REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. - In a presentation to the Lewes city council Thursday, Clear Space Theatre Company outlined the findings of a new market study — narrowing its future to two possible locations: a new site in Rehoboth Beach or a new venue in Lewes. Either way, Sussex County is set to gain a new performing arts center.
The theatre has been located on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach since 2004.
After years of growing audiences and increasing demand, Managing Director Joe Gfaller says the theatre needs more room.
"Having seen dramatic growth and engagement in our audiences, we have much more demand than we have supply currently based on the confines of our existing facility." said Gfaller.
Clear Space has tried to move before but faced opposition from neighbors and a drawn out application process with the city, which resulted in a lawsuit.
In the presentation, Gfaller emphasized the theatre’s long-term vision.
“We’re trying to be very thoughtful about what this region is going to need, not just tomorrow or in five years, but in 25 or 35 years, because what we build, we’re going to build to be sustainable for the long term.”
Lewes locals Renee Michelsen and Susan Rodgers say they’d welcome Clear Space with open arms.
“It is an opportunity for people to expand their horizons, to see new things,” Michelsen said. “To enjoy a medium that doesn’t currently exist here would be, I think, fabulous for Lewes.”
Gfaller pointed out the economic benefits the theatre could bring to Lewes, saying theatre patrons currently spend $1 million in Rehoboth Beach each year.
While the final decision on location remains undecided, Gfaller said either place would be a fitting home for the growing arts organization.
Gfaller says they will conduct a cost study to differentiate between the final site options.