Manasquan, NJ - For the first time since its inception, Algonquin Arts Theatre is proud to announce the first annual Gong-A-Thon, a fundraising event in support of the Theatre�s charitable and educational programming, on Saturday, August 14th. Talented individuals and groups from the Jersey Shore and even across the tri-state area will meet on stage to compete for various prizes and the chance to showcase their talents. Performers of various genres are welcome to enter the contest, including but not limited to singers, dancers, actors, poets, and comedians.

Performers can sign up for the event now by visiting www.algonquinarts.org/fr. The event is divided into two categories: a children�s division (5-12 years old) that will take place at 3:00-5:30 pm and an adult division (13 and older) at 7:30-10:00 pm. The more tax-deductible sponsorships a performer raises, the more "stage time" they earn. The "gong" will signify when a performer's earned time is up. The Gong-A-Thon webpage lists all registered performers and tracks all earned sponsorships. Guest judges and the audience will vote on a variety of winning categories, and prizes will be awarded.

For more information, contact Development Director Brett Colby at 732-528-4336 or e-mail [email protected] . Visit www.algonquinarts.org/fr to register as a performer, sponsor a performer, or purchase tickets to this event ($5 each). Box office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Algonquin Arts is located at 173 Main Street in downtown Manasquan, NJ.

Algonquin Arts was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization to provide cultural enrichment and educational enhancement of the highest quality for the residents of New Jersey�s central region. Algonquin Arts is handicap accessible. Assisted listening devices are available upon request. Please notify us in advance of your needs by contacting the box office. Programming of Algonquin Arts is made possible as a result of the continued philanthropic support of private citizens and organizations such as New Jersey State Council on the Arts, OceanFirst Foundation, PNC, The Community Foundation of Monmouth County, The Paul F. Zito, MD Foundation, Manasquan Savings Bank, Woman�s Club of Brielle, Janice Blanton Plangere, Jules Plangere III, as well as many generous individuals and local businesses.