AWARDS & ACCOLADES

AWARDS

2019 Congressional Commendation; US Representative Donald Payne Jr​

2019 NJSCA Citation of Excellence for Dream VTC program​

2023 Melissa McHugh NJTA Curtain Call​

2024 Jessica Sporn NJTA Curtain Call 2024

2022 Janeece Freeman Clark Tony Nominee Excellence in Education

2023 Janeece Freeman Clark University of Michigan School of Music and Dance Christopher Kendall Alumni Award

​2023  Broadway World NJ Awards; Best Scenic Design of a Play or Musical (Eric Marchetta-Spring Awakening)

2023 Passing Strange Top 15 list of Jay Lustig - New Jersey on Stage

2022 RENT Top 15 list of Jay Lustig - New Jersey on Stage

2023 Hyacinth Aids Foundation Social Justice Award​

2023 Mayor of Montclair Honorable Mention

RECENT PRESS & QUOTES

  • "I am thrilled that Montclair is further adding to our rich arts scene with the addition of the Vanguard Theater Company. While they have been providing wonderful experiences for the community through their focus on Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism and Mentorship (D.R.E.A.M.), to now have them officially call Montclair home is a perfect fit."

    Sean M. Spiller, Third Ward Councilman, Township of Montclair

  • "Thank you for making Montclair the Vanguard home! NOW more than ever the theater and awareness that your company will bring to our township are necessary to what we are trying to build in town."

    Renee Baskerville, Fourth Ward Councilwoman, Township of Montclair

  • "Congratulations to Vanguard! You have and are accomplishing so much for the arts and emerging artists."

    Elaine Molinari, Montclair Arts Advisory Committee

  • "As the arts continue to grow and thrive in our community, organizations like Vanguard provide audiences the opportunity to explore new ideas, diverse perspectives, and unique voices in the theater, and we look forward to many new, exciting opportunities to collaborate with them as our organizations continue to grow"

    Tom Hall, Executive Director of Montclair Film

  • "I am very excited about the continued work between Vanguard Theater Company and FCC, St. Luke's Peace Islands, and Union Congregational Church. When we work together we are all stronger!"

    Rev. John Rogers, First Congregational Church of Montclair

  • "On behalf of Nassan's Place, thank you Vanguard Theater Company for providing the opportunity for children affected by Autism in and around under-served inner-city communities access to a sensory friendly performance of the arts."

    Nadine Arubakkr, Executive Director, Nassan’s Place

  • "I wanted to reach out to thank you again for advocating for Covenant House kids and hosting a Student Sleep Out! What an amazing performance of Runaways and an incredible group of young people. The funds you raised are being put to use right away to help our kids move from homelessness to independence. We are hoping to identify more opportunities to partner together."

    Janette Scrozzo, Development Director, Covenant House New Jersey

  • "As humans we segregate ourselves because we feel safer with those who share our background and common values. At Vanguard, we embrace individuality, diversity, inclusion, and theater, giving us a safe environment where we all have the freedom to break free from the racial and social boxes and cliques that are widespread."

    Teen, Runaways, DREAM VTC Participant

  • "Vanguard Theater Company has cultivated a community of souls who intuitively and deeply trust one another. A community who puts service before self. A community that I am proud to be a part of my child’s life."

    DREAM VTC Parent