(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Vanguard Theater Company has been awarded an $18,900 grant from the New Jersey state Council on the Arts to support supplies and equipment expenses associated with resuming in-person programming at 180 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ, and Sleepaway Camp. The COVID Critical Needs (CCN) program was created by the Council to support COVID-specific updates for physical venues and locations, to help organizations take the crucial step of creating a safe environment for audiences, artists, crew, and staff.  

“We are so grateful for the NJSCA’s support,” says Janeece Freeman Clark, Founding Artistic Director of Vanguard Theater Company. “We congratulate our neighboring arts  organizations, Montclair Film, Jazz House Kids, and the Montclair Arts Museum, who also received CCN grants. We look forward to working alongside them to safely welcome the community to shared arts’ experiences.”

This grant comes at a critical time, as Vanguard just opened registration for its Summerstock Sleepaway and Day Camps. “We intend to give campers the full camp experience, while following all CDC recommendations; this grant will give us the needed funds to do so while keeping camp accessible,” adds Managing Director, Jessica Sporn, noting that Vanguard’s programs are much less expensive than other theater summer experiences.

Vanguard is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony the weekend of April 23, 2021 at its new theater at 180 Bloomfield Avenue. Sponsorship and naming opportunities are still available! Vanguard Theater Company welcomes all inquiries about its space at info@dreamvtc.org.

Vanguard Theater Company is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit producing original, collaborative and re-imagined works of theater. Committed to changing the narrative through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism & Mentorship, Vanguard is committed to color-conscious casting, and professional artistic mentorship. Vanguard Theater Company's year-round programming is made possible through generous support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, TeeRico by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Investors Bank, collaborations with Montclair Film and other community partners, and the generosity of many individual donors. 

PHOTO: Sporn and Clark at Sleepaway Camp, photo courtesy of Vanguard Theater Company