Vanguard Theater Awarded 2023 Community Grant Through Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand

The theater will use the grant funds to support and nurture original and new works that inspire audiences to think critically about social and cultural narratives.

By: Mar. 23, 2023

Vanguard Theater Awarded 2023 Community Grant Through Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand

To mark the 60th birthday of NBA legend Michael Jordan, NJ nonprofit Vanguard Theater was awarded a community grant by Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand. Vanguard was the only NJ-based organization to receive such news, and one of only two theater companies. Co-Founded in 2015 by NJ Based theater maker Janeece Freeman Clark, Vanguard aims to challenge social and cultural narratives through professional theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism, and Mentorship.

"Creating more equitable futures for Black people starts with an intentional journey. So, as our Jordan Brand family celebrates Michael's 60th birthday, we are thrilled to welcome these organizations committed to accelerating progress in their communities," says Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President.

Building on the efforts of the BCC, Vanguard Theater will specifically use the grant funds to support and nurture original and new works that inspire audiences to think critically about existing social and cultural narratives, through a New Works Festival: Illuminating New Voices. With this generous award from the BCC, Vanguard Theater is opening submissions for the New Works Festival, running May 19-23, at Vanguard Theater.

"This funding will help us immensely in our continued efforts to mentor and amplify marginalized voices in all areas of the theater industry including, but not limited to writers, producers, composers, performers, directors, choreographers, and managers," said Freeman-Clark, who serves as Vanguard's Producing Artistic Director.

Jordan Community Grants are awarded once a year to grassroots, non-profit organizations that are driving action and leading sustainable solutions to improve Black lives in their neighborhoods. Grant funds were awarded to 48 organizations, including Vanguard Theater, with a local connection to the initiative's four key focus areas of economic justice, education, narrative change, and social justice.

This is the third cycle of the Community Grant Program as part of Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand's commitment to the Black community.

ABOUT VANGUARD THEATER


Founded in 2015, Vanguard Theater Company is a 501(c)(3) committed to changing social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism & Mentorship. Vanguard Theater has quickly become a destination for great professional theater, inspired community collaborations, excellent youth programming, and more. Manifest star Geraldine Leer recently named Vanguard Theater
as one of her favorite artistic destinations in Montclair, NJ and, to quote Jay Lustig, reviewer for NJ Stages, "This is the third Vanguard Theater show I've reviewed since it opened its new Montclair space last year, and I've been impressed by them all." Vanguard looks forward to continuing its reputation for excellent theater and impactful community dialogue in its second full season in Montclair, NJ.

Contact: vanguard@dreamvtc.org, www.vanguardtheatercompany.org, or on social media @vtcnj and #dreamVTC.



RELATED STORIES - New Jersey

1
New Jersey Performing Arts Center Presents HORIZON SOUNDS OF THE CITY 2023 Photo
New Jersey Performing Arts Center Presents HORIZON SOUNDS OF THE CITY 2023

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the annual Horizon Sounds of the City 2023, a FREE live summer concert series taking place under the stars during the summer every Thursday Night starting July 13 – August 17 from 6 pm – 9 pm on the NJPAC Campus at Chambers Plaza.

2
Comedian Shane Gillis Comes To NJPAC, July 28 Photo
Comedian Shane Gillis Comes To NJPAC, July 28

Due to high demand, comedian Shane Gillis announced additional Shane Gillis Live dates and will be coming to Newark at New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Friday, July 28th at 7:00 p.m.

3
Soul Storyteller Anthony Hamilton Comes To NJPAC, September 7 Photo
Soul Storyteller Anthony Hamilton Comes To NJPAC, September 7

Grammy Award-winning, multiplatinum soul storyteller Anthony Hamilton will be performing at New Jersey Performing Arts Center Thursday, September 7th at 8:00 p.m.

4
Stars Of NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE, Nikki Glaser, Tracy Morgan And Branford Marsalis On Sale At Be Photo
Stars Of NAPOLEAN DYNAMITE, Nikki Glaser, Tracy Morgan And Branford Marsalis On Sale At BergenPAC

bergenPAC announces four new shows: Nikki Glaser on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at 8 p.m.; The Branford Marsalis Quartet on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at 8 p.m.; Tracy Morgan on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at 8 p.m.; 20th Anniversary of Napoleon Dynamite Screening and Q&A with John Heder, Efren Ramirez and Jon Gries on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 7 p.m.

More Hot Stories For You

Videos


#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Rose Tattoo
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (5/31-6/18)Tracker
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Christopher Taylor, Piano Recital
Morven Museum & Garden (6/11-6/11)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Jersey Four and Johnny Maestro’s 16 Candles
Sieminski Theater (6/10-6/10)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Season Finale with Joshua Bell
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (6/09-6/09)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Broadway’s Next Hit Musical 
Morven Museum & Gardens (6/14-6/14)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Season Finale with Joshua Bell
Count Basie Center for the Arts (6/10-6/10)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Claremont Trio
Morven Museum & Gardens (6/13-6/13)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Antoinette Montague Experience
Bickford Theatre at the Morris Museum (6/22-6/22)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# Opening Night – TIME FOR THREE
Morven Museum & Garden (6/09-6/09)
#repshow# in #getregions.name[i]# The Jersey Four and Johnny Maestro's 16 Candles
Sieminski Theater (6/10-6/10)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You