Elizabeth Youth Theater Ensemble

03/20/2026

Now Recruiting for Summer 2026 – Walking the Beat!
Are you ready to use your creativity to make a difference in your community?

Join Walking the Beat — an arts-based youth program where you’ll explore theater, music, media, storytelling, and leadership while building real-world skills and positive connections.

🗣️ Paid summer opportunity
🗣️ Creative tracks + mentorship
🗣️ Make your voice heard & create change

Spots are limited — apply today!
👉 https://tinyurl.com/bddb9mmy

Walking the Beat empowers youth through creative expression, skill-building, and community engagement to help reimagine public safety and strengthen relationships across our county and State!

02/03/2026

Thank you, Senator Andy Kim! We’d love to welcome you to a performance this spring as our young artists explore Democracy Takes Courage—from civic learning inspired by Timothy Snyder to nonpartisan voter engagement and community dialogue. Our students are eager to share what democracy looks like through their eyes. 🎭🇺🇸 Revolution NJ National Endowment for the Arts

01/16/2026

Serve in the Morning | Connect in the Afternoon

The Official NJ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Networking Brunch

Monday, January, 19th | 1pm to 7pm

The Fork | 1519 Main Street | Rahway | NJ
All you can eat buffet | Complimentary Mimosas

Network with NJ’s Leading Business, Political, Entertainment & Community Organization Executives

RSVP FOR ENTRY:
👇🏾👇🏾
https://checkout.page/s/6YWLY9Ner4zw9

12/27/2025

Thank you to everyone who supported our annual Holiday event! The photos are in! Tag yourselves! Photo cred: Jim Mino/Mino Media Group https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1285536766950354&type=3

12/27/2025

12/24/2025

This holiday season we are greatful for all the wonderful people we met along the way.

12/13/2025

Grab your tickets in our bio now!! There will be food, performances, friends, and fun, all while you’re supporting a nonprofit the company looking to make social change. 🖤💛

12/10/2025

🎬 Honoree Spotlight: Cristal “Cris” Melara
Writer. Filmmaker.

From poetry and podcasting to filmmaking and nursing, Cristal Melara is proof that empathy and expression are powerful tools for change — whether in an art studio or a hospital room.

As multi-year member of EYTE and gold medalist in Audio Production for SkillsUSA New Jersey, Cris has earned statewide and national recognition for her storytelling, including multiple film challenge wins and a top placement in No Hate in the Garden State.

She is the self-published author of Halfway Human, teaches swimming to young children, and is currently studying to become a licensed practical nurse — all while preparing for a future in cinematography.

We’re so proud to honor Cris at Our Voices, Our Future: A Holiday Call to Action for her bold voice, her compassionate leadership, and the creative brilliance she brings to everything she touches.

December 14 | 📍 The Vinty, Elizabeth NJ
Tickets available now — link in bio!

12/09/2025

🚨 Honoree Spotlight: Director Earl J. Graves
Trailblazer. Protector. Community Leader.

With over 30 years in law enforcement, Director Earl J. Graves has not only led high-profile investigations and commanded critical units — he has made history as the first African American Police Director of the City of Elizabeth.

Today, he oversees a department of over 500 personnel and a $60 million budget — but his leadership goes far beyond numbers. From gang prevention to community outreach, Director Graves has been a consistent advocate for justice, public safety, and positive change.

A proud graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University and the FBI National Academy, he also serves as Northern Region Vice President of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and remains deeply engaged in mentoring, instruction, and policy advancement.

We’re honored to recognize Director Graves at Our Voices, Our Future: A Holiday Call to Action for his dedication to public service and for modeling the courageous leadership our youth explore every day.

Dec 14 | 📍 The Vinty, Elizabeth NJ
Tickets on sale now – link in bio

12/08/2025

Hear Detective Aly Ahmed’s take on the true Balancing Act in Community. The badge stands for protection, but the moments that restore faith? Those are the quiet acts of service that catch you by surprise.

Have you seen fellow cops or detectives show up in this manner?

Share your story with us by commenting down below
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

12/04/2025

Honoree Spotlight: Councilman-at-Large Manuel “Manny” Grova Jr.

Lifelong Elizabeth resident. Public servant. Proud father. Community advocate.

From growing up in Elizabethport to serving as Councilman for over three decades, Manny Grova has never stopped showing up for his city — with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

This year, Manny also joined our After School Podcast (Season 2!) to speak with EYTE youth about democracy, leadership, and what it really means to serve. His story reminded us that change often starts right where you live.

We’re proud to honor Manny at Our Voices, Our Future: A Holiday Call to Action for his lifelong dedication to Elizabeth and the values that guide his work.

Dec 14 | 📍 The Vinty, Elizabeth NJ
Tickets on sale now – link in bio!