Vanguard brings mentorship program to SOMS

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Vanguard Theater Company recently 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, ages 12 to 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, 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, arts 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,” co-founder Janeece Freeman-Clark said in a release. “We want to provide real access and sustainable resources to everyone who’s interested in theater regardless of color or socio-economic status.”

The Broadway Buddy program will begin in April and continue into May culminating in a final performance at South Orange Middle School. Mentees will be required to apply via online application and submission. If selected, mentees will meet, rehearse and communicate with Broadway mentors. Mentors, who will represent the Broadway company of shows like “Hamilton,” “The Color Purple” and “Aladdin,” will meet with mentees offering show-business 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 Sunday, May 22, at 7:30 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vanguardtheater.org.

  Broadway, South Orange Middle School