Many have pens ready to support Center Theatre

To the Editor;

It is my understanding that the Piscataquis County Commissioners were given a letter to sign in support of the Center Theater. This letter was part of an application for potential grant money to ensure that the structural underpinning of the Center Theater be reinforced so that the building would not slide into the Piscataquis River.   Our commissioners tabled the letter. It seems they were unsure of their role in supporting our county cultural center.

Let me help them understand the issue here. The renovation of the Center Theater on East Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft was a result of a grassroots effort by a small group to save a historic landmark and revive the old movie theater. The idea began with four people, over coffee, as the dust settled after the wrecking ball’s swing into the old Blethen House. The group of four grew to about 10,  the structural integrity of the building was examined,  a non-profit status was procured and the idea got some traction. Eventually, with the support of the entire community as well as state and federal grants, a $1.5 million project was successfully completed and the doors to the old Center Theater were open to a new generation.

The Center Theater, with limited staff and a host of volunteers, has successfully run programs for 15 years …. with little to no cost to the town or county. The theater hosts student, community and professional productions, local and national music performances, lectures, art, fundraisers, special events, mainstream and independent movies for all ages, educational camps and workshops and forums on special topics. It is a community space  which has been rented by churches, farmers, political parties, school groups and families. Located on Dover-Foxcroft’s East Main Street, it is a structural and cultural anchor to the town and county. Programs offered by the theater have launched careers in the arts for our young people and inspired adults to dabble in acting, improvisation, music, as well as theater business and technology (lights, camera, action). I might also make the point that during this very difficult year of COVID, when many art venues, in bigger towns than ours, have closed their doors, the Center Theater has remained open offering programs for our community.

Any county commissioner worth his salt would understand the importance of a cultural center to the economic and social health of a community. Economic development councils champion the need for art centers as an integral part of an area’s growth and sustainability. Many local people cannot afford the distance or cost to access the arts that urban centers offer, but Center Theater brings some of that much needed experience to us.   

As individuals, we benefit from the intellectual stimulation, education, creative arts and social integration that a cultural center fosters. The Center Theater created the Whoopie Pie Festival, an annual event that brings hundreds of people and dollars to our area. If our county commissioners have to “table” a letter before notarizing their support for the Center Theater with their signature,  let us know.  I have my pen ready and I am one of many who would support our theater if our commissioners lack the understanding or gumption to promote Piscataquis County’s  best interests.

Jayne Lello

Founding Member Center Theater

Sebec