About the Schwartz Center
The Schwartz Center for the Arts was originally constructed in 1904 and known as The Dover Opera House. George M. Schwartz expanded it into a movie theater in 1923 and tabbed it The Capital Theater.
For years, the Theatre flourished but in the 1970s fell into a state of disrepair and in 1982, the doors were closed. After an intensive statewide fundraising campaign, The Friends of the Capitol Theater, raised enough money to develop an extensive modernization and expansion. The beautiful $8.5 million facility reopened in October, 2001, dubbed the Schwartz Center for the Arts.
In 2004, a strategic alliance was formed to collaborate the resources of Wesley College, Delaware State University, and The Friends of the Capitol Theater, to maximize usage and position the historic treasure as the premiere performing arts center in Central Delaware. In January, 2007, the relationship was formalized with the three becoming equal partners in the operation, management and programming of the Center. The agreement created a new 501(c)(3) organization with a board, that oversees fund-raising and philanthropic activities.
Our Vision Click here to view our strategic plan
Our vision of success for the Schwartz Center for the Arts is framed by our mission statement:
The Schwartz Center exists to enhance the quality of life for everyone by providing a home for the performing arts, educational activities and entertainment.
Through our partnership with Delaware State University and Wesley College we are committed to developing quality arts education programs and activities, while strengthening our community identity with local cultures.The management board values each individual’s contributions, and together is committed to creating performance oriented arts activities that are meaningful for students of all ages, especially for our community youth. Our vision is to provide educational program opportunities connecting the schools in the region to the Schwartz Center for the Arts.
These programs address all disciplines in the arts by:
- Providing opportunities for artistic growth.
- Encouraging and educating children, youth and adults in varied theater arts field experiences.
- Increasing opportunities for all ages to participate in and understand the arts while contributing to the personal development and self-esteem to all who are inspired by the arts.
- Presenting the arts in a way that help to inspire creativity and help young people set and reach goals
- Fostering an appreciation and understanding of the performing arts.
Disclaimers
The Schwartz Center does not originate and is not responsible for the content of artistic expression. The ideas and beliefs expressed in the context of artistic expression do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or attitudes of the Schwartz Center contributors, staff or board of directors. Attendance at events is at your discretion. Please address your complaints, kudos and concerns to TheArts@SchwartzCenter.Com. Thank you for your support.
Certain events and date combinations with season ticket schedules may require seating location substitutions. All events, acts, policies, dates and times are subject to change and amendment. Children's attendance at any event is at the discretion of the parent. This list does not constitute the whole list.
There will be a $25 service charge for any returned checks.
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