Record growth in Attendance, Subscriptions, and Donations Leads to Major Expansions for Clear Space Theatre Company

Clear Space Theatre Company celebrated a landmark year of growth and momentum during its 2026 Annual Meeting on Monday, May 11, 2026, highlighting record-breaking attendance, subscription sales, donor engagement, educational expansion, and major plans for the future of the organization and the arts community in Southern Delaware.

Held on May 14, the Annual Meeting welcomed supporters, donors, artists, educators, and community stakeholders for a presentation from CSTC’s current leadership, Managing Director Joe Gfaller and Interim Creative Director Candice Jewell, plus a first opportunity for the community to meet Incoming Artistic Director Wes Drummond. Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a reception in celebration of the most successful year in the theatre’s history.

The organization reported a 32.3% increase in total revenue, growing from $1,670,208 in 2024 to $2,209,432 in 2025. This growth was fueled largely by surging audience demand, expanded programming, and increased community investment in live theatre.

In 2025 alone, nearly 30,000 audience members attended Clear Space productions and events, up 5,000 attendees since the previous year and up nearly 12,000 since 2023, underscoring the organization’s growing regional and national reach as a cultural destination in Delaware. Subscription sales increased by 41.3%, signaling rising audience loyalty and confidence in the company’s artistic programming.

That momentum has accelerated even further in 2026, with subscriptions already up an additional 78.4% and total mainstage attendance increasing by 41.4% to date compared to the previous year.

Recent and current productions of Dear Evan Hansen and 42nd Street became some of the highest-performing shows in organizational history, contributing to record ticket sales and expanded performance offerings. In 2025, Clear Space presented 167 mainstage performances — one of the most active production years the company has ever undertaken. In 2026, the company has expanded further, to over 190 performances in the current season.

Community support also reached historic levels. To date over the first four months of 2026, 577 donors have contributed to the organization, including 277 first-time donors this year alone. Overall donor participation increased by 31.4%, reflecting expanding philanthropic engagement and broader community investment in the arts.

The organization also celebrated significant growth in its educational programming through the Clear Space Arts Institute. Enrollment reached 436 students in 2025, representing a 21.8% increase in participation. Additionally, $13,886 in scholarships was awarded to students, helping reduce financial barriers to arts education and ensuring broader access to performing arts opportunities.

Clear Space also shared progress on new programs funded by the largest operating grant award in the organization’s history: $350,000 from the Longwood Foundation spanning January 2026 through June 2028. The grant, which will be matched through philanthropic support and new program revenue, will fund major expansion initiatives including new offerings within beloved education programs such as Broadway Legends and Broadway Bound, the launch of off-site summer camps, touring summer children’s theatre productions, and the commissioning of new plays for 2027 and 2028. Starting in 2027, the grant will make a new satellite black box theater possible, enabling CSTC to produce on two stages simultaneously, helping to prepare the company for the programming schedule in its new performing arts center at 11 Christian Street, which is projected for completion in the next five years. 

Beyond artistic programming, Clear Space has continued investing heavily in the overall patron experience. Recent upgrades include new all-weather patio furniture for outdoor lobby spaces, a new box office location with sidewalk access, ticket scanning technology improvements, enhanced concessions in partnership with Bin 66, enhanced audio-visual technology for productions, expanded cabaret offerings, and additional performances of mainstage productions.

The Annual Meeting also reflected the organization’s continued institutional growth through leadership and staffing expansion. New members joining the Board of Directors include Chris Berg, Kim Mason, Arch Pelley, and Andy Staton. Departing board members Al Willis and John Cullen were recognized for their service and contributions to the organization. New staff additions include Candice Jewell, Justin Jewell, Jason Matthews, Gabrielle Glanville, Ashley Williams, and Wes Drummond — further strengthening the theatre’s administrative, educational, and artistic capacity as programming and operations continue to expand.

Looking toward the future, Clear Space shared updates regarding its planned performing arts center developed through a public-private partnership with the City of Rehoboth Beach. A geotechnical study is currently underway as early development work progresses.

Leading fundraising efforts for the future facility is Richard J. Perry Jr., Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee, which is currently in formation. Rehoboth Beach City Commissioner Susan Stewart spoke at the Annual Meeting of the theater and the city’s shared effort to advance community engagement, municipal collaboration, and long-term investment in arts infrastructure for the region through this major redevelopment project.

As Clear Space Theatre Company continues to grow, the organization remains committed to expanding access to the arts, deepening community engagement, and strengthening its role as a cultural cornerstone for Delaware and the surrounding region.