Join us for an exclusive behind the curtain look as our dancers prepare to captivate you on stage in The Bodyguard: The Musical, premiering May 3. Get your tickets now for this electrifying show. https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/our-shows/current-season/
House Manager & Development Coordinator
Jadine Pilotti, a proud Rehoboth local, brings a captivating blend of artistic flair and dedicated hospitality and management expertise to her role as House Manager and Development Coordinator at Clear Space Theatre Group. With a rich background as the Operator/Marketer of Ocean Glass Inn, Jadine has spent five years passionately curating unforgettable guest experiences, honing her understanding of people, operations, and promotions.
In her dual capacity, Jadine infuses Clear Space Theatre Company with her vibrant energy, striving to elevate the atmosphere and ensure exceptional customer service for all patrons. Her primary focus is on creating a warm and welcoming environment, where everyone feels included and valued and on nurturing positive relationships with CSTC’s generous supporters.
Prior to her time leading Ocean Glass Inn, Jadine’s journey has included roles at Skylar Marketing, APM, and Transamerica She looks forward to meeting you at the theater!
by Ashley Williams
As a black woman, it is important to me to see strong representations of people who look like me in the media and in art. When I had the opportunity to direct Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic play, A Raisin in The Sun, I knew this was a chance to showcase black excellence and bring a powerful story to life on stage.
A Raisin in The Sun tells the story of the Younger family, a black family living in Chicago in the 1950s. The play explores themes of race, poverty, and the pursuit of dreams in the face of overwhelming adversity. As a black woman, I connected deeply with the struggles and triumphs of the characters in the play, and I knew that I wanted to bring their story to the stage with authenticity and honesty.
One of the things that drew me to A Raisin in The Sun was that it was written by a black woman. Lorraine Hansberry was a trailblazer in the world of theater, and her work continues to resonate with audiences today. I felt a sense of pride in being able to direct a play written by a black woman, and I wanted to honor her legacy by bringing her words to life in a meaningful way.
Another reason why I wanted to direct A Raisin in The Sun was because of the talented cast that was assembled for the production. The actors were all incredibly skilled and dedicated to their craft, and I was inspired by their enthusiasm and passion for the project. Despite having only a week to prepare for the production, the cast worked tirelessly to bring their characters to life and create a powerful and cohesive performance on stage.
I also love the storyline of hopes and dreams that runs throughout A Raisin in The Sun. Each character in the play has their own hopes and dreams, whether it is to buy a house, go to medical school, or become a successful businesswoman. The play explores the ways in which these dreams are shaped by race, class, and gender, and how they can either help to unite or divide a family. I was drawn to the universal themes of A Raisin in The Sun, and I wanted to explore them with the cast and bring them to life for the audience.
Finally, I was inspired by the opportunity to showcase black excellence on stage. With the majority of the cast being black, I saw this production as a chance to celebrate the talent and diversity of black actors and artists. I wanted to create a space where black voices could be heard and black stories could be told with authenticity and respect. I wanted to create a show that would inspire and uplift, and that would challenge audiences to think critically about race, inequality, and the power of dreams.
In conclusion, I wanted to direct A Raisin in The Sun because it was a chance to bring a powerful and important story to life on stage. As a black woman, I felt a personal connection to the themes and characters of the play, and I was inspired by the opportunity to showcase black excellence and celebrate the talent and diversity of black actors and artists. I wanted to honor the legacy of Lorraine Hansberry and bring her words to life with authenticity and honesty. And most importantly, I wanted to create a show that would inspire and uplift both the cast and the audience, and that would challenge us all to think critically about race, inequality, and the power of dreams.
by Ashley Williams
Starring in The Bodyguard: The Musical at Clear Space Theater Company has been a truly rewarding and empowering experience for me as a plus-size actor. I have always loved performing and bringing characters to life on stage, but I have often faced challenges due to my appearance not fitting the stereotypical standards of the industry. However, Clear Space Theater Company has provided me with the opportunity to showcase my talent and be appreciated for my skills rather than judged based on my size.
When I first heard that Clear Space was putting on a production of The Bodyguard: The Musical, I was both nervous and excited. The role of Rachel Marron, the iconic singer and actress, is typically portrayed by actresses who fit the traditional Hollywood image of beauty and glamour. As a plus-size actor, I wasn’t sure if I would even be considered for the role. However, to my surprise and delight, I was offered the role and I get to showcase my acting and singing abilities.
From the moment rehearsals began, I felt welcomed and supported by the entire cast and crew. It was a refreshing change from past experiences where I often felt like I had to prove myself more than my thinner counterparts. Clear Space Theater Company truly values diversity and inclusivity, and I am grateful to be a part of a community where talent and passion are the true markers of success.
As we delved deeper into rehearsals, I found myself connecting deeply with Rachel Marron’s character. She is a strong, independent woman who is fiercely protective of her family and career. Despite facing numerous threats and challenges, she remains resilient and determined to succeed. I saw parallels between Rachel’s journey and my own experiences as a plus-size actor in a competitive industry.
The Bodyguard: The Musical is a demanding show both emotionally and physically, but I was determined to give it my all and do justice to the character. The musical numbers were exhilarating, and I was able to showcase my vocal range and acting skills in a way that I had never done before. The chemistry between the cast members is palpable, and we work together seamlessly to bring the story to life on stage. All credit is due to our amazing Director Christopher Decker.
Working on The Bodyguard: The Musical at Clear Space Theater Company has been a transformative experience for me as a plus-size actor. I have learned to embrace my body and celebrate my uniqueness, rather than trying to fit into a narrow definition of beauty. I have gained confidence in my abilities and my worth as a performer, and I am grateful to Clear Space for giving me the opportunity to shine on stage.
In conclusion, starring in The Bodyguard: The Musical at Clear Space Theater Company has been a dream come true for me as a plus-size actor. It has shown me that talent and passion are the true markers of success, and that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. I am proud to be a part of a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, and I look forward to continuing my journey as a performer with confidence and pride. Thank you, Clear Space Theater Company, for believing in me and giving me the chance to soar on stage.
Post by Joe Gfaller, Managing Director
Jan. 18, 2024
Tomorrow evening, Clear Space Theatre Company starts our 20th anniversary season. It’s a very exciting time for us all – the start of a new year and the start of a new chapter. This season ahead is already filled with so much excitement and promise, as the audiences, patrons, and community around Clear Space continues to grow. As of the close of 2023, close to 19,000 audience members had joined us throughout the year – with the greatest density, as always, in the summer months.
Usually, this moment in January is a quieter time in our community, and as a result in our audience. But – happily! – not this year.
Here we are the day before opening The Mousetrap, the classic Agatha Christie thriller that launches our 2024 season, and ticket sales for the show have been so robust, for the first time ever, we’re adding an additional performance to one of our January productions. So, if you can’t find a ticket to the originally scheduled performances, you now can find tickets on Thursday, February 1 at 7pm. (There are also still some tickets to the Thursday, January 25th performance at 11am.) We’ve come a long way since 2004 when the company was founded, but how thrilling it is to know that what we do is as vital as ever – and as wanted as ever – as we begin Clear Space’s next decade!
It has taken a remarkable village to bring us here – from 20 years’ worth of artists on and off our stages… to board members, staff members, audiences, and of course the many, many volunteers. Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of a non-profit – which is why we are starting the year with a celebration of them. When you come to the theater and and usher is helping you find your seat, you’re encountering one of our many volunteers. When you come to a fundraising event and see how beautifully the decor has been arranged, that was likely the work of a volunteer. The representative of Clear Space you met at a street fair or farmer’s market was very likely also a volunteer. Even some of our most consequential organizational decisions rely on our volunteers on our board of directors. Volunteers help multiply Clear Space’s arms, legs, brains, and heart with their generosity in giving of their greatest gift – time.
If you join us for opening tomorrow night, you’ll get to meet many of the volunteers we are celebrating this year. It’s also when we’ll award our volunteer of the year award to recognize the extraordinary impact and commitment from someone who has gone above and beyond last year. There’s a reception starting at 6pm, an hour before the show starts at 7pm. So consider coming early to enjoy the company of these wonderful people who continue to be the heartbeat of Clear Space.
If you’d like to join this mighty and generous group of supporters, just let Lara Bellistri know. We’ll be glad to add you to the list! Lara’s email is lara@clearspacetheatre.org.
We can’t wait to see you at The Mousetrap and everything we have in store for our 20th season. It’s going to be a wonderful year!
Rehoboth Beach, DE (September 26, 2023) – Clear Space Theatre Company (CSTC) announces that its Board of Directors has unanimously selected Joe Gfaller, currently Managing Director for St. Louis MO’s Metro Theater Company, to join the company as Managing Director after the conclusion of a rigorous national search. Gfaller will join Artistic Director David Button as co-leader at CSTC, which marks its 20th anniversary in 2024.
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This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
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