​The Waldo is back! 

 

More than 1,000 people have walked through The Waldo’s open doors since June 2021 to watch our stage play production of “Almost Maine,” concerts from Nashville artist Lydia Luce and Boston singer-songwriter Will Dailey, and Palaver Strings, as well as a showing of the classic films “Singing in the Rain” and "Back to the Future."

 

Years of renovations, generous support, and hard work from many hands have been rewarded by the joy of shared theatrical experience. Guests both old and new excitedly left The Waldo saying “Thank you!”, “Great show!” and “I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

Our mission-driven programming which aims to build community through arts and culture, expands this fall to include:

 

* An in-school education program bringing theatre arts to elementary schools in Waldoboro and Warren where Waldo teaching artists will work with third-grade students, and potentially expand to an additional three more schools in the Spring.

* A two-day Maine Fall Fiddle Fest offering concerts and workshops for fiddlers and music lovers of all ages, bringing visitors and positive economic impact to the region.

* Seniors Stretch and Move classes designed for students ages 60+ by an accomplished Midcoast dance teacher.

* Movies nights with films for all ages and across genres, from comedy to suspense, and holiday favorites.

 

We funded 2021 programming through individual and business support, foundation grants, and ticket sales. Operating under COVID-19 limitations, we were not able to fully monetize events, which has limited our earned revenue for the year. As we forge ahead with plans for plays, music, movies, and education in 2022, we need to grow our programming capacity. To do this, we need your help.

 

We ask that you support this new and exciting phase of the operational Waldo as we increase our capacity in the following ways: 

 

Educational:

Fund a part-time education coordinator to build on our inaugural year of programs and develop year-round opportunities for performing arts education for all ages.

Artistic:

Underwrite our 2022 community theatre season of two plays and one musical: funds for licensing, scripts, costumes, set design and construction. Underwrite artist fees for live music presentations and family programming.

Technical: 

Recruit and hire a dedicated part-time technical manager to provide audio and lighting for music, theatre, film and speaker presentations; hire and train freelance technical support; and keep up-to-date with technical advancements and needs.

Operational:

Provide for a professional freelance grant writer to regularly pursue a number of operational and programming foundation grants.

 

Be a part of our $75,000 Capacity-Building Annual Appeal. These funds will provide us with the opportunity to build a strong 2022 season of quality programming that further enriches our community.

 

Please help us build on the success of our reopening and make a gift to support our plans for ongoing programming at The Waldo.

 

With gratitude,

​

Keri Lupien 

Board President

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