The Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor is closing indefinitely next month — though officials say it is only temporary — for a major project to fix the venue’s deteriorating rear brick wall.
Members of the nonprofit theater’s board declined to go into detail about the cost of the project, or how long it might be closed to address the issue. They said they are waiting on completion of a full engineering report on the condition of the back wall, which faces north and overlooks a parking lot behind the West Street Hotel. That report is expected to provide more detail about the costs and length of the project.
“While we are still awaiting final numbers and contracts to be signed, our team is working diligently to finalize the details of this critical project,” Stephen Leiser, the president of the board, said this week. “We anticipate sharing a complete picture — along with project scope, costs, and timelines — in a formal press release within the next three weeks.”
Leiser said that the board hopes to retain the theater’s small staff while the venue is closed, and to welcome them back after the project is complete.
“Their passion, creativity, and professionalism are essential to what makes this theater so special, and we are doing everything we can to ensure they remain part of our story as we move forward,” Leiser said.
Nicholas Schoeder, the board’s vice president, declined to speculate how much the project might cost. Once the board gets the engineering report and identifies the scope of needed work, it will work to determine how to finance the project, he said.
“There’s not an exact science to that one,” he said of funding sources. “We’re exploring all options.”
Currently, there are no events scheduled at the 750-seat theater beyond Sunday, Jan. 5, when there will be a 6 p.m. showing of the film ‘Mufasa: The Lion King,’ according to the theater’s website.
The Criterion Theatre, like many small-town theaters throughout the country, has faced increasing challenges in recent decades as internet access has vastly increased the amount of online entertainment that people can get at home. Many theaters have become nonprofits and adopted a strategy of offering a wide range of programming — including theatrical productions, live music and private events — as a way to stay afloat.
Built more than 90 years ago, the Criterion Theatre was known for decades for hosting a variety of events. But by the end of the 20th century, it had become solely a summertime movie venue.
A change of ownership in 2001 brought about a new era with diversified programming and a concerted effort to hold events there throughout the year, but challenges remained as subsequent management regimes ran into financial problems, staffing issues and maintenance backlogs.
The Criterion has been run as a nonprofit since 2014, when it was bought by the Bar Harbor Jazz Festival for $1.2 million. At that time, mold remediation and new seats were among the top priorities for the art deco theater.
