Organization Overview

The Grand Opera House, or simply The Grand, is a beautifully restored, 1200-seat opera house located within the business district of downtown Wilmington. A multidisciplinary presenter of national and international touring artists, The Grand offers more than 75 performances of its own each year, and annually hosts more than 300 total event nights including tenant organizations and renters. Queen Latifah, Lyle Lovett, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Habana Sax, Lewis Black, Harry Connick Jr., BB King, the National Acrobats of China, and the London Philharmonic are among the thousands of artists that have graced the stage of The Grand in recent years.

Utilizing the opulent Victorian opera house venue and an additional 300-seat proscenium theater within the same complex, The Grand has, in recent years, diversified its programming and community partnerships in an aggressive expansion strategy that mirrors ambitious efforts by local business and government to further revitalize the downtown.

In addition to its performances, The Grand runs a number of programs intended to engage the community at all ages levels. Summer Children’s Theater offers three weeks of performances geared to young children and their families as an introduction to live theater. The Arts Academy at The Grand is an informal music instruction programs for children and adults. In The Spotlight is an annual multidisciplinary talent competition for local performers. And Stage of Discovery is a schedule of weekday matinees tied to the core curriculum of the Delaware and Pennsylvania school system.

The Grand seeks dynamic, innovative, influential, and committed individuals to volunteer for its 28-member Board of Directors (governance) and its 45-member Grand Trustees (advisory and advocacy). As custodians of a public trust in its historic and much-loved building, The Grand seeks a wide variety of board members to represent the interests of the diverse community it serves.

Open Positions

Board of Directors (several open positions)

Meets six times annually – Third Wednesday of alternating months at 8:00 a.m.

Term: 3 years, renewable, no term limit

Grand Trustees (several open positions)

Meets twice annually – May and September

Term: 3 years, renewable, no term limit

Contact: Mark Fields, Managing Director

mfields@grandopera.org

302-658-7897