FAQ - Updated for 2013
Q: What is The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation?
A: The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was established in 2007 to honor Josh Freeman, the former Chair of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, after his untimely death in December of 2006. The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation focuses on honoring Josh’s legacy and spirit by creating opportunities to lift the human spirit. The Foundation seeks to honor Josh’s passion and commitment to excellence by supporting projects that he would have been proud of. With The Freeman Stage at Bayside, an open air performing arts venue located near Fenwick Island, DE, our mission is to partner to present memorable performances & provide inspired arts education for all. To learn more about the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, visit www.freemanfoundation.org
Q: What is The Freeman Stage at Bayside?
A: The Freeman Stage at Bayside, an open air performing arts venue located near Fenwick Island, DE, first opened in the summer of 2008. A project of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, the Freeman Stage presents diverse programming in the genres of dance, live music, theatre and children's programming. Typically, performances are offered on Thursday nights, Friday nights, Saturday mornings and occasional Saturday nights, Memorial Day through Labor Day. The Freeman Stage at Bayside is located inside the Bayside community at the intersection of Routes 54 & 20 in Selbyille, DE.
Q: Is The Freeman Stage at Bayside for Bayside residents only?
A: Though we are located within the Bayside community, The Freeman Stage at Bayside is open to the public.
Q: What is your phone number and address?
A: For performance information, cancellations, and updates call 302-436-3015. The address for The Freeman Stage is: 31750 Lake View Drive, Selbyville, DE 19975. It is located in the Bayside community.
Q: Do I need a ticket to get in? How much do tickets cost?
A: The majority of the performances at The Freeman Stage are free to the public and do not require a ticket for entry. However, we do charge an entry fee for some performances. For most paid performances, kids 18 and under are free, with the exception of Spotlight Performances & Special Concert Events. Spotlight Performances & Special Concert Events will require a higher admission fee for all patrons, regardless of age.
Q: When can I purchase tickets?
A: For the 2013 season, tickets will be available for purchase to the general public on Monday, April 1st.
Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets can be purchased in person at The Freeman Stage on performance days, and also at www.freemanstage.org. All ticket purchases are non-refundable. Please bear in mind that even for ticketed performances seating is still first come, first served. Buying your ticket early does not guarantee better seating at the performance, with the exception of some Special Concert Events when assigned seating will be used. We recommend that you arrive early to get better seating for the majority of the performances.
Q. Why is a handling fee attached to ticket purchases?
A. As a small non-profit organization, we do not have the capability to create and manage a ticket inventory system on our own. In order to provide the best customer service possible, we have an outside vendor assist us with our ticketing needs. That service comes with a real cost though. To help offset that cost, we will be attaching a handling fee for each ticket purchased for a performance at The Freeman Stage at Bayside.
Q: If I purchase a ticket, is a seat included?
A: A general admission ticket gains admittance to a performance with no designated seating.
Q. Why are there both free and paid performances?
A. In order to support the high quality of programming, maintenance on The Freeman Stage venue, and our off season community outreach efforts, it is necessary to collect admission on some performances to offset our costs. Because we are a public charity, 1/3 of our support must come from public sources like yourself. Though we do collect admission for some performances, over 65% of our events are still free to attend.
Q: How can I become a Freeman Stage sponsor?
A: For details about how you can have the best seats in the house, as well as have impact in our community, please visit www.freemanstage.org/sponsor or speak to a Joshua M. Freeman Foundation employee.
Q: I’m a fan of the Arts, how can I help?
A: Donate in any way that you can! As a nonprofit charitable organization, we rely on both the generous financial support of our guests, and the donation of time from our volunteers. Your support is essential to the continued success of The Freeman Stage at Bayside!
Q: What happens if it rains or there is bad weather?
A: The Freeman Stage at Bayside is an outdoor venue and inclement weather may result in the cancellation of events. Tickets for outdoor events are non-refundable, even in cases of inclement weather, unless the area is closed due to public safety reasons. No refunds will be offered. Check with the Box Office about a possible exchange. For the most updated information, visit this website (freemanstage.org), check our Facebook page (facebook.com/freemanstage) or Twitter feeds (twitter.com/freemanstage), or call The Freeman Stage hotline (302-436-3015). Events are subject to change without notice.
Q: Can I take photos during a performance?
A: The use of recording equipment and cameras (with or without flash) during performances is prohibited except by authorized press and personnel.
Q: Can I purchase refreshments at The Stage?
A: Yes! The Freeman Stage includes a concession area for all to enjoy. The Stage Café is open an hour prior to performances and includes delicious theater treats for purchase including hot dogs, popcorn, candy, ice cream, sandwiches and an assortment of beverages, including beer & wine. Cash or credit card accepted.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drink?
A: Yes! For all performances other than Special Concert Events, small collapsible coolers that fit under your lawn chair are permitted. Factory-sealed, plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 ounces or less in size are permitted as well as food contained in a clear plastic bag. Bottles, cans, hard-sided coolers, thermoses, ice chests, or open containers are prohibited. All bags, purses and collapsible coolers are subject to search. Those who refuse to have their bags inspected will be denied entry into The Freeman Stage. All guests consent to such inspections and waive any and all related claims against The Freeman Stage at Bayside and the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation.
Q: Can I bring alcoholic beverages?
A: Patrons are not permitted to bring their own alcoholic beverages to The Freeman Stage at Bayside. However, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at The Stage Cafe.
Q: What is your smoking policy?
A: The Freeman Stage is a smoke-free venue.
Q: Can I bring my pet to The Freeman Stage?
A: With the exception of service animals for people with disabilities, pets are prohibited at The Freeman Stage because of the health concerns of other guests and the distraction animals can cause during the performance.
Q: I am an artist - how do I learn more about performing at The Freeman Stage?
A: We'd love to hear from you! Send us an email at info@freemanstage.org and tell us about yourself and how you would like to be involved in The Freeman Stage!
Q: What time should I arrive at the stage?
A: For our evening performances we recommend that you arrive at least thirty minutes prior to the performance to ensure good seating. Please note that for our most popular feature shows, seating will often fill up more quickly. Our doors open for seating 2 hours prior to the start of each performance.
Q: Is parking available at The Freeman Stage?
A: Free parking is available for all performances at The Freeman Stage. Lots are conveniently located adjacent to The Freeman Stage and handicap parking is readily accessible.
Q: Can I bring a lawn chair to sit on? Or a blanket?
A: Guests must bring chairs for lawn seating as seating is only provided for specific sponsors of The Freeman Stage. Though blankets are usually acceptable for performances, they may be prohibited for events with higher than usual attendance, such as Spotlight Performances & Special Concert Events. For Special Concert Events, assigned seating will be provided.
