The 9 Best Historic Theaters in Maine!

Theater is deeply embedded in our culture, and in the historic state of Maine, you’ll find some iconic venues that have stood the test of time. From playhouses in barns to opera houses dating back to the early 1900s, prepare to be blown away by these incredible theaters in Maine. 

Hackmatack Playhouse, Berwick, ME

The Hackmatack Playhouse is a summer theater that was created in a barn on a farmstead dating back to the 1600s. The barn burned down back in 1934, but was subsequently rebuilt and used for farming for many years. The theater made it its home in the early 1970s, and it stands tall today as a true fixture of Berwick. 

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Stonington Opera House, Stonington, ME

Built in 1912, the Stonington Opera House is home to the local group known as Opera House Arts. Summer productions are big draws for locals and those visiting the region. You’ll be taken back by the history of this opera house. 

State Theatre, Portland, ME

First opening as a movie house, the State Theatre was completed in 1929. The Spanish design is elegant and was fully restored for the 2010 reopening. These days guests see movie premieres, attend seminars or attend special celebrations here.

Star Theatre, Kittery, ME

The Star Theatre in Kittery, Maine, is home to top-notch musicals, concerts, dance performances and lectures. Housed in the old Frisbee School, the building was erected in 1943. The original brick lends itself to the very special ambience theatre-goers enjoy when there.

Ogunquit Playhouse, Ogunquit, ME

The Ogunquit Playhouse is a summer tradition for many Maine visitors. Opening in 1933, the summer productions nearly all feature Broadway or nationally-renown talent in one of the leading roles.

Strand Theatre, Rockland, ME

Opening its doors in 1923, the Strand Theatre is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today locals and guests enjoy indie films and live theater and music performances.

Theater at Monmouth, Monmouth, ME

Known as the home of Maine’s only Shakespearean troupe, the Theater at Monmouth was built in 1900, and for decades was known as Cumston Hall. The original stained glass windows are a sight to behold. The theater was founded in 1970, and entertains people from all over Maine—and beyond.

Getting ready for a little bit of Shakespeare

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The Grand, Ellsworth, ME

Built in 1938, the Art Deco design in the Grand is as alluring as the entertainment. From movies to live entertainment, this theater has been home to culture and the arts for decades.

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1932 Criterion Theatre, Bar Harbor, ME

Built in 1932, the Criterion Theatre shows movies, live theatre, concerts and more. Open year-round, it’s as popular with tourists in the summer months as it is with locals.

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The Bath Shakespeare Festival is a professional, non-profit theatre committed to producing Shakespeare’s plays chiefly at Library Park at Bat... Read More
81 Academy Hill Road, Damariscotta, ME
Mission Heartwood Theater promotes the theater art experience in the lives of children and adults in the community. Performers and audiences alike... Read More
275 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay, ME
About Us: The Boothbay Playhouse traces its origins to 1937, when H. Osgood Lacount purchased the Jasper Wyman farm on Route 27 and in April of tha... Read More
2 Theater Street, Damariscotta, ME
Mission:Lincoln Theater's mission is to be the major community resource for the promotion and production of the performing arts. Read More
1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell, ME
Gaslight Theater has undergone many changes since its inception in 1937. Originally known as the Augusta Players, Gaslight began as an outgrowth of... Read More
The Kennebec Performing Arts Company started as the Augusta Symphony Orchestra in 1920 under the direction of Ernest Hill, in order to provide musi... Read More
Great food, an abundance of laughter and superb music from talented singers make the Carousel Music Theater a place to return to again and again. Read More
P. O. Box 489, Monmouth, ME
Mission Statement:The Mission of the Maine Association of Community Theaters (MeACT), a duly incorporated Maine Non-Profit Corporation, is to:1. Pr... Read More
14 School Street, Brunswick, ME
The Theater Project was founded in 1971 as a non-profit community-based theater in Brunswick, Maine. For 35 years, we have provided innovative, ent... Read More
139 Water Street, Augusta, ME
Our mission is to restore and operate the historic Colonial Theater, located in downtown Augusta, Maine, for the artistic, educational, and charita... Read More
1 Bath Road, Brunswick, ME
History:1959: Brunswick Summer PlayhouseVictoria Crandall, affectionately known as Vicki, opened her summer playhouse in the Pickard Theater on the... Read More
211 Rambler Road, Winthrop, ME
About The Winthrop Performing Arts Center is a dream come true for the Winthrop Community. Through the commitment and hard work of the members of ... Read More
796 Main Street, Monmouth, ME
The mission of Theater at Monmouth is to present innovative approaches to Shakespeare and other classic plays through professional productions that... Read More
916 Main Street, Waldoboro, ME
History: In 1936, a New York lumber dealer named Carroll T. Cooney decided to build a movie theater in Waldoboro.  He hired New York theater ... Read More
9 Foss Road, Lewiston, ME
Our Vision Mission StatementWe are storytellers. Our mission is to entertain, explore truth, celebrate life, and enhance the discovery of who we ar... Read More
31 Maple Street, Lewiston, ME
Mission Statement The Public Theatre was founded to bring high quality professional theater to the people of Central Maine, at an affordable price... Read More
30 Academy Street, Auburn, ME
Mission Statement:Community Little Theatre's mission is to provide education and personal exposure to the art of entertainment of live state in the... Read More
345 Main Street, Rockland, ME
About Us: The Historic Strand Theatre, located in downtown Rockland, Maine, has been entertaining moviegoers since 1923. Independently owned and l... Read More
176 Sawyer Street, South Portland, ME
­Founded in 1952, Lyric Music Theater is community theater at its finest. As a non-profit ("501c3") organization our goal is to create enjoyabl... Read More
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