Pittsfield Community Theatre

The Pittsfield Community Theatre is a municipally owned and operated movie theater and community center in Pittsfield, Maine, United States. According to its official website, it provides "affordable quality entertainment to the greater Pittsfield area" and operates as a non-profit community hub. The theater traces its origins to 1915, when Leger's Theatre opened for silent movies. It was renamed the Bijou Theatre in 1918 and later became the Pittsfield Community Theatre after being donated to the Pittsfield Community Theatre Association in 1975. The Town of Pittsfield purchased the theater in 1977 and continues to own and operate it today. The theater's programming has historically included weekly movies, live productions, concerts, children's matinees, and community events. It also serves as a venue for local arts groups such as the Pittsfield Players. The theater relies on community support, including volunteers and sponsors for its "Movie of the Week" program. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the theater temporarily closed and stated it would reevaluate its position in July. As of the official website, it remains a municipally owned and operated community center.

The Pittsfield Community Theatre's history dates back to 1915, when Leger's Theatre opened for business showing silent movies. In 1918, it was renamed the Bijou Theatre. Sound was installed in 1929, allowing the theater to show talking movies. In 1956, J.R. Cianchette purchased the theater and closed it for remodeling, spending between $80,000 and $100,000 on luxurious items such as the state's first cushioned swing-back seats and carbon-rod projectors. The completely renovated and modernized Bijou Theatre reopened in April 1957 and was described as one of the most modern and beautiful small-town theaters in New England. In 1962, Glen Wheaton bought the Bijou Theatre. In 1971, Mr. Wheaton, opposed to running X-rated movies, chose to shut the theater down on March 31, 1975, rather than show them. Later in 1975, Maine National Bank and Cianbro Corporation purchased the theater for $6,000 each and absorbed its debt. On April 19, 1975, the theater was donated to the Pittsfield Community Theatre Association, a non-profit group. At that time, ticket prices were $1.75. The theater lost 50 seats when a wide stage was installed to accommodate live productions, and hardwood flooring from the old Union Hall (now the town's fire station) was used to complete the expansion. Mr. Wheaton continued to work first as the projectionist for the Association and then as Operations Manager for the Town until December 28, 1978. In 1977, the Town of Pittsfield bought the theater for $24,000. By April 1978, the theater was active every day with movies, concerts, children's matinees, and assorted artistic delights. A series of films by Maine filmmakers such as "Dead River Rough-cut" were shown, and audiences also enjoyed the Ralph P. Robinson Ballet. There was also a blood pressure screening day. In the mid-1980s, the Pittsfield Players, spearheaded by Alma Dow, was a group of local talent that performed at the theater. The theater continues to operate as a municipally owned and operated community center, providing affordable entertainment to the greater Pittsfield area.

• 1978

  By April, the Theatre was hopping every day with movies, concerts, matinees for children and assorted artistic delights.

• 1977

  Town of Pittsfield bought the Theatre for $24,000.

• 1975

  Theatre shut down on March 31; later purchased by Maine National Bank & Cianbro Corporation and donated to the Pittsfield Community Theatre Association on April 19.

• 1962

  Glen Wheaton bought the Bijou Theatre.

• 1957

  The completely renovated and modernized Bijou Theatre was reopened in April.

• 1956

  J.R. Cianchette purchased theatre and closed it for remodeling.

• 1929

  Sound was installed (talking movies).

• 1918

  Bijou Theatre opened (formerly Leger's Theatre).

• 1915

  Leger's Theatre opened for business (silent movies).

Affordable, community-focused entertainment in a historic small-town theater.

• Weekly movie screenings

  The theater shows a movie each week, often sponsored by local businesses.

• Live theater productions

  The theater hosts live productions, including those by the Pittsfield Players.

• Concerts

  Concerts have been part of the theater's programming since at least the late 1970s.

• Children's matinees

  Matinees for children are offered as part of community programming.

1. 1Pittsfield Community Theatre official websitepittsfieldtheatre.wixsite.com
2. 2HISTORY | Pittsfield Theatrepittsfieldtheatre.wixsite.com
3. 3ABOUT | Pittsfield Theatrepittsfieldtheatre.wixsite.com
4. 4Wikidata entry for Pittsfield Community Theatrewikidata.org