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Notes from the Artistic Director:

Only in a small town…

… Could one have a community theater company that is comprised of about 10 percent of the city’s population.

… Could one have a community theater company that has actors aged 1 1⁄2 to 83 in the same production working (literally) hand in hand.

… Could one have community theater board members of 20 years standing working with those of two months standing.

… Could one have a community theater which garners such respect that major foundations are consistently willing to offer their support.

… Could one have a community theater whose small donors are the ones who provide 40 percent of the annual budget.

… Could one have a community theater where major actors and playwrights are proud to see their work presented to audiences of 70 and come to attend a performance.

… Could one find a community theater with hundreds of volunteers, many unseen, who work tirelessly just for the joy of creating a live, homegrown theatrical experience.

Welcome to our small town, Belfast, Maine and to the Belfast Maskers, your organically grown, hometown community theater.

Aynne Ames,
Artistic Director
Belfast Masker

Photo of Aynne Ames

Aynne Ames, Artistic Director for the Belfast Maskers, would be happy to answer any questions you may have concerning the Maskers. Just send an e-mail to maskers@roadrunner.com, with the subject “Notes from the Director.”

In this era of buying locally, eating locally, working locally may we also suggest giving locally? This in no way means one should be discouraged from giving to the larger picture but just as we need to support local agriculture and local business, we also need to support local organizations, especially non profits. The pool of money from agencies and foundations which give to non profits is not drying up but they are being asked to take on more of what had been government responsibilities which means there is less to go around. As, in large part due to oil prices, we try to save money by traveling less we might want to remember that also means our entertainment, education, and edification has to be somewhat more local. With the “charity begins at home” model in mind we would hope that during these challenging economic times, when you give what you can, that you think locally so that we can continue to sustain the rich, vibrant life which is available in our locale.

- Aynne Ames