Clear Space Theatre to Establish New Performing Arts Center in Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, DE – The Clear Space Theatre Company (CSTC) has announced a significant milestone in its journey to establish a new performing arts center in Rehoboth Beach. In a major development, CSTC and the City of Rehoboth Beach have formed a public-private partnership to transform city-owned land into a state-of-the-art cultural hub. This agreement ensures that Clear Space remains a vibrant part of the Rehoboth Beach community, where it has thrived since 2010.

The decision follows an official acceptance of a letter of intent from the city by the CSTC board of directors on October 23, marking the culmination of an 18-month site selection process. This partnership not only solidifies Clear Space's commitment to Rehoboth Beach but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the city's cultural landscape.

Public-Private Partnership: A New Era for Clear Space

Under the terms of the letter of intent, Clear Space will lease property at 11 Christian Street, a location rich in history as the former site of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center. This historic site has been a part of the community for 45 years, but with a generous gift of land for expansion, the senior center is set to relocate outside the city limits on Hebron Road. Upon completion of this transition, Clear Space will enter into a long-term lease of up to 50 years, providing a stable foundation for its future endeavors. Remarkably, this valuable land, appraised at $7.2 million, will be leased for a symbolic $1 per year.

The proposed performing arts center is designed to be a beacon of creativity and community engagement. Plans include a main stage with a proscenium arch, a versatile black box theater, a modern rehearsal studio, and extensive backstage facilities. The venue will also boast an expanded lobby, concessions, and gallery space, providing a comprehensive cultural experience to visitors and residents alike. Additionally, convenient onsite parking will enhance accessibility for all.

A Vision for Cultural and Economic Enrichment

Mayor Stan Mills expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Clear Space is an integral part of Rehoboth Beach's cultural and economic fabric. We are delighted that they have chosen to remain in the city, and we believe this new performing arts center will be immensely beneficial to our residents, visitors, and local businesses. This collaboration is a win-win scenario, and we look forward to many fruitful years ahead with Clear Space."

Joe Gfaller, Managing Director of Clear Space, acknowledged the pivotal role played by city officials in reaching this agreement. "We are deeply grateful to Mayor Mills, whose proposal to consider 11 Christian Street was instrumental. With his support, this location became a leading contender in our thorough market study of nine potential sites. Throughout the process, the city's staff and elected officials have proven to be exceptional partners, working transparently to benefit the citizens and stakeholders of Rehoboth Beach."

Community and Artistic Vision

Clear Space is preparing to embark on an ambitious development plan, with the total estimated cost of the new center around $40 million. The organization is set to launch a national Request for Proposals (RFP) to select an architect for the project. Community forums are also planned for 2026, inviting residents and audiences to contribute to the vision and design of the new theater complex.

The journey to this agreement has not been without challenges. In 2021, contentious debates arose regarding the location of the theater, with the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners initially opposing plans for a larger theater complex on Rehoboth Avenue. Despite these hurdles, Clear Space's commitment to its current location prevailed, alleviating concerns of relocation to areas such as Route 1 or Lewes, DE.

With the new performing arts center, Clear Space is poised to continue its tradition of enriching the cultural landscape of Rehoboth Beach. The establishment of a modern, expansive venue will enhance artistic offerings and foster community engagement for decades to come.

The agreement between Clear Space Theatre Company and the City of Rehoboth Beach reflects a shared vision for a thriving cultural future, ensuring that the arts remain a central and cherished part of the community.