Freeman Arts Pavilion is expanding its Spotlight Series in a big way, offering more than 20 events throughout 2026 that highlight creativity across multiple disciplines. 

Designed to bring the community together year-round, the series blends education, performance, and conversation, reinforcing Freeman Arts’ commitment to broad access to the arts in coastal Delaware.

Held at the Carl M. Freeman Foundation office building in Selbyville, west of Fenwick Island, the expanded Spotlight Series includes film screenings, dance workshops, author talks, cultural programs, and live performances. 

Programming is developed in partnership with regional artists and organizations and is supported in part by the Carl M. Freeman Foundation.

A Series Designed to Celebrate Arts Access

The Spotlight Series reflects Freeman Arts’ ongoing mission to advance arts access through performance, education, and advocacy. 

Organizers describe the lineup as a celebration of creativity in all its forms, with programming meant to appeal to a wide range of interests and ages.

Events span multiple artistic disciplines, including music, literature, dance, film, and storytelling. 

Several programs are free to attend, thanks to sponsorships from organizations such as Delaware Humanities, making the series especially accessible to the broader community.

By spreading events throughout the year, Freeman Arts aims to create consistent opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the arts beyond the traditional summer performance season.

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Film Screenings Paired With Community Conversations

One of the highlights of the expanded Spotlight Series is a curated film screening and discussion program running throughout 2026. 

The film series features well-known titles that explore music, performance, and artistic expression.

Each screening is followed by a moderated discussion led by Bill Newcott, film critic for The Saturday Evening Post and creator of AARP’s “Movies for Grownups.” 

He is joined by a guest community expert whose background connects to the theme of the film, adding depth and local perspective to the conversation.

Films included in the 2026 series are:

• Fantasia on February 3rd
• Billy Elliot on April 7th
• Peter, Paul and Mary at Newport 63–65 on June 2nd
• Bob Marley: One Love on August 4th
• School of Rock on October 6th
• That’s Entertainment on December 1st

The film series ticket package is priced at $45 for all six screenings.

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Beginner-Friendly Dance Workshops in September

Another new addition to the Spotlight Series is a September dance workshop series led by local instructor Renee Wight. 

The workshops are designed to be accessible and welcoming, with no prior dance experience required.

Across four separate classes, participants will be introduced to different styles in a supportive environment:

• Basic Intro to Jazz 1 on September 8th
• Basic Intro to Tap on September 16th
• Basic Intro to Jazz 2 on September 23rd
• Basic Intro to Line Dancing on September 30th

Each class can be attended individually, or participants can purchase a package that includes all four workshops for $30.

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Expanded Programming Across the Year

Beyond film and dance, the Spotlight Series includes a diverse lineup of talks, performances, and cultural celebrations. 

Highlights include author chats, pop-up opera, themed music programs, and heritage-focused events such as a Juneteenth celebration and discussions sponsored by Delaware Humanities.

Notable dates:

• February 15th, The Art of the Love Song
• March 4th, What You Never Knew about Nancy Drew (free to attend)
• May 30th, Pop-Up Opera with OperaDelaware
• June 19th, Black Joy: A Juneteenth Celebration (free to attend)
• October 1st, Diversity in Latin America (free to attend)
• December 4th, Holiday Sing Along with The Delmarva Chorus

This mix of formats allows Freeman Arts to reach audiences with different interests while keeping the series dynamic and engaging.

Ticket Packages and How to Attend

For the first time, Freeman Arts is offering ticket packages for both the film and dance series, providing a discounted and convenient option for regular attendees. 

After purchasing a subscription, vouchers are added to the buyer’s account and can be redeemed online for each event included in the package.

Single tickets remain available for those who prefer to attend select programs rather than the full series. 

All Spotlight Series events take place at the Carl M. Freeman Foundation office building, located at 31255 Americana Parkway in Selbyville.

To learn more about the Spotlight Series or to purchase tickets and packages, visit the Freeman Arts Pavilion website. 

Don’t forget to keep following the blog for more updates on arts, events, and cultural happenings across Coastal Delaware!

Source: Coastal Point