BANGOR, Maine — The Penobscot Theatre Company is struggling financially and looking to the community for support.
“Since coming out of the pandemic, American theater has been in crisis due to low ticket sales, low subscription numbers, and we're no different,” said Jen Shepard, the theater company's executive director.
The theater company, in its 50th season, is facing a $200,000 deficit. Shepard said they have cut the budget of their latest show, “Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play,” by $17,000, and come up with solutions like using recycled materials for their set.
“The entire design team really rallied around how can we use the resources we have to make a strong impact,” artistic director Jonathan Berry said.
Such issues are not only affecting the Penobscot Theatre Company, but the arts and culture scene in Bangor as a whole. Betsy Lundy, executive director of the Downtown Bangor Partnership, said her organization is working to secure a grant for the city to promote the arts.
“The goal is to market this location as a place for people who enjoy those things to come and then to push them out into the organizations individually,” Lundy said.
The Penobscot Theatre Company is hoping people can chip in to help them continue for seasons to come by seeing the shows, becoming subscribers, or donating.
“I'm a true believer in the art of theater and the power of that,” Berry said. “I believe if we can get people through the door, they'll be reminded of that and that's gonna be an experience they're going to want to hang onto and continue with.”
Berry and Shepard are hopeful the community will continue to show their support.
“We all tend towards looking for connection and I think that's what will pull us out of this situation,” Shepard said.
“Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play” runs through May 5.