An Encore Performance

Since 1902, the Waterville Opera House has been awakening our spirit, building community, and stimulating the local economy. It has been a vaudeville house, a movie theater, a concert hall, dance stage, and a community celebration center. The Opera House draws 30,000 patrons each year, with its large-scale theatrical productions, music and comedy performances, and its partnerships with Bossov Ballet and the Maine International Film Festival. It reaches 4,000 students a year through school performances and 250 children through theater camps, in addition to casting local youth in productions such as Oliver.

After more than a century of presenting the arts in central Maine, the Opera House is in need of major upgrades—$4 million worth of upgrades, as a matter of fact. The only major renovation since its opening was the replacement of the orchestra seating more than 25 years ago.

The following needs must be addressed to ensure the comfort and safety of our patrons, as well as enhancing the theater experience:

• Exits from the house and balcony need to be upgraded.
• Existing sprinkler systems and electrical wiring must be updated.
• Backstage, antiquated rigging systems and narrow staircases must be replaced.
• Balcony seating is obstructed by posts and uncomfortable due to the slope of flooring.
• Dressing rooms need increased capacity and improved plumbing.
• Lighting and sound systems are dated and inadequate for modern equipment.

A renovated Opera House will dramatically enhance the ability to attract even more patrons to downtown Waterville. We will be able to mount more technically complex productions and provide a safer and more comfortable experience for our patrons.

Renovation plans include (see diagram):

• An addition along the rear façade with new restroom facilities (K, L), dressing rooms (Q, R) and a freight elevator (B)
• Reconfiguration and replacement of balcony seating · Expansion of the lobby to accommodate growing audiences (J)
• Improved acoustics with new sound booth (U)
• Widening exit stairwells to provide safe egress (C, T)
• Replacement of electrical and mechanical systems (O)
• Replacement of rigging systems in the stage house (P)
• Updating of lighting equipment (P)
• Increased office space (V)
• Creation of code compliant access to the stage (M, N) and code compliant seating
• An addition housing scene construction shop with access to the stage via the new freight elevator.

Harold Alfond recognized the Opera House as an historic gem. In an unprecedented cultural gift, the Harold Alfond Foundation has pledged to match every dollar raised in support of the Opera House renovation up to $2 million. Thanks to the generosity of area businesses, individuals, and foundations, more than $1.6 million has been secured toward our $2 million challenge.

Pledge your support today! Gifts of any amount are welcome and appreciated, and a variety of options are available those who support An Encore Performance!

“The arts deepen our understanding of the human spirit, extend our capacity to comprehend the lives of others, allow us to imagine a more just and humane world.” Jonathan Fanton, President, MacArthur Foundation