Vanguard Productions MKE

We're one week away from auditions for All is Calm! We are seeking strong tenors, baritones, and basses with choral and dialect experience. This is a paid opportunity. More info and signups can be found here:

https://tinyurl.com/yckc5pn3

AUDITION NOTICE:

Vanguard Productions is holding in person and virtual auditions for our holiday production of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by Peter Rothstein, directed by Josh Pohja, with music direction by Paula Foley Tillen, playing 12/6-12/22/24. All actors will be paid a $500 stipend for their work.

Auditions will be held on 8/26 and 8/27 from 6-9pm at Calvary Presbyterian Church (935 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee WI). Actors should prepare a one minute cut in the style of the show, a one minute monologue (British Dialects preferable), and come prepared for a short movement piece.

IN PERSON SIGN UPS:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA8A723A1F4C25-50540165-alliscalm

VIRTUAL AUDITIONS:
Please fill out the following form. Virtual Submissions must be received by 5pm on August 26th.
https://forms.gle/FRQdTY8iErWcDESr5

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

(Pictured: Kai DeRubis in All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Directed by Josh Pohja, Music Direction by Adam Qutaishat, Lighting Design by AntiShadows, LLC, Costume Design by Amelia Strahan. Photography by Paul Ruffalo.)

AUDITION NOTICE:

Vanguard Productions is holding in person and virtual auditions for our holiday production of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 by Peter Rothstein, directed by Josh Pohja, with music direction by Paula Foley Tillen, playing 12/6-12/22/24. All actors will be paid a $500 stipend for their work.

Auditions will be held on 8/26 and 8/27 from 6-9pm at Calvary Presbyterian Church (935 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee WI). Actors should prepare a one minute cut in the style of the show, a one minute monologue (British Dialects preferable), and come prepared for a short movement piece.

IN PERSON SIGN UPS:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA8A723A1F4C25-50540165-alliscalm

VIRTUAL AUDITIONS:
Please fill out the following form. Virtual Submissions must be received by 5pm on August 26th.
https://forms.gle/FRQdTY8iErWcDESr5

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

(Pictured: Kai DeRubis in All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Directed by Josh Pohja, Music Direction by Adam Qutaishat, Lighting Design by AntiShadows, LLC, Costume Design by Amelia Strahan. Photography by Paul Ruffalo.)

TICKETS NOW ON SALE:
MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE
taken from the writings of Rachel Corrie, edited by Alan Rickman and Katharine Viner.
Starring Maya Danks
Directed by Josh Pohja
Lighting and Set Design by AntiShadows, LLC

Playing September 20th-29th at Calvary Presbyterian Church.

The year is 2003. The invasion of Iraq begins, the second initifada rages on, and thousands of miles away, Rachel Corrie is a student at Evergreen State College. Collected from her diaries and emails, My Name is Rachel Corrie tells the true story of American student and activist Rachel Corrie and her decision to join the International Solidarity Movement peacefully resisting the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.vanguardmke.com/tickets-and-events

Please contact us at [email protected] with any questions or inquiries.
Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Vanguard Productions is proud to announce our first full season, Portraits of Perseverance. We have selected three stories unified by a single idea, that even the face of oppression, hatred, and insurmountable odds, our common humanity can still prevail. Our season begins with My Name is Rachel Corrie, a gripping piece of documentary theatre drawn from the diary entries of American student and activist, Rachel Corrie. This winter we will revisit our annual favorite, All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Finally, our season will conclude with a classic tale of heroism, William Shakespeare's Henry V.

Join us for a year of theatre that asks the pertinent questions of our time, made by local artists. We hope you will join us. More info on tickets to come soon.

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

From Vanguard's Producing Artistic Director, Josh Pohja:

Join Josh Pohja this Summer at The Calvary for our SHAKESPEARE IGNITION PERFORMANCE LAB. IGNITION offers you a challenging, positive, and invigorating summer lab for actors to flex your creative intelligence, and nurture their artistic curiosity. The six-class arc will culminate in a showcase for an invited group of allies and industry professionals.

This is the summer tune-up your actor instrument and creative soul needs. Come play, explore and strengthen your core with a network of local artists with a similar driven mindset.

SHAKESPEARE IGNITION PERFORMANCE LAB
Dates: Tuesdays(s) 6pm - 9pm Calvary Presbyterian Church || Talley Hall June 11, 18, 25 (no class July 2) July 9 (no class July 16) July 23, 30

Follow this link to register: https://tinyurl.com/munznt9x
Please send any questions or concerns to [email protected].

Announcing our APEX Viewpoints Summer Series! Join Vanguard's Producing Artistic Director Josh Pohja for a series of classes exploring Viewpoints and Physical Theatre. Hone your creativity, spontaneity and sense of ensemble with a group of like minded artists. These classes are perfect for those looking to continue their artistic training over the summer. Classes are held on Saturdays 6/15 - 8/10 from 10-12 and we are offering each class at an artist rate of $10 each!

Slots are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information and to sign up, go to www.vanguardmke.com/education.

Calling all artists!

Join us on Sunday, April 28th from 5-8pm for our APEX Suzuki and Viewpoints Intensive led by Josh Pohja and Mark Corkins. This masterclass will focus on Viewpoints and Suzuki exercises that build an actor's focus, discipline, and imagination within a community of like minded artists. We are offering this class at an introductory rate of $5! Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. Sign up here:

https://forms.gle/5juXaKYB6rK8QJRQ6

Photo by Josh Pohja.

From Vanguard's Producing Artistic Director, Josh Pohja:

Join us for the Chekhov Ignition Scene Lab at The Calvary, led by Vanguard Productions' Producing Artistic Director, Josh Pohja. This five-week course, starting April 24th on Wednesday evenings, will focus on enhancing your creative intelligence through character depth and development. The five-class arc will culminate in the composition of the arc of one of Chekhov's plays or one-act narrative. The journey concludes with a private invited presentation of progress for friends and family on May 29th.

Dates: Wednesday(s) 6:30 - 8:30pm

The Calvary || Kastner Hall

April 24, May 1st, May 8th, (No class on May 15th), May 22nd & May 29th

Go to joshpohja.com to register!

On Monday we hosted our first ever Suzuki and Viewpoints Invitational as part of our Advanced Performance Experience Program led by Josh Pohja and Mark Corkins. This combination of Suzuki and Viewpoints pedagogy helps actors hone their focus, creativity, and spontaneity with a community of like minded artists. It was a joy to work with over twenty local artists in the beautiful sanctuary of Calvary Presbyterian Church. Stay tuned for more offerings as part of our APEX Program!

Photo Credit: and Josh Pohja.

Thank you Ryan Jay Reviews for coming to see ANTIGONE! For more info on upcoming shows, classes and our work check out our new website vanguardmke.com.

Did you know that Vanguard has a host of educational opportunities coming up? We are proud to be bringing professional actor training to Milwaukee with a host of different opportunities.

On March 16th and 17th we will be hosting a Clowning Intensive with Layna Fisher, a nationally programed and recognized clowning instructor. This intensive will help actors find what makes them funny and how clowning can be applied to the stage.

Starting March 18th Vanguard will offer it's first public offering of our APEX Suzuki and Viewpoints Classes! These classes help train an actor's focus, discipline, and spontaniety while finding a community of like minded actors. Taught by legendary Milwaukee actor Mark Corkins and Vanguard's Producing Artistic Director, Josh Pohja.

For more info on both classes and to enroll:
https://www.vanguardmke.com/education

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the team for ANTIGONE:

Liv Mauseth (they/he/she) is a Milwaukee based stage manager and actor, and the current Company Manager with First Stage. They have previous stage managed: All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914 with Vanguard Productions in 2022 and 2023; Toil and Trouble with Sunstone Studios; Julius Caesar, Richard III, and Midsummer Nights Dream with Bard and Bourbon; and a virtual reading of Love and Information in partnership with the Girl Scouts of America. They were the assistant stage manager for the staged reading of LE/LA by Liz Shipe at Milwaukee Chamber Theater, and in 2017, the regional International Championship of High School A Ca****la competition, hosted at South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.

Antigone at the Calvary opens tonight at 5pm! Playing two performance tonight only, at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the director of ANTIGONE:

Josh Pohja (he/him/jp) is a theater creator and educator from Encino, California who has had a multi-faceted career working in all genres of storytelling. He is a Founding Member and Producing Artistic Director of Vanguard Productions. JP teaches and directs locally, most recently helming Vanguard's inaugural production of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 and Hamlet for First Stage’s Company Class, and co-producing Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 2023 Young Playwright’s Festival. He served five years as Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Education Programs Coordinator during which he met George Lorimer and Vanguard’s creative alignment began. Pohja has performed nationally with, most notably, The Acting Company, Old Globe, NYC Fringe Festival, The Alley, HERE Arts Center, Judson Church and Guthrie Theater. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon School of Drama (BFA Acting) during the tenure of the Moscow Art Theatre, Mladen Kieslov, Don Wadsworth and Victoria Santa Cruz, and alumni of the Saratoga International Theatre Institute (SITI) at Skidmore College under the guidance of Anne Bogart and the SITI Company. Upcoming Productions: Antigone for Vanguard Productions; An Enemy of the People at First Stage Young Company. visit joshpohja.com

Antigone at the Calvary opens tomorrow! Playing one night only, Monday March 4th, at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovksi.

Meet the cast of ANITGONE:

Chantae Miller is deeply grateful to be making her Vanguard debut and to be returning to her Milwaukee family for the first time since 2019. She is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School (G52), and has performed with many theatres around town including, the Milwaukee Rep, First Stage, Next Act, and Forward Theater. Chantae is also a musician and human rights activist. She is based in NYC.

For JP, who has always been my biggest fan.

Get your tickets for Antigone at the Calvary! Playing one night only, March 4th, at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Attention, Milwaukee! Our production
of ANTIGONE is undergoing a slight change in casting, but rest assured, the show will continue to astound! Join us in welcoming GREGORY LININGTON (Helen Hayes Award Winner, 2022 Lunt-Fontanne Fellow and star of Milwaukee Rep's JUNK and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS) who will be diving in for Matt Daniels in the role of CREON. Let’s give Gregory a warm Milwaukee welcome by purchasing your ticket today. Visit gregorylinington.com to learn more!

Get your tickets to Antigone at the Calvary! Playing one night only, March 4th, at 5pm and 8pm, tickets can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

$10 Rush Tickets are available for both performances of Antigone! Join us for one night only, March 4th, at Calvary Presbyterian Church at 5pm and 8pm. Starring Juilliard Graduates Chantae Miller and Matt Daniels, you won't want to miss this stunning theatrical event.

Rush tickets can only be purchased at the door, if you'd like to guarantee your seat, purchase tickets here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the cast of ANTIGONE:

Leo (he/him) is a nineteen-year-old trans-nonbinary arts enthusiast. His recent on and off-stage roles were seen at First Stage (The Hobbit and The Gracious Sisters), Milwaukee Chamber Theater (Young Playwrights Festival), Milwaukee Rep (Run, Bambi, Run! and A Christmas Carol), Prism Youth Theater Company (The Hidden Strings), and Vanguard Productions (APEX Pilot Group). Leo is the Artistic Director of Prism Youth Theater Company, an informal arts group that places young people in leadership positions. Leo is a Sailing Instructor and a strong advocate for non-institutional education systems. He loves to whistle, skateboard, tend his family's garden, and teach young sailors on Lake Michigan. His favorite people are his four siblings and strong mother. If he retires, he wants to be a modern lighthouse keeper on the Great Lakes.

Get your tickets to Antigone at the Calvary! Playing one night only, March 4th at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the Cast of ANTIGONE:

Jake Badovski (he/him) is delighted to revisit the role of Haemon in Vanguard Productions reading of Antigone. After graduating from the University of Minnesota and attending the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Jake is thrilled to return to his hometown of Milwaukee and continue to perform and create meaningful stories with incredible art-makers. Some of Jake's previous credits include All is Calm, The Hobbit, She Kills Monsters, The Winter's Tale, Skin of Our Teeth, Antigone; and readings of Hamlet and Endgame with Vanguard Productions. Thank you for supporting the necessity that is the arts and Vanguard Productions, this production and always!

Get your tickets for Antigone at the Calvary! Playing one night only, March 4th, at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the cast of ANTIGONE:

Josie is thrilled to be joining Josh Pohja for their second trip to Thebes together. She is a 2020 graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University’s BFA Theatre Management Program and the proud Artistic Producer at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (plz come see THE MOUNTAINTOP and THE NOT-SO-ACCIDENTAL CONVICTION OF ELEVEN MILWAUKEE “ANARCHISTS”). Josie hopes to create theatre that supports, enriches, and reflects the communities in which she works and lives. Her life’s ambition is to write a Dolly Parton jukebox musical and get it right. Many thanks to JP and George for the opportunity to play with such incredible talent!

Get your tickets for Antigone at the Calvary! Playing one night only 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the cast of ANTIGONE:

Making her debut at Vanguard Productions, Shanti Lleone is honored to share the stage with the talented team. With a heart for storytelling, she has portrayed beloved characters such as the Baker's Wife in "Into the Woods" and Maria in "The Sound of Music." Shanti's journey has also led her to collaborations with esteemed musicians from the Eagles, Lady Gaga, Ozzy Osbourne, Christina Aguilera, and the Black Eyed Peas. Grateful for the opportunity to perform in over 60 countries, Shanti cherishes the connections made through her art and is excited to bring her passion and dedication to the Vanguard Productions stage.

Get your tickets for Antigone at the Calvary! One night only, Monday, March 4th at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets are available here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the cast of ANTIGONE:

Elliott is elated to be returning with Vanguard Productions! Previous credits include: ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914, (Ensemble, Hugo Klemm), Vanguard Productions; HENRY V (Scroop, Orlean, Michael Williams), MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (Slender), Door Shakespeare; BIG RIVER (Stern Man/Strange Fellow), MATILDA (ensemble), First Stage; and LOST GIRL (Peter), Milwaukee Rep PTI. Film/voice credits include: CLAUDIUS (Roadblock Productions, Beske); MINDFUL SENSES (USC Department of Animation/Pedro Edmond, Man); A CHRISTMAS CAROL (The Merry Beggars/Relevant Radio, various roles); THE SAINTS (The Merry Beggars/Relevant Radio, various roles).

Get your tickets for Antigone at the Calvary! Playing one night only, at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Meet the cast of ANTIGONE:

Maya Danks (she/her) studied theatre at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and now works as an actor, playwright, and director here in Milwaukee. She has previously worked with Vanguard as assistant stage manager for their recent production of ALL IS CALM. Other recent credits include HAUNTED SOIREE - CHICAGO (Dorothy Delmont) with Meyer2Meyer Entertainment, MACBETH (Lady Macbeth/Witch) and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Leonato/Don John) with Summit Players Theatre, and BABEL (Dani) with The Constructivists. This spring, Maya will be performing with Renaissance Theaterworks in L'APPARTEMENT (understudy.) When not on stage, Maya writes adaptations of classical plays. Maya would like to thank YOU (yes, you) for taking an interest in this project, and supporting local theatre. www.mayadanks.com

Come see Antigone at the Calvary! This theatrical event will play one night only, March 4th, at 5pm and 8pm. Tickets can be found here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antigone-a-vanguard-apex-theatrical-event-tickets-821973122737?aff=oddtdtcreator

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

NOW AVAILABLE: APEX Suzuki and Viewpoints Classes with Mark Corkins and Joshua Pohja.

After over a year of development, we are proud to annouce our first series of publicly available classes. Part of our Advanced Performance Experience Program, or APEX, these classes focus on Suzuki and Viewpoints technique to train an actor's dicipline, imagination, and spontaneity - all while fostering a community of like-minded artists Led by Vanguard's Producing Artistic Director Joshua Pohja and renowned Milwaukee actor Mark Corkins, these classes are designed to help actors reach their fullest potential onstage and off.

This class would not be possible without the help of Jayne and Michael Pink of Milwaukee Ballet. We would like to extend our deepest thanks for their generousity and support.

Classes are held Mondays, 3/18-4/22, from 6-9pm at the Baumgartner Center for Dance in Milwaukee. Enrollment is available on a first come, first serve basis. Scholarships are available for select candidates. For more infomation and to enroll in APEX and our Clowning Intensive on 3/16 and 3/17, check out our new website:

https://www.vanguardmke.com/education

Please send any questions or inquiries to [email protected].

Photography and Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

Announcing our Clowning Intensive with Layna Fisher!

Join us on March 16th and 17th for a weekend of laughing, crying, and all around silliness! Layna Fisher will be sharing her expertise on the art of clowning and helping you find your comedic voice. Layna has previously clowned, performed, or directed at Studio 42, Telluride Rep, Yale, The New York Theatre Workshop, and many, many more! No experience necessary.

Our intensive will be held from 12-4pm on Saturday 3/16 and Sunday 3/17 at Calvary Presbyterian Church. Limited slots are available! For more info and to sign up check out our new website:

https://www.vanguardmke.com/education

Graphic Design by Jake Badovski.

If you would like to stay up to date with all things Vanguard, including our upcoming production of Antigone, check out our new website! You'll find info on our upcoming performances, classes, auditions, and more. Check it out!

Home | Vanguard Productions Vanguard is a Milwaukee independent theatre dedicated to elevating it's community by the provision of professional training and producing exceptional theatrical experiences.

A Happy Opening and Writers Theatre debut to Adam Qutaishat! You may have seen, and heard, Adam's work in our recent production of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 where they served as our Music Director. If you are in the Chicago area, don't miss this show! Congratulations and all the best on your run!