About Us
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Supporting Community Performing Arts Application |
About Us
The Criterion Theatre built in 1932 is on
the National Registry of Historic Places. The Theatre has 877 seats.-
- The Criterion Theatre was purchased by Anthony & Erin Uliano in May of
2007 and immediately turned over operation to The Criterion Theatre and
Arts Center, a 501(C)3 non-profit corporation. The Uliano's and
the non-profit signed a 99 year lease and Purchase Agreement, which
allows the non-profit to purchase the theatre from The Uliano's within
10 years for the same price they paid without interest.
The Criterion Theatre and Arts Center mission is to make arts and
theatre more accessible to all on Mount Desert Island and beyond through
diverse programming, workshops, and community events.
- Board of
Directors
-
Jeff Dobbs
Rob Jordan
Nan Lincoln
William Reiff
Duncan Holley
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If
you have any interest in joining any of our committees, please contact us
The Criterion first opened its doors on June 6, 1932, and has served the town of Bar Harbor as a movie palace ever since.
The Criterion was used for vaudeville performances for many years during the heydey of the vaudeville circuit, as well
as motion picture exhibition. The acoustics are excellent, and every aspect of the theatre was designed specifically
for the location, from the light fixtures to the carpets and wall fabrics.
One very special feature of the building is its "floating" balcony, one of a few of its kind. Not only is this
free-hanging structure an architectural feat, it also offers some of the best seating in the house. The balcony is
divided into nine sections (loges) separated from each other with half walls and from the back corridor with velvet
curtains. Originally rented out by the box to the town's wealthy summer residents, these seats are now available to all,
and offer an excellent birdseye view of the screen and stage.
The theatre currently seats 88 upstairs and 789 downstairs.
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