If there was ever any doubt The Freeman Stage was a major player in the Delmarva arts scene, 2020 put it to rest. The global pandemic decimated the performing arts industry, with widespread tour cancellations and the shuttering of even the most venerable establishments across the country.

Yet the Selbyville-based arts organization successfully launched a 2020 season, albeit shorter, with smaller crowds and all the mandatory public safety protocols in place. It held 49 performances between July and September and hosted over 11,000 audience members at its open-air venue, complete with “seating pods,” hand sanitizer stations, and mask requirements. A post-season survey revealed a 97% approval rating for its “Special Season of the Arts,” with an equally large majority of attendees indicating they plan to return for 2021 performances, COVID or not.

They will return to a larger venue under a new name.

“We decided it was the right time to transition from The Freeman Stage to Freeman Arts Pavilion as a signal of our commitment to our future in this region,” said Patti...

Karen Richards has played some powerhouse lead actress roles in her theater career, including Oda Mae Brown in “Ghost,” Effie White in “DreamGirls,” and MotorMouth Maybelle in “HairSpray.” But she admits to initially feeling helpless in the face of COVID-19.

“I had just moved to New York City from Nebraska at the end of October last year,” she explained. “By March, the restaurant where I was working shut its doors and I found myself out of work. Luckily, I got the call from David Button (Clear Space Theatre’s Artistic Director) and I found myself packing up for Rehoboth Beach a few weeks later.”

Richards was tapped for the lead in “Sister Act,” the feel-good comedy smash that is currently running at Clear Space Theatre and will also be featured at The Freeman Stage on Friday, Aug. 21, at 8 p.m. In addition, she plays the role of Jacqueline in “La Cage aux Folles” and is in the ensemble cast of “Cabaret.” Rehearsals for all three musicals — which are being presented at the Rehoboth-based theatre on a rotating basis through the end of August — began in early...

Think opera is an outdated art form for the elite? Think again. Opera’s up-and-coming stars are young, culturally diverse and as passionate about their craft as any performing artist out there.

For anyone looking for a perfect intro to the opera — as well as those who are already ardent fans — the “Starry Night Classics” performance scheduled at The Freeman Stage on Saturday, Aug. 15, will present a “greatest hits” of some of the world’s most beloved operas.

The concert will feature operatic masterpieces from “Carmen,” “Faust,” “Rigoletto,” “La Bohème,” and “Turandot,” among many others. Conducted by Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Music Director Maestro Julien Benichou and hosted by City Opera General Director Michael Capasso, Starry Night Classics will feature today’s brightest stars of the New York City Opera: soprano Kristin Sampson, mezzo-soprano Lisa Chavez, tenor Michael Butler, and bass-baritone Kevin Short.

“These are literally some of the greatest singers in the country right now and I am absolutely thrilled to be sharing the stage with them,”...

On June 6, Patti Grimes, executive director of The Freeman Stage, found herself staring at a blank performance calendar. After having to cancel a full slate of performances that had been assembled over the prior six months, she had now been given the go-ahead by the nonprofit’s Board of Directors for a “right-sized” season, one that would feature smaller audiences, local/regional acts and a stringent adherence to physical distancing and other health-related guidelines given the public health concerns around COVID-19.

“Once we received the word to move forward, our entire season had to be reprogrammed in a fraction of the time it normally takes,” said Grimes. “We were able to quickly book some local favorites like Lower Case Blues and the Stims, who were thrilled to be part of our season. We have a strong focus on diversity, not just in cultural terms but also in terms of musical genre. Our challenge was finding a nice variety of acts that could appeal to our broad audience base.”

What dropped in her lap later that day was a gem. Connie Bowman, a Bayside community...

At a time when pandemic-weary people are looking for outdoor activities for everything from dining and entertainment to exercise and social interaction, The Freeman Stage saw an opportunity to put its 2,400-square-foot lawn to use for an arts-related collaboration on non-performance nights.

They found a perfect fit with SoulFire Collective, a popular yoga studio located in Rehoboth Beach. “The Art of Yoga” will be offered each Wednesday evening in August and will feature 60 minutes of yoga instruction followed by live music and refreshments on the lawn at The Freeman Stage.

“We were already big fans of SoulFire Collective and thought of them immediately when we come up with the idea,” said Michelle Freeman, Chairman and President of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation which runs The Freeman Stage. SoulFire Collective owners Kat and Brooke Wyman were already conducting classes on the beach, and at other outdoor venues like Good Earth Market and Salted Vines Vineyard. The chance to offer another outdoor experience to their loyal group of yoga enthusiasts was an easy yes,...

Washington, D.C., singer/songwriter and bassist Eric Scott is bringing his “fun and funky” show to The Freeman Stage Saturday, Aug. 1.

Scott — who was featured in the nonprofit’s social media spotlight “The Stage is Yours,” earlier this year —has toured internationally as a solo artist and sideman. He has shared the stage with artists including James Brown, B.B. King, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner and more. He’s written and released four solo albums and his music has been featured on ABC, Showtime as well as several indie and major motion pictures. He is a 16-time Wammie winner, awarded by the Washington Area Music Association, including Best Pop Album for his recent EP “Charm City Sessions.”

Growing up, the one constant in his life was his mother’s music collection, which was extensive and varied, Scott said.

“There was always music playing. From Marvin Gaye and Carole King to Dave Brubeck and Black Sabbath and everything in between,” he said. “I loved it and consumed it all.”

Attendees can expect an upbeat and fun performance that will have them dancing in...

The Freeman Stage is thrilled to be honored with 2020 Best of Coastal Style Award for Live Music Venue.

The planning for the 2020 season at The Freeman Stage began soon after the last performance last year, but what would have been the organizations’ biggest lineup to date had to be shelved when the pandemic struck.

While the nation was in quarantine, the nonprofit pivoted its programming to provide virtual arts experiences via social media and local schools. Its staff and Board of Directors closely monitored the ever-changing landscape presented by COVID-19, continually evaluating alternative options that allowed the Stage to stay true to its mission while respecting the mandates from government and public health officials.

This week, The Freeman Stage announced it is moving forward with a special season of the arts — one which will have reduced capacity to comply with physical distancing guidelines and will primarily showcase local and regional talent.

“We’ve decided as an organization the arts need to be present during this time of reopening,” said Executive Director Patti Grimes. “Our Board of Directors supports the key tenets of our mission, which includes...

The “Stay at Home” mandates from the government have impacted a wide range of businesses throughout the nation.

Those that are seasonal — like many of the small businesses in the Maryland and Delaware beach resort areas — have been particularly hard hit. Instead of opening their doors this shoulder season, they have been forced to stay closed.

The Freeman Stage — the open-air performing arts venue, which is a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation — was scheduled to announce its 13th season lineup in mid-March, with tickets going on sale soon after. Instead, the nonprofit was forced to hit the pause button like many entertainment venues across the U.S.

The season, which was originally slated to begin Memorial Day weekend, has currently been pushed back to late-June, with the organization currently working to reschedule several performances.

“The Freeman Stage is a place to create everlasting memories with family and friends and experience the joy of the arts — and our goal is to continue that in 2020,” said Patti Grimes, executive director. “Although...

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation is proud to present a myriad of events and programs to celebrate the Centennial of the 19th Amendment Ratification, including a Celebration March on International Women’s Day, March 8, in Georgetown.

The celebratory march will take place beginning at 3 p.m. at The Circle in Georgetown and will commemorate the suffragettes who marched for women to have the right to vote. The event is open to the public of all ages and gender and will feature a proclamation from the town of Georgetown, a sash-making station, music, and hot beverages and sweet treats — including Girl Scout cookies for sale. The League of Women Voters will also be on-site for voter registration.

“This event is an opportunity to honor all women and kicks off a series of events that celebrate this historic milestone through the arts,” said Patti Grimes, the executive director of the Foundation.

“We are excited to celebrate this pivotal moment in history through the arts,” she said. “We wanted to provide the opportunity for everyone to celebrate in multiple ways and...

By Steven Billups

Thirty-two individuals and groups were honored with the 2019 Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award Oct. 29 at Dover Downs Hotel. The recipients were recognized for significant contributions, engagement and impact in diverse activities, including mentoring children, supporting people with disabilities, protecting the environment, and assisting seniors, people who are homeless, and veterans. To read the full article, visit capegazette.com.

By Charlene Sharpe

Students at Stephen Decatur High School last week saw the power of poetry with a performance hosted by The Freeman Stage.

As part of its Art in Education program, The Freeman Stage brought The Mayhem Poets to Stephen Decatur High on Friday, Sept. 20.

“We try to celebrate and inspire poetry in the schools in the Delmarva region,” said Denise Allen, education coordinator for Freeman Stage.

Click here to read full article.

As September nears, The Freeman Stage is excited to celebrate its final events of the 2019 season.

The annual Labor Day celebration with Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and fireworks will take place Saturday, Aug. 31. This performance begins at 7 p.m. and is free for all patrons, though seating and admittance are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patrons can guarantee a seat for this high attendance event by reserving a ticket on freeemanstage.org for $10; reserved seats will be held until 7:15 p.m.

The MSO, under the direction of Maestro Julien Benichou, will perform an evening of great jazz and light classics. The fireworks display will immediately follow the performance.

“The season finale with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is such a magical evening and a celebrated tradition,” said Patti Grimes, the executive director of The Freeman Stage. “The fireworks cap off the evening as a thank you to the community for their continued support of the arts.”

The Arts & Jazz Festival, will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, and is an all-day event. This event...

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation is pleased to announce it is a recipient of the Standards for Excellence Institute’s Seal of Excellence for successfully completing the rigorous accreditation program.

The fundraising arts nonprofit voluntarily opened itself up to analysis by a jury of its peers. The peer review team examined the organization for compliance with the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector, in areas including: mission, strategy and evaluation; leadership: board, staff, and volunteers; legal compliance and ethics; finance and operations; resource development; and public awareness, engagement, and advocacy.

The Standards for Excellence Institute evaluates fundamental values such as honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability, all of which are inherently important in the nonprofit world.

The Foundation’s programs — which include The Freeman Stage as well as its arts in education and community access programs — and services, management, fundraising and financial...

By Maria Counts

In just 11 years in the community, the Freeman Stage at Bayside is looking to expand yet again.

Patti Grimes, executive director of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation told the Sussex County Council on Tuesday, Nov. 13, that its current stage — the second iteration of an arts hub in West Fenwick — will continue to grow.

“Our mission remains the heart of our programming,” she said. “Our mission is partnering to present memorable performances and inspired arts education for all.”

Grimes said Delaware residents and guests alike are welcome at the stage, where they also continue to grow in the diversity of programs offered.

“Over 11 years, we have served over a half a million people in this county — 406,000 at the Freeman Stage and 101,000 children in Sussex County schools,” she said, noting, “Sussex County was an arts desert” prior to the stage, but the venue is now “busting at the seams.”

“We have put Sussex County on the map as a place where everyone can come and enjoy the arts,” Grimes said. “We are now the third-largest arts...

By Laura Walter

Selbyville Middle School students recently spilled color into their world with the newest Arts in Education program by the The Freeman Stage.

The Moving Pastels Project let students, teachers and parents create their own self-portraits as a fish, which they paired with a character trait that best describes them.

Known for colorful and whimsical artworks, lead artist John Donato has also previously overseen schoolwide murals in a number of schools.

“A self-portrait … is like the toughest thing in the world to do,” said Donato. “They’re really reflecting on themselves.”

For the full story, please visit the Coastal Point.

By Ellen Driscoll

For Cape High students who say poetry is boring, a Sept. 19 performance by The Mayhem Poets may have been a game-changer.

“Poetry out loud brings everyone together,” said poet Mikumari Caiyhe. “Black, white, brown, green, everyone.”

To the tune of the “Rocky” theme song “Gonna Fly Now,” the poets performed a one-word poem as if sung by cats, meowing the entire song.

“We love doing it, because you can be fun and silly with poetry and performance,” said poet Scott Raven.

For the full story visit the Cape Gazette.

By Christina Weaver/Special to the Coastal Point

From waiting for an artist’s first bus to arrive around 6 a.m., to precisely placing the very first chair for the evening’s show, to security-wanding each patron as they arrive, to serving thousands of beverages, to removing hundreds of bags of trash and recyclables, to watching the last of the artist’s busses leave after 1 a.m., the Freeman Stage blue- and yellow-shirted workers make each event appear to go like clockwork.

“They don’t have the most glamorous of jobs, but they have an enormous sense of accomplishment,” said Michelle Freeman, chairman and president of the Freeman Stage. “Their dedication to our mission” — partnering to present memorable performances and provide inspired arts education for all — “humbles me. I tell them, they may not get to like their work every day, but they get to love it every day.”

Dave Kittell is the facilities and asset manager. For four years, he worked as a seasonal team member at the Stage while teaching English as a second language at Delaware Technical Community College...

As September nears, The Freeman Stage is excited to celebrate its final events of the 2018 season.

The annual Labor Day celebration with Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra and fireworks will take place Sunday, Sept. 2. This performance begins at 7 p.m. and is free for all patrons, though seating and admittance are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Patrons can guarantee a seat for this high attendance event by reserving a ticket on freeemanstage.org for $10; reserved seats will be held until 7:15 p.m.

The MSO, under the direction of Maestro Julien Benichou, will perform an evening of great jazz and light classics. The fireworks display will immediately follow the performance.

“The season finale with the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is such a magical evening and a celebrated tradition,” said Patti Grimes, the executive director of The Freeman Stage. “The fireworks cap off the evening as a thank you to the community for their continued support of the arts.”

The Arts & Jazz Festival, will be held Saturday, Sept. 15, and is an all-day event. This event...

The Freeman Stage is excited to announce three Delaware students who participated in the Poetry Out Loud program recited their poems prior to the Delaware All-State Theatre performance of “Evita,” on Tuesday, June 26.

Poetry Out Loud is a national program — sponsored locally by the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA) — that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools across the country. The program uses a pyramid structure that starts at the classroom level where winners advance to a school-wide competition, then a regional and/or state competition before advancing to nationals. Each fall, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation partners with Sussex County high schools and the DDOA to present poetry residency programs for high school students and to support the Poetry Out Loud program.

The three students who recited their poetry at The Freeman Stage included state semi-finalist Tanaye Purnell from Sussex Central High School, state semi-finalist Tania Laurent from Seaford High School, and state...