Performers rehearse for a production of "Almost Maine" last fall at The Waldo. Photo courtesy The Waldo
COVID-19 shuttered Maine's theaters for more than 18 months. But communities rallied to support the performing arts even as they were deemed inessential services.
In this episode of "Maine Ties," Dana Packard of the Saco River Theatre in Buxton and Keri Lupien of The Waldo in Waldoboro share how their theaters coped with the pandemic and how the arts in Maine are stronger than ever.
In 2021, MaineCF's Maine Theater Fund awarded 20 grants totaling $93,800.
Saco River Theater was awarded a $5,000 grant in 2020 to build staff and performer restrooms.
Since 2019, The Waldo has received $14,829 from the Maine Theater fund to support its performances and improve safety within the theater. It has also received support from the Belvedere Historic Preservation and Energy Efficiency grant program for restoration of the 1936 theater and MaineCF's Community Building grant program to support in-school arts education programs.
