State Theatre New Jersey is a nonprofit performing arts center at 15 Livingston Avenue in downtown New Brunswick. You can plan ahead by buying through its official ticket channels, checking nearby parking or rail options, and allowing time for the lobby and seating schedule.
- Location: 15 Livingston Avenue, between George Street and New Street.
- Parking: nearby New Brunswick Parking Authority garages and metered street parking; the theatre has no parking area of its own.
- Arrival: the lobby typically opens 1 hour before a performance, with seating typically beginning 30 minutes before.
Where State Theatre New Jersey is
State Theatre New Jersey is in downtown New Brunswick, between George Street and New Street. The theatre opened in 1921 as a silent-film and vaudeville palace and now operates as a nonprofit performing arts center.
The address is 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901. The New Brunswick NJ TRANSIT/Amtrak station is a few blocks away, making rail an option for reaching the theatre without driving all the way to the venue.
Finding tickets and show information
Buy tickets through the theatre’s official channels, and check its current show information before making plans. Official tickets are available through the theatre’s ticketing site and by calling 732-246-7469. Goldstar, Groupon, TDF and TodayTix are also listed as approved sellers, though they may offer tickets only occasionally.
The theatre cautions against buying from sellers that it has not accredited and guarantees entry only for tickets bought through its own ticketing site. Ticket orders are nonrefundable unless a performance is postponed or cancelled, or optional ticket insurance was purchased with the original order.
Guest Services answers calls and email Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., with in-person service Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Weekend service is available at least 3 hours before performances presented by the theatre; hours can vary for rental events and holidays. Check the official site before you go for current ticket and service details.
Parking near the theatre
There is no theatre-owned parking lot, but New Brunswick Parking Authority garages and metered street parking are nearby. The authority’s decks are within walking distance of the theatre and open 24 hours a day. For some shows, advance parking reservations may be available through ParkMobile.
Valet parking is at the front door of The Heldrich Hotel, across the street. The price is $20 for 3 hours, then an additional $5 for anything over 3 hours.
A limited number of accessible parking spaces sit in front of the theatre; they cannot be reserved and are first come, first served. The Civic Square Parking Deck also has accessible spaces. Parking services and availability can change, so check the official site before you go.
Getting to a performance from Edison
Edison Motor Lodge is about a 12-minute drive from State Theatre New Jersey; a room for an overnight theatre visit in Edison can make it easier to plan a show without driving back the same evening.
The New Brunswick NJ TRANSIT/Amtrak station is a few blocks from the theatre. The station is served by the Northeast Corridor line; consult NJ TRANSIT for schedules and fares.
If you use NJ TRANSIT, the theatre says customers and employees can receive a 20% discount on select State Theatre shows by showing proof of ridership or employment when arriving at the venue. Check whether the offer applies to your performance before relying on it.
For show timing, the lobby typically opens to the public 1 hour before a performance, and seating typically begins 30 minutes before. Late seating is at management’s discretion, in consultation with the touring company. Lobby video monitors are available until the late-seating hold is lifted.
Accessibility and venue policies
The venue has an elevator from street level to the main lobby, second-floor loge, Donor Lounge and Studio, although not every seating area is accessible by elevator. The main auditorium has designated wheelchair locations and companion seats in the front, middle and rear orchestra and front balcony. These seats are available first ordered, first served.
Accessible restrooms are on the first and second floors. You can request a courtesy wheelchair at the main-lobby Concierge Desk. Audio description is available by request for certain performances with at least 3 weeks’ advance notice; ASL interpretation is available by request for certain performances with at least 2 weeks’ notice.
Outside food and drink, oversized bags or backpacks, pets other than service animals, and cameras or recording devices other than phones are prohibited. Individual show policies may also apply. Every attendee needs a ticket or lap voucher. Children under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian and sit directly adjacent to them.
FAQs
Can you get to State Theatre New Jersey by train?
Yes. New Brunswick’s NJ TRANSIT/Amtrak station is a few blocks from the theatre and is served by the Northeast Corridor line. Visitors coming from Edison can use the train options around Edison to plan the rail portion of their trip.
What other cultural attractions are mentioned?
The Zimmerli Art Museum is another cultural attraction. For visit details, see the Zimmerli Art Museum visitor guide.
Does the theatre have its own parking lot?
No. Nearby choices include New Brunswick Parking Authority garages and metered street parking.