Exit 82 Theatre Company To Host Toms River’s First-Ever LGBT+ Pride Celebration

All Are Welcome to Partake in This Historic Event on Saturday, June 22

TOMS RIVER, NEW JERSEY, June 11, 2019 – Exit 82 Theatre Company, Toms River’s premiere cultural and performing arts center, will host with local partners the township’s inaugural Pride celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and ally (LGBTQIA) community. Established in 1767, the event marks a historical moment in the Jersey Shore town’s identity designed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising in New York City’s Greenwich Village.

“As Toms River natives, we’re proud of our heritage and the progress that’s been made to spark the creation of our first-ever Pride celebration,” stated event organizers and Exit 82 Theatre Company founders Billy Cardone and Keely Davenport. “No action is too small and visibility is often the first step toward a more inclusive society – so come out and show your pride for our community in a fun and welcoming environment in the heart of Downtown!”

Programming highlights include a full day of activities from 12:00PM – 8:00PM with festivities on Robbins Street and at the Exit 82 Theatre, including live performances, family-friendly activities, educational resources and promotions by local restaurants and businesses across town. While many activities along Robbins Street are free and open to the public, guests may purchase tickets to the live performances online and at the door, including a day pass for $20.

“Theatre and the arts have an extraordinary way of opening minds and bringing people together from all walks of life,” explained Cardone and Davenport. “For over a decade, Exit 82 has helped foster a cultural revival not just Downtown but in the surrounding areas. We’re proud to be a safe space for artists, art enthusiasts and the LGBT+ community, and to be leading the effort along with the Toms River Township Council to host our first-ever Pride.”

Established in 2009, Exit 82 Theatre Company has brought arts and culture back to Toms River and helped revive the once thriving Downtown business district. To date, it has produced more than 30 productions and taught over 300 students through its CAPA Academy.

For more information including Pride programming, tickets, partnership opportunities and how to get involved, visit Exit 82 Theatre Company’s website at https://www.exit82theatre.com/shows-events.

For event updates, follow to the Pride Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2355868324685021/.

Program

Robbins Street Festival – 12:00-5:00pm

Spill The Tea @ 600 Main Victorian Tea Room – 12:00 & 4:00pm

​​​Family Pride – 1:00-4:00pm

Drag Bingo – 1:00pm – $15

Open Mic – 4:00-6:00pm – $10

Happy Hour @ Artisan’s – 6:00-8:00pm

Izzy Uncut Drag Show – 8 pm – $20+tips (excluded from day pass)

About Exit 82 Theatre Company

Exit 82: A Toms River Theatre Company, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit performing arts organization whose mission is to produce quality theatrical programming while providing an educational environment to unify the arts community and inspire artistic development. For more information, visit https://www.exit82theatre.com/.

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