GOVERNOR'S AWARDS FOR THE ARTS 2004

Marie Swajeski

Marie Swajeski, founder of the Delaware Children's Theatre (DCT) in Wilmington has successfully pursued her dream of exposing the rest of Delaware and the region to the rewards of children's theater. In 1973, Ms. Swajeski founded the Children's Repertory Theatre, now known as the Delaware Children's Theatre. Now in its fourth decade, DCT has presented hundreds of performances to critical acclaim.

Ms. Swajeski's other accomplishments include initiating the first luncheon children's theatre at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre in Arden, Delaware and producing and directing the first children's opera for OperaDelaware in Wilmington, Delaware. She is also responsible for having the DCT's building added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

Community outreach is high on Ms. Swajeski's list, and the DCT offers many free workshops to underprivileged children. The Rainbow Players, DCT's outreach group, has performed frequently at the Ronald McDonald House, DuPont Riverfest, and the Ministry of Caring, as well as at local nursing homes.

In commenting on art, Ms. Swajeski noted, “I believe the truth of any art is in your imagination and who has a better imagination than a child? It is a cliché but we are training young people to be the patrons of the future—backstage, onstage, and in the audience.”

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