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The GRAND Theater downtown Ellsworth

feature by Ki y Stolzenbach

The Grand Theater is the cornerstone of downtown Ellsworth. The theater originally opened in 1938 with a flashy marquee and
and was jam-packed, to a newly rebuilt downtown. This is just what Ellsworth needed after being hit hard by the depression and a
fire that destroyed nearly 130 buildings a few years earlier. Since then, the Grand has been through several reincarnations, and several
owners.

The HCAA, (Hancock County Auditorium Associates) a nonprofit, was formed in 1975 by Harris Strong and other enthusiastic
community members to purchase and save the Grand. Strong was a local gallery owner who was also very involved in the theater
community. He recognized the value of the theater to Ellsworth and invested in repairs and upgrades through the HCAA. The Grand
soon began having theatrical and musical performances again, including Paul Stooky of Peter, Paul and Mary. Strong and his friend,
Elizabeth Beatty, formed the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Maine in 1976. The GSSME is now in its 42nd season of award-winning
performances with a full orchestra and chorus, off-season operettas that bring the theater to those who may not otherwise be able to
attend, including youth education and outreach programs.
The Grand began offering its Performing Arts for Children (PAC) program in the early 1980s, providing a creative environment
for children to learn and express their theatrical abilities. The Grand has a Summer Theater Intensive program where students learn
all aspects of theater including the basics such as acting and voice, as well as puppetry, stage combat, directing, mask making, and
much more. Vacation camp classes are offered year-round. Scholarships are available.

The Grand now offers entertainment of all kinds to the Ellsworth and Down East community. The theater has the best projection
system in the region for showing films – both newer releases and classics. The Grand also brings The Met Live – operas as they hap-
pen live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City – right to downtown Ellsworth. The Grand even offers a night at the Boston
Opera House. Attendees take a motor coach bus to Boston to have dinner and see a Broadway show.

The Grand has recently partnered with LaunchPad, a nonprofit arts incubator focused on developing the creative and arts economy
of Maine by bringing live music performances and other events. You can get more information about all the events at The Grand on
its website www.thegrandonline.org or by calling (207) 667-9500. The theater is located at 165 Main St., in Ellsworth.

Photo by Nicholas Navarre, courtesy of The Grand Theater
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