Montclair Theater Nonprofit Reinvents Itself Amid Coronavirus

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Just two months ago, the future looked very different to the Vanguard Theater Company.

On March 1, the Essex County-based nonprofit had just signed a three-year lease for a theater space at 180 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. It was poised to launch a new wave of its successful Broadway Buddy mentorship program, was busy organizing classes and workshops to promote diversity in the arts, and was on the brink of announcing its upcoming season.

“We were excited to be an active part of the vibrant Montclair arts scene,” recalled Vanguard’s managing director, Jessica Sporn, who lives in the township.

But when the new coronavirus hit, it changed everything.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

As the coronavirus shutdown continues to wreak havoc on the arts community, many groups like the Vanguard have been forced to completely revamp the way they operate. One of the most urgent challenges has been finding the cash to survive the crisis.

Putting their power of their collective creativity to work, staff and members of the Vanguard Theater Company have been scraping together every penny they can to cope with a $65,000 anticipated shortfall by September.

Vanguard’s artistic and managing directors immediately agreed to forego their salaries. The nonprofit has applied for any available small business loan. Staff requested a three-month rent extension from the landlord at 180 Bloomfield Avenue. And the New Jersey State Council on the Arts fast-forwarded the remainder of Vanguard's 2020 grant money.

The nonprofit also reached out to long-time supporter TeeRico by Lin-Manuel Miranda for emergency assistance, highlighting its mission to address the lack of diversity in traditional theater casting and training.

TeeRico responded with a grant of $25,000, commenting:

“We recognize how important Vanguard’s work is for our community and the importance of supporting the continuation of your efforts during these uncertain times.”

TeeRico’s support was especially welcomed during a time when “everyone is hurting,” Vanguard Artistic Director Janeece Freeman Clark said.

“With our extended community struggling economically, and many of our Broadway friends personally battling COVID-19, we are cautious about asking for donations,” Clark said.

But the work that Vanguard is doing is important for the soul of the community, especially at a dark time like this, Clark pointed out.

“We continue to believe that Vanguard has been and will continue to be a force to train artist activists of tomorrow, and provide a place where our dedication to the principles of ‘Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Awareness and Mentorship’ (DREAM) will flourish through the performing arts,” Clark said.

“This pandemic is particularly cruel to marginalized people in Essex County, and we want to be there to help heal and bring different communities together once the worst has passed,” Clark stated.

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Here are some other ways that the Vanguard Theater Company has been adapting in an age of COVID-19:

• Last week, the nonprofit held a virtual “Happy Hour” event where it announced new programs, held performances by some of its Broadway Buddies and Vanguard teens, and gave a sneak peak of its new space on Bloomfield Avenue.
• In lieu of its Summer-stock Sleepaway Camp, Vanguard plans to host virtual “campfires” and open mics for middle and high school students (donations will benefit the Actors Fund, which is on the forefront of providing social services and protection for people in the industry who find themselves unemployed due to the coronavirus).
• Beginning April 27, Vanguard began offering theater and dance classes via Zoom, taught by Broadway actors and professional educators.
• Vanguard plans to keep its signature Broadway Buddy mentorship program rolling remotely, and will offer “master classes” with virtual coaching by some of its Broadway Buddies.
• Vanguard experts will share acting, singing and dance tips of the week on its YouTube channel.

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