Delano Dramatic Company (DDC) is a community theatre based in Delano. Over the last several years, some key people who have deep roots in the Delano Public Schools drama program and in the Delano community have come together to form a new nonprofit company to produce community theatre in Delano. The formation of this new company is supported by the Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture, and the Central Minnesota Arts Board.
DDC’s management and artistic staff has a combined 40+ years of professional and community theatre experience and has staged many successful shows locally for and in conjunction with the Delano Schools over the past 12 years. We look forward to making our offerings accessible to the whole Delano area community, as well as serving students, under-represented groups and those with intellectual disabilities. We will continue to seek out others who might appreciate the opportunity to contribute to and attend these performances. Click here to see the Board of Directors.
DDC is a Minnesota nonprofit corporation and currently has a Fiscal Agent agreement with the Delano Area Council for Arts and Culture. Our work is supported, in part, by grants from the Central Minnesota Arts Board, and the Delano Area Foundation.
The genesis of the idea for Delano Dramatic Company has its roots in Delano history. The City’s own website notes this history: “In September 1890, work began to build a stage upstairs in the hall so theatrical performances could be held. The next year the village purchased stage scenery to equip the stage. A year later dressing rooms were added on each side of the stage. Also, in 1890 the Delano Dramatic Company offered to pay $100 toward $250 needed for a piano… “
The drama programs offered to students from elementary age through high school within Delano Public Schools are excellent and have strong student participation. These programs are well supported by district staff and by the community, both as audience members and as volunteers.
Joe Lawrence was the Director for a 2018 summer musical production of “Anything Goes” and Jack Neveaux was the scenic and lighting designer and technical director. Many talented adults and youth from Delano participated in this production. Based on community feedback received following the 2018 production, the idea of establishing a local theatre in Delano was raised in order to encourage people from the Delano area to get even more involved. Both Joe and Jack have strong professional experience in theatre, both prior to and as leaders of the Delano Public Schools drama department, and they have led the formation of the Delano Dramatic Company.
Many talented actors, musicians, and people with various theatre skills such as costuming call Delano home. We have reached out to several people, including leaders in the school drama department, and they have indicated an interest in being involved in this newly formed theatre company. These people have experience in music direction (vocal and instrumental), choreography, artistic direction of musicals, costuming, and set building. We are confident the community will respond enthusiastically to local opportunities provided by the Delano Dramatic Company.
Following a successful bond referendum, the community was excited to open a new state-of-the-art performing arts center (the “PAC”) which seats 656 in Fall 2018. The new facility provides an outstanding venue for performances and the community has responded through near-capacity audiences at school productions (except during covid restrictions). The PAC is not utilized much during the summer, providing a great opportunity to expand local drama options via a community theatre company producing a multi-generational summer musical.
The major factors were in place to launch a new community theatre organization based in Delano: key leaders with deep experience in theatre (see the project directors and key personnel sections), a community that has a history of supporting and being involved in theatre, and a great performing arts center that is available for use during the summer. Delano as a community – through businesses and community organizations – has a strong history of supporting a variety of arts activities. In addition, we are a growing community that attracts many new families to our outstanding schools and small-town atmosphere. A community of Delano’s size will support community theatre on its own, and with interested partners. Our talented pool of Delano area actors and musicians will have an opportunity right at home. Having a Delano-based theatre company will result in significantly increased involvement by area residents because it is a local opportunity.
DEI Statement
DDC policy of equity and inclusion: At Delano Dramatic Company we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our work and with whom we work. Everyone has a story worth telling. We value diverse life experiences and heritages, and ensure that all voices are heard whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, religion, education, or disability. Dedicated to an inclusive, nondiscriminatory environment with equitable treatment for all, DDC and its Board of Directors works to ensure that artists, staff, volunteers, and guests feel welcomed.