Grant Helps Montclair Theater Explore Race Relations, Racism

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Vanguard Theater Company. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Illuminating New Voices is a new Vanguard Theater initiative made possible by funding from Jordan Brand’s Community Grant Program Black Community Commitment Grant to increase awareness of the role race plays in our history and drive a deeper understanding of the consequences of racism in our everyday lives. The grant is through a joint and equal commitment from Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand. Vanguard Theater was the only New Jersey not-for-profit, and one of two theaters across the country, to receive a community development grant.

As a result of this funding, as well as additional support from the New Jersey Theater Alliance, Vanguard Theater was able to give the ten chosen finalists a full creative and technical team to support their works coming to life.

Building on the efforts of the Jordan Brand grant, Vanguard is thrilled to support and nurture new works that inspire audiences to think critically about existing social and cultural narratives, through this New Works Festival.

“This funding will help us immensely in our continued efforts to mentor and amplify marginalized voices in all areas of the theater industry, including: writers, producers, composers, performers, directors, choreographers, and managers.” said Janeece Freeman-Clark, co-producer of the festival and Vanguard’s Founding Artistic Director.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing these new voices to Vanguard,” says Mike Amazan, co-producer of the festival. “Vanguard has given me the opportunity to stretch and grow in the arts - first as an actor, then assistant director, and now as a co-producer. It is rewarding to see these works come to the stage and give others an opportunity to develop their work.”

“We want Vanguard to be a place where artists can grow into who they want to be in the arts.” explains Clark. “Artists can come here and be their authentic selves while exploring a range of artistic talents.”

Vanguard Theater has selected five musicals, four plays, and one choreo-poem, from the near one hundred submissions received once the call for work opened. Five works will be presented each night beginning at 8PM on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday at Vanguard Theater at 180 Bloomfield Ave Second Floor, Montclair, NJ. Come both nights to see all the entries. Don’t miss this festival of innovative and creative works!

Tickets: $15 and up, including fees*

Purchase: bit.ly/ticketsVTC or by emailing the Vanguard Theater box office at boxoffice@dreamvtc.org.

Individual tickets, memberships, and subscriptions are available.

*This festival is offered at a lower price than our usual season to expand access to these exciting new works.

Due to the content, parental discretion is advised.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.