Summer Stage’s 2026 season will not be at the Upper Darby High School Performing Arts Center because of construction and renovation work, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.
The Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation announced it is evaluating venue options for Summer Stage 2026, utilizing community partnerships, use of regional spaces and accessing SPARC, a new Foundation space set to open in Barclay Square in early 2026.
The Performing Arts Center has been home to Upper Darby Summer Stage for 50 seasons since its founding in 1976, so this one-year pause is a rarity.
“We want to be clear: Upper Darby is the ‘forever’ home of Upper Darby Summer Stage,” said Justin Heimbecker, foundation executive director.
It is fully expected that Summer Stage will return to the Performing Arts Center once construction is complete, he said.
“We are working to secure support so that no child misses out on the Summer Stage experience because of where a program is held. Our commitment to access for all — especially those in our home township — is unwavering,” said Chris Luner, Summer Stage artistic and managing director.
More information about 2026 program locations, dates and registration, will be announced in the fall.
Read more about Summer Stage’s 2026 season in the Daily Times.
