Delaware Theatre Company
The mission of Delaware Theatre Company is to create theatre of the highest professional quality in Delaware and thereby enrich the vitality of the area through artistic programming, education, and community service. At its heart, theatre is community. By telling our stories, by shining a light on our shared experiences, theatre strengthens the bonds between us. Connects us. That's what community is about – and that's what we're about. Delaware Theatre Company has been connecting people for more than 45 years.
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As part of our Future Stages: The Next 45 Years Campaign, Delaware Theatre Company is committed to ensuring that our artistic and community-driven programs remain accessible and sustainable for generations to come. While ticket sales provide an essential revenue stream, they currently cover only one-third of our annual operating costs. The remainder of our budget is supported through generous contributions from donors, grants, and community partnerships.
However, as operating costs continue to rise, including the pressures of inflation, it is more important than ever to ensure we have the resources necessary to keep pace with these challenges. Your support of Future Stages will help bridge the gap between ticket revenue and operating expenses, ensuring DTC’s future as a cultural cornerstone of Delaware for the next 45 years and beyond.
About Delaware Theatre Company
Mission: The mission of Delaware Theatre Company is to create theatre of the highest professional quality in Delaware and thereby enrich the vitality of the area through artistic programming, education, and community service. At its heart, theatre is community. By telling our stories, by shining a light on our shared experiences, theatre strengthens the bonds between us. Connects us. That's what community is about – and that's what we're about. Delaware Theatre Company has been connecting people for more than 45 years.
In 1979, Delaware Theatre Company found its first home the moment founding Artistic Director Cleveland Morris set eyes on an abandoned firehouse at Third and French Streets.
With minor renovations funded by the city, individual donors and sweat equity, the company was ready to put on a show. The fare wasn’t intended to be a grab bag of “something for everyone,” but rather an attempt to show that theatre—an ancient, powerful art form—was capable of touching every human emotion.
In 1985, the City of Wilmington asked Delaware Theatre Company to relocate, and with the successful completion of Delaware Theatre Company’s first capital campaign, led by Board Chairman Charles F. Richards, Jr., it became the first arts and culture organization on the Riverfront.
While always an important pillar of Delaware Theatre Company’s programming, in 1991 the Education Department was created, with Charlie Conway at the helm. Over the next 25 years, Conway and his team created ensemble-based programs that have grown into numerous offerings, touching multiple populations in various locations in the community—from prisons to nursing homes to schools.
While always an important pillar of Delaware Theatre Company’s programming, in 1991 the Education Department was created, with Charlie Conway at the helm. Over the next 25 years, Conway and his team created ensemble-based programs that have grown into numerous offerings, touching multiple populations in various locations in the community—from prisons to nursing homes to schools.
Since 1979, the theatre has produced 226 mainstage productions, seen by more than one million patrons, and has impacted over 100,000 people through its Education and Community Engagement programs.
County Served: Kent; New Castle; Sussex
Office Location(s): Wilmington
Sector: Arts & Culture; DDOA Grantee; Education
