The Public Theatre

The Public Theatre is a professional not-for-profit theatre company based in Lewiston, Maine, United States. It was founded in 1991 and began its first season producing two plays in a borrowed space at the Auburn Mall. In 1992 it moved into the historic Ritz movie house in Lewiston, opening with Molière's Scapin! to a sold-out audience. In 1993 it signed a contract with the Actors' Equity Association, becoming one of only five Equity theatres in Maine. The theatre's mission is to create high-quality professional theatre that is integral to the lifeblood of its community, offering inspiring, entertaining, and inclusive experiences. It produces contemporary plays from Broadway and beyond, featuring professional actors from New York to Los Angeles, and offers educational programs for children. It has been voted Maine's "BEST THEATRE" by Down East Magazine seven years in a row. The Public Theatre operates from 31 Maple Street, Lewiston, ME 04240, and offers subscriptions, single tickets, and volunteer opportunities. It is a not-for-profit organization supported by donations and volunteers.

The Public Theatre began in 1991 with its first season producing two plays in a borrowed space at the Auburn Mall. Skeptics throughout Maine, influenced by outdated conceptions of Lewiston/Auburn, doubted that a professional theatre could succeed in a former mill town. In 1992, the theatre moved into the historic Ritz movie house in Lewiston. On Friday, October 9, 1992, it opened its production of Molière's Scapin! to a sold-out audience. In 1993, The Public Theatre signed a contract with the Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors, becoming one of only five Equity theatres in the state. This allowed the theatre to hire top actors from across the nation, including regulars from television's E.R. and performers from Broadway and feature films. Over its more than 30-year history, The Public Theatre has produced numerous seasons of contemporary and classic plays. It has been voted Maine's "BEST THEATRE" by Down East Magazine seven years in a row. The theatre continues to operate as a not-for-profit organization at 31 Maple Street in Lewiston, Maine, offering a mainstage season, educational programs, and community events such as the Global Film Festival.

• 1993

  Signed a contract with the Actors' Equity Association, becoming one of only five Equity theatres in Maine.

• 1992

  Moved into the historic Ritz movie house in Lewiston and opened with Molière's Scapin! to a sold-out audience on October 9.

• 1991

  The Public Theatre began its first season producing two plays in a borrowed space at the Auburn Mall.

High-quality professional theatre at a great price, integral to the community, inclusive and life-affirming.

• Mainstage season

  A season of contemporary and classic plays featuring professional actors.

• Global Film Festival

  A film festival event hosted by The Public Theatre.

• Steel Magnolias

  A play produced by The Public Theatre.

• A Wicked Good Time

  A play produced by The Public Theatre.

1. 1The Public Theatre - Official Websitethepublictheatre.org
2. 2Our Story - The Public Theatrethepublictheatre.org
3. 3Volunteer - The Public Theatrethepublictheatre.org
4. 4Subscriber Services - The Public Theatrethepublictheatre.org
5. 5Public Theatre - Wikidatawikidata.org