WILMINGTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
UPLIFTING ARTISTS AND THE ARTS
A historic transformation is taking place. A stately structure of neoclassical beauty that has been used minimally in recent years is becoming a place of thrilling possibilities. The partnership between Ursuline Academy and the Brandywiners promises to bring an eclectic mix of educational and artistic experiences, offering a platform for diverse talents to flourish.
CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW
The Plan: Transform a historic landmark into a beautiful new home for the performing arts.
The Goal: $10 million in donor support to complete renovations.
Timeframe: 3 years
THE PROJECT
A grand architectural landmark comes to life with a vital new purpose.
A Striking Space
Once the Church of Christ Scientist on North Van Buren Street, the building that will house the Wilmington Performing Arts Center features soaring ceilings, beautiful stained glass, and an expansive 500 seat auditorium. While the building is structurally sound, key updates and improvements are needed to suit its new purpose. When complete, the Performing Arts Center will offer outstanding artistic experiences in an intimate setting, providing a unique cultural venue unlike any other in the City of Wilmington.
Key Improvements
• Expand the stage and backstage to provide flexible space for theatrical productions, musical performances, lectures and more.
• Renovate lower-level spaces to house dressing rooms, additional restrooms, a small kitchenette and additional rehearsal and storage space.
• Add elevators and make other improvements to assure accessibility and ADA compliance.
• Upgrade HVAC, electrical, and other systems.
THE PARTNERS
Two mission-driven institutions, each with deep roots in our community, are joining forces in a firstof-its-kind partnership between a Pre-K–12 school and a community arts organization in Delaware.
For over 130 years, Ursuline Academy has prepared young students to make their marks as trail blazers, changemakers, and pioneers, equipped both to lead and to serve. Meanwhile, for nearly a century, The Brandywiners have set a standard of excellence in community theater and choral music, performing at sites across Delaware, and, thanks to the early patronage of Pierre S. DuPont, at Longwood Gardens each season. The two organizations share a deep belief in the power of the arts to inspire personal growth, strengthen community, and spark joy.
Ursuline Academy is a catholic independent Pre-K Montessori through Grade 12 preparatory school with approximately 430 students, co-ed through grade 5 and all girls in grades 6–12.
Over a 90-year history, The Brandywiners have staged some 530 performances with more than 10,000 participants.
THE POSSIBILITIES
A Destination for the Whole Community
The Wilmington Performing Arts Center will be an asset not only to Ursuline Academy and The Brandywiners but also to other artistic organizations, solo artists, dance companies, and as the continued home of City Church of Wilmington. It will serve as a catalyst for economic activity in the local neighborhood and the City of Wilmington. While plans are still taking shape, the possibilities are vast—from theater camps and classes to meetings and events hosted by community organizations. The Center’s location makes it easily accessible to the Cool Springs Park neighborhood, downtown Wilmington, and the entire city.
A New Home and A New Era
The Brandywiners is a thriving artistic company that has never had a permanent home, instead renting an array of practice and performance spaces—a costly solution with creative limitations. The Wilmington Performing Arts Center will change this, providing ample, well-designed, and regularly accessible space for rehearsals, set building, shows, and other programs. It will also be the home base for The Brandywiners’ innovative educational initiatives. These have a powerful impact, especially on public school students with few school-based arts opportunities— and now these programs can grow in exciting ways The Brandywiners team has dreamed of for years.
An Inspiring New Main Stage
The new performing arts center has the potential to take Ursuline Academy’s performing arts program to a new level of visibility and excellence and to assure a more central place for the arts in the life of the school. From our youngest student to the oldest, the thrill our girls feel as they step into the spotlight will be amplified in this grand space, which will also serve as a gathering place for events of many kinds— from guest lectures and leadership programs to the Junior Ring Ceremony, and virtual programs with other schools in the Ursuline Global Network.
THE PART ONLY YOU CAN PLAY
At Ursuline Academy and The Brandywiners, we believe in the power of collaboration to achieve remarkable things—including the transformation of a vast, empty hall into a thriving center of creative expression and exploration. If you find this vision as thrilling as we do, we ask you to join us in bringing it to life. Please consider a philanthropic investment that will benefit the cultural landscape of the City of Wilmington for generations to come.
If you are interested in learning more, touring the space, or making your commitment, contact Patrick Davey, Director of Advancement using the information below.
Dr. Trisha Medeiros President Ursuline Academy
Jeffrey Santoro President The Brandywiners Ltd.
Aubrey Plaza Ursuline Academy Class of 2002 Honorary Campaign Chair
Thank you for your support of the arts in Wilmington!
“The stage is where dreams take flight, and every great performance begins with a place to create. Wilmington and Ursuline Academy gave me the roots to grow, and this new Performing Arts Center would provide the foundation for future generations to do the same. Wilmington has talent, heart, and a vibrant artistic heritage—this venue will greatly add to the city’s rich cultural spirit.”
Aubrey Plaza
Ursuline Academy Class of 2002
Honorary Campaign Chair
“The renovation of this unique piece of Wilmington architecture into a performing arts center will mark a transformative moment for our city—one that celebrates creativity, community, and cultural enrichment. This space will serve as a hub for artists, performers, and residents alike, fostering innovation and bringing people together through the power of the arts. Investing in the arts is an investment in our future, strengthening our local economy, inspiring the next generation, and making our city a more vibrant and dynamic place to live.”
Mike Purzycki Former Mayor of Wilmington
Ursuline Academy & The Brandywiners