plays and musicals, programs for young people, and festivals of new work. Each year, we serve over 20,000 students, families and community members through our 4-6 show season, and 85+ events that reflect our diverse community of Monmouth County. Two River produces work on two stages—the 350-seat Joan and Robert Rechnitz Theater, and the flexible 110-seat Marion Huber Theater. In 2020 we expanded our campus to 80,000 square feet with the opening of the Center for New Work, Education and Design. 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), and  in June 2019, Two River was nationally recognized by USA TODAY as one of “10 great places to see a play.” Two River Theater is led by Artistic Director Justin Waldman and Managing Director Nora DeVeau-Rosen.