McConnell Center for Performing Arts

A historic transformation is taking place on North Van Buren Street.

A stately neoclassical landmark that has been minimally used in recent years is becoming a vibrant new home for the performing arts—a place where students, artists, and the broader Wilmington community can gather, create, perform, and be inspired.

The McConnell Center for Performing Arts is the result of a unique partnership between Ursuline Academy and The Brandywiners, bringing together two mission-driven organizations with deep roots in Wilmington and a shared belief in the power of the arts to inspire personal growth, strengthen community, and spark joy.

Once home to the First Church of Christ Scientist, the McConnell Center features soaring ceilings, beautiful stained glass, and an expansive 500-seat auditorium.

While the building is structurally sound, significant renovations are needed to transform this historic space into a modern, flexible performing arts venue.

When complete, the McConnell Center will offer outstanding artistic experiences in an intimate setting and provide a unique cultural destination for Ursuline Academy and the City of Wilmington.

The McConnell Center will be much more than a theater. It will be a place for performances, learning, collaboration, celebration, and connection.

A New Space for Every Ursuline Student

Ursuline Academy’s current auditorium is a heavily used multipurpose space that was never designed as a true performing arts venue. Without permanent seating, dedicated backstage areas, or proper rehearsal space, it presents challenges for performances and limits how the space can be used.

The McConnell Center for Performing Arts will transform this experience, providing a dedicated home for student performances while opening new opportunities for learning, leadership, and personal growth across the entire school. With a grand stage, professional rehearsal and backstage spaces, and a welcoming environment for audiences, the Center will support concerts, lectures, guest speakers, special presentations, school ceremonies, and leadership programs.

Every Ursuline student will benefit from this new space. Whether taking the stage for a performance, presenting an idea, introducing a guest speaker, leading a school event, or learning from a visiting expert, students will have more opportunities to build confidence, develop their voices, and grow as leaders.

The McConnell Center will be more than a home for the performing arts. It will be a place where Ursuline students discover their potential, share their talents, and prepare to lead with purpose.

A Home for The Brandywiners

For nearly a century, The Brandywiners have brought theater and choral music to audiences throughout Delaware. Yet the organization has never had a permanent home, relying instead on a variety of rented rehearsal and performance spaces.

The McConnell Center will change that.

With dedicated space for rehearsals, set building, performances, and educational programming, the McConnell Center will provide The Brandywiners with a home base from which to expand its artistic and educational initiatives—including programs that bring the arts to public school students who may have limited access to arts opportunities.

A Destination for the Wilmington Community

The McConnell Center will be an asset not only to Ursuline Academy and The Brandywiners, but to the broader Wilmington arts community.

The Center will provide opportunities for artistic organizations, solo artists, dance companies, community organizations, and others to gather and create.

Its possibilities are expansive—from theater camps and classes to meetings, community events, lectures, performances, and other programs.

Located on North Van Buren Street, the McConnell Center is positioned to serve the Cool Spring Park neighborhood, downtown Wilmington, and the broader community.

The transformation of the McConnell Center includes a number of significant improvements designed to create a flexible, accessible, and welcoming performing arts venue.

Expanded Stage & Backstage

Expanded space will accommodate theatrical productions, musical performances, lectures, presentations, and more.

Dressing Rooms & Rehearsal Space

Lower-level spaces will be renovated to include dressing rooms, additional rehearsal and storage space, restrooms, and a small kitchenette.

Accessibility

New elevators and other improvements will enhance accessibility and help ensure ADA compliance.

Building Systems

HVAC, electrical, and other essential building systems will be upgraded to support the Center’s new purpose.

The McConnell Center for Performing Arts is named in recognition of Paul and Linda McConnell’s extraordinary generosity and their lead gift, which has laid the foundation for this vision to become a reality. With the support of Ursuline Academy, The Brandywiners, and a community that believes in the power of the arts, we are closer than ever to bringing this vision to life. 

Now, we need your support to get across the finish line and create a space that will inspire and benefit generations of Ursuline students.

Naming Opportunities

There are many meaningful naming opportunities available throughout the McConnell Center for donors who would like to make a significant investment in the project and create a lasting connection to this transformational space.

To learn more about the McConnell Center, schedule a tour, or explore opportunities to support the project, please contact: