The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor recently received a $3,000 grant from the Maine Theater Fund of the Maine Community Foundation (MCF). This grant will assist in ensuring the continuation of opportunities for residents of the Boothbay peninsula region to experience quality performing arts through financial assistance with the operational expenses associated with the production and presentation of live theater.

"This grant will assist us in continuing to bring quality live theater to the Boothbay region peninsula during our 2008 season. We hope to offer the same quality productions as enjoyed with such past favorites as Forever Plaid, Almost Maine, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead!, and Twelfth Night," said Bonnie Stone, Development Officer at the Opera House.

The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor was erected in 1894 by the Knights of Pythias as a civic center for the Boothbay region peninsula. It operated as an active community performing arts center into the 1950s and later served as the old YMCA, the high school gymnasium, and many other varied usages until five years ago when a group of concerned citizens purchased the building to save it from the wrecking ball. It has once again become the performing arts center that its founding fathers envisioned 113 years ago.

The Maine Community Foundation is a statewide organization with offices in Ellsworth and Portland that works in partnership with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine. For more information, visit the foundation's Web site at www.mainecf.org or call toll-free 1-800-6800.