Since 2005, the Clear Space Theatre Company has brought performing arts to Sussex County.
In 2010, the Theatre opened its first rented performance hall in Rehoboth Beach. By 2018, attendance had more than doubled to 20,000 people per year.
Clear Space Theatre (CST) continues to grow, and produces and stages 15 popular productions year-round.
Most productions have nine performances, and all shows feature local and out-of-town professional and volunteer actors.
Like many arts organizations, Clear Space needed to adjust amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Several shows were canceled or postponed in 2020.
The Company reopened with modified seating and mask and vaccine policies to ensure the safety of the audiences and the cast and crew.
In January, 2022, CST was thrilled to welcome audiences back to full-capacity seating and remain committed to safety by following guidance of The Broadway League.
The term “clear space” refers to a focus on the process, knowledge and humanity of arts performance: the idea that we find ourselves in what appears on the stage. And this year’s season theme – “Blurring Lines and Breaking Rules” – highlights that definition.
This season’s shows will take audiences on a journey that may make them question themselves or broaden their perspectives.
In each production, Clear Space will seek to either push the limits of a show’s intended genre or a show might have a theme, character, or plot that crosses boundaries and dares to defy social norms.
But first and foremost, these shows will entertain and send everyone out of the theatre either humming a tune or having a great conversation.
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The remaining shows in the 2022 Season include “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, ” “The Submission” (through The Rebecca Luker Theatrical Partnership), “9 to 5 The Musical,” “Grease,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “In the Neverland: A Peter Pan Adventure,” “Sleepyhead: A Sleeping Beauty Story,” “Other Desert Cities,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “Elf: The Musical.”
Clear Space is incredibly proud of the productions they stage at 20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, and as a result of their tremendous growth and success, they now require a larger venue.
Clear Space is currently planning for the construction of a permanent home in coastal Delaware with a larger performance space, a rehearsal space, classrooms, all which will be fully assessable.
This new space will allow CST to inspire audiences, artists, and students by providing high-quality performances and educational experiences.
To find out more about Clear Space Theatre and their vision to be a leader in the vibrant performing arts community of Southern Delaware, visit clearspacetheatre.org
Stephanie Hudson Whitcomb is director of development and outreach for Clear Space Theatre.