(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- 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 (see a description of the plays below). Five works will be presented each night beginning at 8:00pm on Saturday and 7:00pm 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 are $15 and up, including fees* and available for purchase online 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 their usual season to expand access to these exciting new works.

Due to the content, parental discretion is advised.

Saturday, May 20th at 8:00pm

Ghost In The Machine: Book, Music, and Lyrics by Janine Robledo, Orchestration by Emiliano Messiez. Set in a pre-dystopian Argentina, this musical follows the evolving relationship between Carlo, a young man with a fatal heart defect, and his android, Cynthia. The twists and turns explore of how the freedom of friendship can help break the ties of imprisonment, even death.

Doriane = Indisposed: by Doriane Swain. A sci-fi dark comedy about a scientist determined to start a family with the right partner, which she must create. She harvests the best attributes from her exes and relives the trials and trauma that led her to this point.

Wanga – A Magical Musical: Book, Lyrics and Music by Lawrence Dandridge. Wanga follows the rise of a hero on the seven days leading up to an epic battle. Set in a coven in 2007 New Orleans, this is a wild adventure of secrets, spirits and sisterhood that shows us how love is the most powerful magic of them all.

By The Way: by Lisa Strum. Two friends quarantined together during the pandemic explore their changing relationship – especially after one of the friends redefines their sexuality and starts to have romantic feelings toward the other.

Love Stories – Choreo Poem, by Nile Polk, Choreography by Jasón Wells. A performance of poetry and dance that tells the story of love, and specifically how it grows, changes, and even fades. 

Sunday, May 21st at 7:00pm:

Dayz: by Dahlak Brathwaite. This play focuses on the story of two brothers impacted by police violence. It explores the growing problem of misinformation.

Lighthouse: Book and Lyrics by Abs Wilson, Music by Veronica Mansour. A pop-country musical, this intimate dramedy explores themes of hidden disability, conservatism, community, identity and anxiety – and what it means to be yourself for the rest of your life.

On The Verge: Lyrics by Amanda Ysnowitz, Music by Deborah Abramson. This collection of self-contained story songs explores the hearts and minds of slightly jaded, secretly optimistic people on the verge of love, change, fear, joy, failure, success, motherhood, break-ups, breakdowns, and breakthroughs.

Everything Is Fine Until It’s Not: by Doreen Oliver. A humorous and gripping play that explores the relationship between mothers and their children, and the ability to accept those you love, even if they’re not who you expected.

Picture Incomplete: by Juson Williams. This musical is one man’s spiritual, physical, emotional, and psychological journey to find wholeness. Myles and H.E.X.A.C.O (all that make up his personality traits) fly high, but forget that the fall back to earth can hurt!