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The Colonial is a signature landmark of Downtown Augusta and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Beginning with silent films and vaudeville acts, the Colonial served as a beacon for culture for the entire Kennebec Valley region from 1913 to 1969. In the 1990s, after many years of neglect, the building was saved from demolition by concerned citizens who became the nonprofit’s founding members.

Today, a renewed effort is underway to restore and operate the theater at the same time Downtown Augusta is experiencing a revitalization. Our capital campaign ACT Now launched in 2016 with a goal of 8.5 million to restore the original theater to its former glory, construct an adjoining building, and set aside funds for two years of operations. To date, nearly three million dollars of our capital campaign goal has been reached through a combination of grant monies, historic tax credits, fundraising efforts and donations.

Major structural repairs including a new roof and sub-floor in the auditorium have been completed and the front façade of the theater was restored to its 1920s appearance.

The theater is owned and operated by the Colonial Theater, Inc. which is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the restoration and operation of the theater for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors to Augusta and the entire state of Maine. Every penny that comes in goes directly to the restoration, preservation and operation of the theater. It belongs to all of us.

Our Board of Directors is all-volunteer and continues the work of bringing this theater back to life for the cultural and economic benefit of Augusta, and for future generations to enjoy. In the spring of 2020, the Colonial announced the hiring of longtime supporter and Augusta-area resident Kathi Wall as interim Executive Director. We are especially grateful for the continued support of community members, business leaders, and to the City of Augusta.

Read Our 2022 Annual Report

Since 1913