Accessibility/ADA COMPLIANCE

At Vanguard Theater Company, we believe the arts should be accessible to everyone. We are committed to removing barriers to participation and ensuring that people of all abilities can engage with our performances, education programs, and community events in meaningful ways.

While our historic building is not yet fully physically accessible, we are actively expanding accessibility across our performances, programs, and facilities. Our goal is not simply to meet accessibility standards, but to thoughtfully and creatively ensure that every member of our community has opportunities to experience theater at Vanguard.

Accessibility is an ongoing process, and we welcome feedback as we continue to improve our programs, services, and facilities.

Need Accessibility Assistance?

If you require accommodations for a performance or program, we're here to help.

Please contact our Box Office before your visit so we can discuss your needs and make every reasonable effort to provide appropriate accommodations.

Email: BoxOffice@dreamvtc.org

Phone: (862) 205-3525

Whenever possible, please contact us 3–4 weeks before your performance or event. Some accommodations require advance planning and are subject to availability.

What to Expect

Our primary theater is located on the second floor and is currently accessible only by stairs.

We are actively advancing plans for the installation of an elevator, including architectural design, engineering, and municipal approvals. Our goal is to complete these improvements and become fully physically accessible by Spring 2027.

If stairs present a barrier for you, please contact us before your visit. We are happy to discuss available accommodations, including:

  • First Floor Livestream Viewing Experience

  • At-home streamed performances (when licensing permits)

  • Visual Storytelling Packages

  • Other individualized accommodations whenever possible

Accessibility Services Available

Vanguard currently offers a variety of accessibility services and alternative ways to experience our productions.

  • Assistive Listening Devices

    Available upon request.

    ASL Interpretation

    ASL-interpreted performances may be available with advance notice, depending on interpreter availability.

    Personalized Accessibility Assistance

    If you require an accommodation that is not listed here, please contact us. We will make every reasonable effort to provide an appropriate solution.

New for the 2026–2027 Season

First Floor Livestream Viewing Experience

Beginning with our 2026–2027 season, Vanguard Theater is proud to introduce a new First Floor Livestream Viewing Experience for patrons who prefer or require an accessible performance option.

While the live performance takes place upstairs, it will be streamed simultaneously to a comfortable viewing space on our first floor.

Guests will enjoy:

  • A comfortable first-floor viewing area

  • An ADA-accessible restroom

  • Easy access to concessions

  • Easy access to merchandise

  • The opportunity to enjoy the performance without navigating stairs

This new viewing experience is designed to help ensure that more members of our community can enjoy Vanguard productions in a welcoming, comfortable, and accessible environment.

What We Offer Now

  • Vanguard Theater Company is committed to expanding access to the performing arts for all audiences. While our current venue is still in the process of becoming fully physically accessible, we remain committed to ensuring that all audience members can engage with our work. We provide a range of in-person accommodations and alternative access options to support each patron’s experience.
    For in-person attendance, we invite patrons to submit an accommodation request form in advance of their visit so we can best support individual needs. Services require at least 3–4 weeks’ advance notice and are subject to availability. We will make every reasonable effort to provide appropriate accommodations for audience members attending performances.

    For productions where streaming is permitted, we offer streamed performances as part of our commitment to equitable access. These opportunities are shared through email announcements, social media, and community outreach, with reminder communications leading up to each performance.

    For productions where streaming is not permitted due to licensing restrictions, we provide alternative access materials such as production photography and narrative storytelling packages to help audiences who are unable to attend in person engage with the creative work.

    We continue to explore additional accessibility offerings for future seasons, including captioned performances, ASL interpretation, sensory-friendly programming, and expanded digital engagement opportunities as resources and licensing allow. As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility infrastructure, we are also actively advancing plans for building improvements, including recent consultations with contractors and updated quotes related to elevator installation and long-term venue accessibility upgrades.

  • When permitted by licensing agreements, Vanguard offers live-streamed performances to ensure access for patrons who are unable to attend in person.

    For the 2025–26 Season, streaming will be available for:

    • Little Women
      Saturday, January 24, 2025 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM

    • Newsies
      Saturday, June 27, 2025 – 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM

    Streaming allows audiences to:

    • Watch from home or care facilities

    • Attend despite mobility, health, or transportation barriers

    • Join from outside the region

    📌 Tickets for streaming performances will be posted on this page as they become available.Join Our Newsletter‍ ‍to stay up to date!

  • For productions that cannot be streamed due to licensing restrictions, Vanguard offers a Photographic Storytelling Package, designed to provide an alternative way to experience the show.

    Each package includes:

    • Professionally photographed production images

    • Visual storytelling of key moments, characters, and design elements

    • A written and/or audio narrative summary of the story (audience choice)

    • Highlights of dialogue, themes, and action

    • When legally permitted, links to the full published script

    These packages allow patrons to engage with the artistic work even when live or streamed attendance is not possible.

  • Streaming tickets
    Streaming tickets will be available through our main ticketing system. Instructions and links will be shared by email, social media, and on this page once released.

    When streaming information is released
    Streaming announcements are typically shared several weeks prior to the performance, followed by reminder emails and day-of communications.

    Accessing storytelling packages
    When available, storytelling packages will be posted on this page under each production as part of our accessibility resources.

    Need Accessibility Support
    Submit a request through our Accessibility Accommodation Form for in-person performance needs. A member of our team will be in touch.

    Request an Accommodation

STAY UP TO DATE ON ACCESSIBLE OFFERINGS
Request an Accommodation

Visual Storytelling Packages

Some licensing agreements prohibit streaming performances.

When streaming is not permitted, Vanguard offers Visual Storytelling Packages as an alternative way to experience the production.

Each package may include:

  • Professionally photographed production images

  • Visual storytelling of key moments, characters, costumes, and scenic design

  • A narrative summary of the story

  • Highlights of important dialogue, themes, and action

  • When legally permitted, links to the published script

These resources allow patrons who cannot attend in person to engage with the artistic work while respecting copyright and licensing requirements.

follow the journey with our storytelling packages below

follow the journey with our storytelling packages below

A diverse group of performers from Rent pose together outdoors at Montclair Pride 2022, smiling and cheering with raised arms in front of a stage. They wear matching black T-shirts and appear joyful and celebratory in a city street setting.

Accessible Performances & Community Programs

Many Vanguard performances and community events take place in fully ADA-accessible venues throughout the year.

These include events such as:

  • Montclair Theater Festival

  • Montclair Art Museum

  • Wally Choice Community Center

  • Public parks and community festivals

  • Partner schools

  • Community and cultural organizations

Education Programs

Vanguard offers educational programming for students ages 4 through adulthood.

Most classes and educational programs take place in fully accessible facilities.

Programs include:

  • VTC Kids

  • VTC Teens

  • Broadway Bound

  • Dance Enhance

  • Disney Dreamers

  • Summerstock (Appel Farm Arts & Music Center)

  • School residencies throughout Montclair and surrounding communities

  • Lifelong Montclair Creative Aging Program

If you require accommodations for an education program, please contact:

Melissa McHugh
Melissa@dreamvtc.org

A large cast of children and teens perform a final pose onstage during Aladdin Jr., standing on tiered platforms with arms raised beneath colorful fabric scenery and theatrical lighting.
Lifelong Montclair senior residents and Montclair High School Center for Social Justice students sit together at red tablecloth-covered tables during an intergenerational performance of Lady Day, creating a warm and communal theater atmosphere.

LOOKING AHEAD

Vanguard Theater is committed to expanding physical access to our space so that all members of our community can fully participate in our performances and programs.

While our historic building is not yet fully accessible, we are actively working toward a long-term solution that will allow for greater access for patrons with mobility needs.

Lift Installation & Facility Access
We are currently in the planning phase of installing a lift to improve accessibility throughout our building. This project represents a significant investment in the future of Vanguard Theater and reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion, and community access.

To date, we have:

  • Engaged an architect to assess feasibility and design options

  • Completed preliminary drawings and planning work

  • Begun conversations with the Township of Montclair to ensure compliance with local requirements

This work is part of a larger, phased effort to improve accessibility while preserving the integrity of our historic space. As this process moves forward, we will continue to share updates and timelines as they become available.