Performing Arts are Alive and Well in Greater Wilmington, Delaware

The stage is set in Wilmington, Delaware for musicals, live performances and Shakespeare in the park to make a comeback! From the great masterpieces of music and dance to the first productions of emerging playwrights, the arts in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley embrace both the old and the new, with a ton of performances throughout the year. 

Whether on the stage of the Delaware Theatre Company, taking in an amazing performance from OperaDelaware, the Delaware Symphony Orchestra or First State Ballet Theatre, to witnessing major productions at The Grand Opera House, and Broadway classics at the Playhouse on Rodney Square the Wilmington performance art scene is incomparable.  

Set the stage for your #VisitWim filled weekend getaway by taking in a show, or two (or three!) 

Arden Gild Hall  

Home of the annual Arden Fair. A long-time special event tradition with local and regional artists, entertainment and lots of family fun! The Arden Club is a non-profit arts and educational organization. Located in Arden, Delaware, and regional in scope, it is dedicated to building and promoting community through several programs and activities led by the Arden Club "gilds." Each gild operates in its particular field of interest to produce a varied, full, and rewarding community life. As part of its mission, the Arden Club preserves and maintains the Gild Hall, a historic building, as the center for Arden Club activities. Gild includes: Folk Dancing, Shakespeare, Gilbert & Sullivan, Concerts, Dinners and many more. 

Bootless Stageworks 

An award-winning professional adult contemporary theater company supporting Emerging Artists while entertaining the Greater Wilmington community. Check out upcoming performances on their website.  

The Candlelight Theatre  

Located in Arden, Delaware, just minutes from downtown Wilmington and a short drive from Philadelphia, The Candlelight combines fine dining with superb musical theater entertainment. For more information on this venue and upcoming performances visit their website.  

Grab your tickets for their newest show Ain’t Misbehavin now through August 29th!  

Delaware Shakespeare 

This professional theatre rules the outdoors at Rockwood Park in the summer and throughout the state during their fall Community Tour. Seasonal shows include "Shakespeare+St. Valentine" and "Shakespeare, Poe & Fiends." Don't miss out on what has become a #VisitWilm tradition for families around the region. 

Delaware Symphony Orchestra  

For more than 100 years, Delaware Symphony has entertained and educated listeners of all ages in the Delaware Valley. Under the leadership of Music Director David Amado, the orchestra and its various chamber ensembles appear in concert and in schools throughout the state. DSO musicians also teach and perform with many other ensembles throughout the region, including the Copeland String Quartet, which is supported by arts patron Tatiana Copeland. 

Delaware Theatre Company  

Founded in 1979, Delaware’s premier professional theatre produces a mix of classic and contemporary plays and musicals in its intimate Wilmington Riverfront facility, as well as an array of nationally recognized education and outreach programs. Check out their 2021-22 season here.  

The Grand Opera House  

Built in 1871, this magnificent concert hall in Downtown Wilmington entertains and engages its communities through exceptional, diverse live performances and educational outreach with more than 100 shows a year from symphony orchestras, dance and opera to stand-up comedians and programs for all people young and old. Learn more about their upcoming season here.  

First State Ballet Theatre  

Housed in Wilmington, Delaware's beautiful Grand Opera House, First State Ballet Theatre is a professional company of bright young dancers performing under the artistic direction of Kirov-trained Pasha Kambalov. Full-length classical and contemporary ballets and mixed-rep performances throughout Delaware and beyond. 

OperaDelaware  

OperaDelaware is a professional non-profit opera company, with a reputation for excellence in both opera and arts education, known to produce grand and intimate opera concerts, featuring established and emerging talent. OperaDelaware’s grand opera productions are presented in a “festival” format, designed to draw opera lovers from near and far, shining a light on the many cultural assets of Delaware and are presented at The Grand Opera House in Wilmington. Intimate opera concerts are held at OperaDelaware Studios, located just blocks from the Amtrak station in downtown Wilmington. 

Playhouse on Rodney Square  

Delaware's Broadway Experience in continuous operation since 1913. Presenting a professional Broadway series and an acclaimed Children's Series, in addition to other special presentations. 

Resident Ensemble Players 

The Resident Ensemble Players, REP for short, is Delaware's resident professional acting company, performing at the University of Delaware. Throughout the school year, the group presents a wide array of high quality, affordable productions. Check out their upcoming productions via their website – here.  

Wilmington Drama League  

The Drama League comes back to life this fall. Founded in 1939, Delaware's premier community theatre produces musicals, drama and comedies perfect for the whole family. This year’s season begins in October with Art of Murder,  season highlights include: The Color Purple, Elf – the Musical and Matilda. For more on their upcoming season visit their website.  

Whether you are grabbing your opera glasses or a blanket to take in Shakespeare in the park, Greater Wilmington has your performing arts filled weekend covered! For more information on these venues and events visit our Arts and Entertainment pages.