Vanguard Theater Company to Launch New Broadway Mentorship Program

Vanguard Theater Company, a NJ based 501 © 3 arts organization, announced the first phase of a new theater mentorship program. The BROADWAY BUDDY program is a mentorship outreach program designed to offer emerging musical theater artists (12 - 22) a unique opportunity to be mentored by a theater professional. The program is open to all, but specifically young emerging artists who identify as underserved or students of color (African American/Black, Arab American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic American, Native American/American Indian/Alaskan Native, Biracial/Multiracial and LGBTQ) and will give them the opportunity to develop relationships with Broadway Alumni and other theater professionals who can serve as resources and/or advocates through establishing an ongoing mentoring relationship.

"In the field of Musical Theater, Training and Mentorship Opportunities for young people of color are few. This isn't because training programs don't exist--programs are everywhere. However, these programs due to cost and location are not always accessible to everyone. Diversity in theater and in theater training is a huge issue. That's why we founded Vanguard Theater Company" says co-founder Daryl L. Stewart. "We want to provide real access and sustainable resources to everyone who's interested in theater regardless of color or socio-economic status." added co-founder Janeece Freeman-Clark.

The Broadway Buddy program began in April and will continue through May culminating in a final performance at South Orange Middle School. Mentees applied via online application and submission. Once selected, mentees have began the program by meeting, rehearsing and communicating with Broadway mentors. Mentors, who will represent the Broadway company of shows like Hamilton, The Color Purple and Aladdin, meet with mentees offering showbusiness advice, personal stories and one on one performance coaching during cabaret rehearsals. The mentees and mentors will share their experiences and perform together in a culminating performance at South Orange Middle School on May 22nd at 7:30pm.

For more information or to purchase tickets please visit: vanguardtheater.org

About Vanguard Theater Company: Vanguard Theater Company is committed to producing transformational theater and is dedicated to diversity, community engagement, education and professional artistic mentorship. Through dynamic storytelling, Vanguard produces works that reflect the various complexions of the 21st century artist and audience. Vanguard Theater Company is a registered 501 (c) 3 not for profit arts organization created by co-founders, Janeece Freeman- Clark and Daryl L. Stewart.

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