CringeFest 2026

Red Bank, NJ — Project Write Now (PWN) presents the 8th annual CringeFest, its signature storytelling fundraiser, on Friday, April 17, at The Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts.

What began in 2018 as a small café event featuring adults reading their middle school diaries has grown into a beloved live stage experience—celebrating vulnerability, humor, and connection through true stories that are both hilarious and heartfelt.

“Comedy is more than entertainment—it’s relief, release, and a way to build understanding,” said Jennifer Chauhan, Executive Director of Project Write Now. “CringeFest brings people together through laughter and storytelling while supporting programs that make a meaningful impact across our local community.”

This year’s CringeFest highlights voices from Red Bank, featuring performers who represent and contribute to the local community.
Performers include:

Fatima Carranza, Community Engagement Coordinator, Borough of Red Bank
Dennis Chambers, Associate Artistic Director, Two River Theater
Catherine Ferguson & Christy Sunquist, Generation Women NJ
Jeremy Grunin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Count Basie Center for the Arts
Shani Love, Program Manager, Lunch Break

“After performing in the very first CringeFest at a small cafe in Red Bank, I saw the impact that an event like this can make— for the performers, the audience, and the organization,” said Kelly Cullen, CringeFest Chair and Master of Ceremonies. “The stories are hilarious, yet relatable, and each year our generous donors say it’s an event they don’t want to miss.”

All proceeds support Project Write Now’s community outreach programs, delivering expressive writing programs and storytelling opportunities to local schools, including Red Bank Middle School and Red Bank Regional High School, and partner organizations, such as Lunch Break and Shore House. Since 2014, PWN has reached more than 14,000 youth and adults across Monmouth County and beyond.

Tickets are $95 and include the live show, along with access to a pre- and post-show Cast Party featuring light bites. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster via pwnwriters.org or directly at the Count Basie for the Arts box office.

Sponsorship packages for CringeFest are available and include various levels of benefits, including tickets.

For more information on sponsoring CringeFest, please contact Project Write Now at [email protected].

Contact:
Jennifer Chauhan
Co-founder and Executive Director
Project Write Now
(908) 675-0879
[email protected]