As Delaware's preeminent home for the performing arts, The Grand traditionally welcomes more than 200,000 patrons and visitors each year– all within the beautiful setting of our three venues (Copeland Hall, the baby grand, and The Playhouse on Rodney Square), and through our various outreach initiatives in local parks and schools. 

 

When not faced with a pandemic, we host 300 events per year, including our own performances, community events and the activities of our partners and four resident companies: Delaware Symphony Orchestra, First State Ballet Theatre, OperaDelaware, and The Rock Orchestra. The Grand is the place where the community may experience the arts affordably and inclusively. We present performers from around the world, including Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winners, acclaimed artists, and rock legends. In recent years, we have welcomed such artists as Pat Matheny, Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi, Patti LaBelle, Lewis Black, Gilberto Santa Rosa, David Sedaris, Crys Matthews, Jane Lynch, The Temptations, and more.

 

In addition, we offer numerous arts education and outreach programs. Our Stages of Discovery (SoD) educational performances attract school groups and families from Delaware and neighboring states –Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland –serving 25,000 attendees each year. We also celebrated our ninth season of Summer in the Parks last year. The series continued arts programming at the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center with a 6-week long residency where 48 neighborhood children (ages 6-13) enjoyed free enrollment in a wide variety of art forms including: music production, drumming, cultural arts and crafts, and many forms of personal affirmations. We also continued our tradition of live concerts with 4 evenings featuring local professionals and talented students. Over 240 attendees enjoyed popular and original music in these inviting, outdoor settings.

 

Furthermore, we continue to invite even more families to The Grand with our sensory-friendly family performances. These shows feature decreased volumes, designated quiet spaces, and relaxed seating. Providing a welcoming, inclusive environment is the goal at each of our sensory-friendly family shows. 

 

The arts in general have profound impact as a shared experience amongst audience members. Increasing accessibility to such programs further reinforces a sense of belonging and strengthens the belief that the arts are for everyone.