2017 Annual Report

THE 1932 CRITERION THEATRE 2017 Annual Report

Tamara Crowley, Director 35 Cottage St. | PO Box 642 Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-0829

 

The 1932 Criterion Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

Table of Contents Letter from the Board President………………………3 Board Members………………………………………..4-7 Year at a Glance………………………………………..8 Memberships…………………………………………..9-10 How You Can Help……………………………………11 Business Supporters……………………………………12 Letter from the Executive Director…………………….13 Year in Review………………………………………….14-16 Expense Report………………………………………..17 Staff……………………………………………………18 Behind the Scenes……………………………………..19-20

Letter from Board President Richard Cleary

Eighty-five years ago on June 6, 1932, the opening of The Criterion was a stellar night in Bar Harbor. Arsene Lupin and five Vaudevillian acts christened the new stage while audiences watched from beneath the ornate chandelier and Art Deco detailing.

Before long, The Criterion became the center of upscale entertainment activity for summer residents.

Flash forward to 2017. A lot has changed, but the unique architecture and beauty of The Criterion remains. The theatre continues to host amazing entertainment all year long, even in the depths of winter. This past season, the theatre welcomed amazing talent to its stage including David Crosby, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Los Lobos, Robert Cray and Clint Black, and also hosted local groups such as Barn Arts Collective, Acadia Community Theater and Birch Bay Retirement Village.

Thanks to the generosity of Karol Foss, a new elevator has been installed to assist everyone in taking in the full Criterion experience.

From the Board, I want to thank you for your support and patronage. With that support, we can all look forward to The Criterion Theatre’s next 85 years!

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Criterion Board of Directors Richard Cleary, President, could be said to have a true love affair with The Criterion. His first time here was when he was on a date with Elsie Flemings, now his wife. They were both serving in the Maine Legislature and the show that night was a special screening of Bull Durham, with actors Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon also attending. Later, Richard (a lawyer by trade) served on the real estate transaction to save our historic building and became increasingly interested in ensuring its future. His hopes for the theatre? “What is happening now – community excitement and involvement as the Criterion continues to grow.”

Carrie Jones, Vice President, is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of the Need series, Flying series, and Time Stoppers series, which takes place on Mount Desert Island. She is a distinguished alum of Vermont College’s MFA Program, founder of the Bar Harbor Kids Book Festival, public relations chair of Zone 24 in Rotary International and once was in a song and dance company with Sarah Silverman. She joined the Criterion Board because of her love of theatre as a community gathering place, as well as her love for the arts.

Steve Parady, Treasurer, grew up in Northeast Harbor where he developed “a lifetime of fond memories of movies and events at the Criterion.”

Following college and his law degree, he came back to MDI to raise his own family in his home community. With a deep knowledge of finances, Steve is an ideal person to help steer the theatre. “My goal is to financially position the theatre so that it can be a year round integral part of our Island community.”

Steve has worked for First National Bank for the last 20 years and is an EVP of the bank as well as the Senior Trust Officer of First Advisors, the trust and investment division of the bank.

Stephen Leiser, Secretary, grew up here in Bar Harbor and was drawn to The Criterion by his passion for the arts. He serves on the Board “in order to help bring life into the Criterion through live performance and movies.” Stephen brings a sense of joy to the details of running a theatre and hopes to establish The Criterion as a destination!

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Steven Boucher, Clerk, grew up in Seal Harbor. He enjoys hiking in nearby Acadia National Park and spending time with his wife, two yellow labs, and golden retriever. Steven is a real estate broker at Acadia Cornerstone Real Estate. He is also an avid volunteer with local nonprofits such as the Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary Club, where he currently serves as president. He is, perhaps, the world’s most enthusiastic participant in all things silly at The Criterion.

Jodi Baker, a professor of performing arts at College of the Atlantic, fell in love with The Criterion at first sight. “The moment I walked inside, I was pretty obsessed with its revival. I'd love to help initiate a season of touring contemporary theatre and dance. I'd also love to hear great speakers and artist talks. I think the more live music we can host in there, the better, as well as a great mix of films; new and old, foreign and domestic. I’m especially inspired to see the theatre welcoming kids and students of all ages for classes, workshops, their own performances, etc. and would love to see those programs fueled, organized, and sewn distinctly into the fabric of each season.”

Michael Boland is known about town as a businessman and restauranteur, but he also has a long history with the theatre. First as an owner, having purchased the building from the legendary BJ Morison, and then as the architect of its revival. “As the founder of the nonprofit that operates and owns The Criterion, my goal was to bring more arts to the island and to create several stable, year-round jobs in the arts.”

Shane Ellis is the sales and marketing director at Ellis Boat Company and he grew up on MDI. He is delighted that he and his wife are raising their four fantastic kids here. “Being a performer and educator, I am naturally drawn to the stage. The Criterion provides amazing opportunities for artists as well as audience members. I am drawn to the concept of having a thriving artistic community with a vibrant location for performance and entertainment.”

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Nia Luck is a credit analyst with First National Bank. She grew up in New Jersey before moving to Maine with her husband and two children in 1999. She was first drawn to The Criterion while watching her daughter Samantha perform on stage, but has enjoyed many shows since then including the Bull Durham screening and each live opera performance. “Our island was blessed with such a cultural asset. We have to ensure it’s available to future generations. All people, especially our youth, grow intrinsically richer when exposed to the arts.” Nia splits her time between Dallas, TX and MDI and when not attending theater performances enjoys taking long hikes with her dogs and reading.

Sheridy Olson is extremely proud to be a part of the board this year.

Her

passion for the arts, specifically dance and theatre, began when she was a little girl. She danced all over New England for 13 years before attending the University of Maine as a Theatre major with a minor in Dance. Now, she is the owner and founder of Destination Health, a wellness studio in downtown Bar Harbor. Sheridy looks forward to helping grow a strong membership program at The Criterion. She lives on Mount Desert Island with her husband and two sons.

Maryanne Mattson, a CPA with her own practice in Bar Harbor, has always loved the beauty of The Criterion. She has extensive experience working with small businesses and nonprofits throughout the United States. “I am excited about all of the creativity, history, and art that is part of The Criterion. The theatre has taken major steps forward and I eagerly anticipate being a part of the wave of growth and community involvement. This is a great theatre that is stepping into a new beginning full of endless possibilities.”

Nicholas Schoeder, a freelance photographer and boat captain, splits his time between Boston, Massachusetts and Bar Harbor, where he has summered throughout his life. “I grew up going to The Criterion. It was always a special treat to sit in the loge seats. As a member of the Board, I am eager to assist in the growth and continuation of such a great historical landmark.”

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Chris White was born and raised in Bar Harbor and is a fourth generation builder with R.L. White & Sons. Growing up with the former Criterion owner’s daughter, he was fortunate to attend many birthday parties at the theatre. Now, as a new board member, he looks forward to using his background in building to maintain one of the most prominent structures in town. When not working Chris enjoys golfing, mountain biking, traveling and spending time at his family’s camp on Beech Hill Pond.

Thom Willey, a born and raised resident of Southwest Harbor, is a natural for The Criterion. A member of the American Cinematographer's Guild since 1990, Willey has traveled the States working as a camera assistant in motion pictures and television.

"I knew film was in my future since the sixth grade. In high school, when Back to the Future premiered, I viewed the film five times at The Criterion. I was hooked. I'm proud to be a board member of The Criterion, and to help keep not only my memories alive, but create them for future generations." Outside of his board work, Thom continues as a camera assistant and documentary filmmaker with his most recent film Rhythms of the Heart and current film in production, The Calvineers, all the while a brewer's assistant for Atlantic Brewing here on MDI.

Jeff Young grew up in Hall Quarry and after attending college in other areas of Maine, he returned home to start his building business and family. After spending 20 years solely in the building business, Jeff was ready for a change. He and his wife Jena opened Side Street Cafe in 2009 and the restaurant business has offered him just the variety he was looking for. He is still a full-time general contractor while helping to maintain and grow both Side Street and Thrive Juice Bar & Kitchen.

Honorary Board Members Bill Ferm 7

Karol Foss

Year at a Glance

51 19 11 10 5

Movies including 21 classics/retro, 25 first-run/recent releases, 4 documentaries and 1 festival. 20 of these films were sponsored by 11 different local businesses and 2 documentaries were locally made.

Live concerts including legends David Crosby, Robert Cray and Los Lobos, internationally renowned classical and jazz musicians, such as Laszlo Gardony, and Nilson Matta, and 5 Maine-grown bands, such as Ghost of Paul Revere, and Chris Ross and the North.

Venue rentals by local businesses and organizations or individuals including MDI Hospital, Witham Family Hotels, Birch Bay Retirement Village, and Acadia Fire Soccer.

Family shows including 17 performances of Barn Arts Collective’s original adaptation of Pinocchio, 4 performances by Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, and 1 student-geared performance by Bangor Symphony Orchestra.

Theatre/Comedy/Lectures including Acadia Community Theater performances, Acadia Night Sky Festival keynote speaker, and a Fire of ‘47 panel discussion.

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Active members including 20 business members.

Active volunteers help with tickets, ushering, popcorn, administrative tasks, and hanging event posters.

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2017 Members The Herringbone Club Abbott, Eden Abbott, Jeff Astle, Mike Bacon, Wells Bailey, Robert Ball, Jason Barry, Kimberly Beallor-Snyder, Susan Bertothy, Marie Boyle, Michelle Brechlin, Earl Bridgford, Peter & Celeste Buchala, Marianne Burnham, Jeffrey Campbell, Michael Carter, Katrina Catlin-Leguko, Cinnamon Chace, Heather Clair, Alice Clendaniel, Dianne Colburn, Kenneth Coston, Pat Cough, Ann Couturier, Norm Cranson, Denis Cullens, Christiane Cummings, Sabrina Cunningham, Beth Davis, Karen Disston, Charlotte Doyle, Rita Dunbar, Kaylah Dundon, Ann Dunn, Penny Dunn, Jeffrey Ellis, Noelle Farnsworth, Pamela Flood, Laurie Fogg, Cynthia Forbis, Jill

Forrest, Greg Gibbons, Jack Gonyea, Michael Graham, Deborah Grandgent, Gail Greatorex, Paula Growald, Eileen & Paul Hall, Sarah Hamilton, Susan Hatch, Mr. & Mrs. Ed Hatch, Lena Hayes, Keri Haynes, Bill Heiniger, Anna B. Hepburn, Melissa Higgins, Martha Hill, Jon Holler, Margaret Hopkins, LauraLee Iuro-Damon, Rose Johnson, Laura Kane, Vicki Keene, Barbara Keough, Christina Kelly, Regina Kinnon, Butch Kirby, Sheila Kosiba, Joseph Littlefield, Wendy Logee, Jeffrey Logue, Barbara Luck, Julius Macleod, Kathy Mahaney, Lesley Marshall, Maurice Mayne, Susan Martin, Jeff & Leanne Massie, Beth McClure, Michael

McKenney, Jeannie McLaughlin, Richard Mcvay, Sally Moore, Lewis Morehouse, Matt Mundy, Peter Mydland, Todd Myers, Janet Nealis-Albee,Rebecca Neilly, Barbara Odom, Shannon Packie, Tammy Perkins, Gary Philbrook, Deane Phillips, Eileen Phillips, Kimberly Princell, Catherine Pryor, Caroline Rea, Fred & Rosamond Reece, Elizabeth Robbins, Isaac Roos, Kelly Rosenberg, Tina Rubel, Malcolm Rump, Patricia Salsbury, Vicki Santerre, Juli Shea, Michele Shlaes, Noah Smallidge, Margaret Smith, Mark Smith, Sally Soper, Brian Soper, Christine Speece, Fred Staples, Debra St Amour, John St Louis, David

Strout, Janice Swann, Anne Suitor, John Sweeney, Nancy Thayer, Ed Townley, Mary D. Unvala, Sheila Vicnaire, Michelle Viner, Brant Vroom, Vicki Wade, Lois Wallace, Allyson Walston, Stephanie Washburn, Linda Weber, Jill Williams, Martha Willey, Thom Woodside, Kathleen

The Box Office Club Albert, Enoch Anastasia, Christie Beam, Marjorie Beaulier, James Boucher, Steven Boulger, Lynn Broom, Sharon Carignan, Sherri Chandler, Kenn Cheston, Julia Clark, Timothy Clifford, Robert Corbani, Lori Cornell, Stephen DelVecchio, Angela Dobbs, Jefferson Donovan, Shaun Evans, Clarice Fremont-Smith, Fran

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Gilmartin, Starr Glover, Bobby Goodwin, Leslie Gormley, Nina & Jonathan Gousse, Marc Graber, Joel Haggstrom & Cressler, Susan and Deborah Hammond, Scott Hendricks, Laura Herchenrider, MW Higgins, Tasha Homer, Nancy and Stephen Hughes, Jennifer Jones, Carrie Koffman, Joanna & Ted Kong, Dolores Kupiec, Karen

Luck, Virginia Lunt, Benjamin Lyles, Richard Macauley, John MacPike, Arthur and Barbara Madell, Michael Maser, Richard Moya, Frank O’Brien, Patrick Osann, Richard Oxman, Gigi Paine, C.W. Eliot Partridge, Kathy Peters, Bruce Rand, Roger Roseberry, Jeff Scattoloni, Sabatino Schwartz, Mary

Shapiro, Rob and Colleen Shopland, Lindsay Simard, Curtis Spartichino, Christine Sprague, Stephen Stevens, Bruce Sven, Kare Tierney, Patricia Towne, Terry Trevett, Jenifer Tully, Clare Welch, Heidi Williams, Lynne Zimmerman, Sarah

The Gilt Club Bell, Katherine Boucher, Thomas and Unn Cleaves, Sarah Crikelair, Tom Dewalt, Deborah Donahue, Micah Ellis, Shane Foshay, Don Jr. Jerey, Margaret Kase, Liz Knight, Cornell & Kathryn Leiser, Gail Leiser, Stephen Lindsey, Celeste

McGee, Sam Parker, Richard Parady, Sean Raimondo, Lynne Rales, Mitchell Rion, Rachel Roopenian, Shari Samuel, Roger Schoeder, Nicholas Shaw, Robert Stevenson, Chris Swan, Kimberly Thrope, Georey Wrobel, Rena

The Marquee Club Beaupre, Stephen Beard, Ronald Boland, Michael Burnett, Nick Buccello, Patricia and David Cleary, Richard Dudley, Lucinda Gallitano, David Graizzaro, Bruno Graves, Nancy E.

Not-So-Red Carpet Club Parady, Steven Schoeder, Nanette

Hochman, Matthew Hennigan, Lois Mattson, Maryanne Parker, David Raab, Susan Stubbs, Lance Thompson, Peter

The Stage Club Bordeaux, Charlotte

*List includes only individuals with active memberships from 1/1/2017-12/31/2017

Thank you to all of our members for their continued support!

New 2018 Membership Program!

Starting January 1, 2018, individuals can choose between three levels of annual membership ($60, $120 & $360) and receive perks such as movie vouchers, access to ticket presales for live shows and early admission to select live events. A business can choose between four levels, starting at $500 per year, in exchange for its logo on the preshow reel all year and movie or live event sponsorship.

Visit criteriontheatre.org to register or email info@criteriontheatre.org

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How You Can Help Become a Member Member contributions, whether from individuals or businesses, go directly towards supporting day-to-day operations and programming. In exchange, members receive free movie vouchers, access to ticket presale and early admission for select live events. Log on to criteriontheatre.org to register for membership!

I am a member of The Criterion because it is one of the anchors of our island community, where people come together to celebrate the art of moving pictures and live performance... and because this old theatre inspires so many memories and serves as a beacon for good times ahead. -Ron Beard, Criterion member

Make a Donation As a 501(c)(3), the theatre is always gratefully accepting tax deductible donations of any amount. Donations support general day-to-day operations, or can be earmarked for specific projects including historic preservation initiatives, ADA compliance projects, and upgrading equipment.

Email info@criteriontheatre.org or call 207-288-0829 to make a donation.

Volunteer Our growing volunteer base is at the heart of the theatre’s operations. From popping popcorn to ushering, from will-call to decorating for events, there is plenty to help with if you have time to give. Come volunteer on a weekly basis or jump on board during our busier events. Whatever it is you want to do, we’ll help you help us!

Email info@criteriontheatre.org to schedule your first volunteer session!

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BUSINESS MEMBERS Acadia Veterinary Hospital Bar Harbor Chiropractic Bar Harbor Taxi Cleary Law Office Coastal Maine Realty Coston & McIsaac Crooked Porch Coffee Downeast Nature Tours First Advisors

First National Bank Mount Dessert Bakery Steven Boucher, Acadia Cornerstone Real Estate Raab Collection R.L. White & Sons Side Street Cafe Two Crows Printing

*List includes only businesses with memberships active 1/1/2017-12/31/2017

EVENT SPONSORS Acadia Mountain Guides & Climbing School Bayview Hotel Cadillac Mountain Sports Cleary Law Office Diver Ed’s Dive In Theater Down East Nature Tours First Advisors First National Bank LARK Studio Machias Savings Bank MDI Real Estate Mount Dessert Bakery Queen Anne’s Flower Shop Trailhead Cafe

Diver Ed sponsoring a screening of “Jaws” during the summer of 2017.

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Letter from Interim Director Tamara Crowley When I first came to the theater as the Interim Director in May of last year, I had no idea how much fun was ahead of me and how deeply The Criterion is loved and cherished by so many. I have been humbled by so many people sharing very personal memories of their experiences here and I often spend a few minutes alone in the theater a few times a week, absorbing all the history and nostalgia that 85 years creates.

This was the third season as The 1932 Criterion Theatre and our best one yet! We were thrilled to bring the highest caliber of artists to the stage, including music legends David Crosby, Robert Cray, Los Lobos, and Clint Black. We welcomed families and children to puppet shows, carnivals, and theater camps. Working with the local schools, students came to see their own documentaries on the big screen and experienced the feeling of playing with their bandmates onstage. We hosted lectures, important documentaries, and private events. Live theater, new and classic movies, chamber music and world-renowned jazz musicians all graced the stage last year.

The theatre is healthy and thriving in other ways as well. We have grown and matured as an organization and I’m proud that we provide valuable employment for four full-time managers, nine part-time concessions staff and have the support of a dedicated group of volunteers. We also met important financial goals last year that are critical to ensuring continued success. There are new goals and initiatives for 2018 that include a new membership program, fundraising, securing grant dollars, improving sound and light systems (including becoming ADA compliant), continuing to offer diversity in programming, and expanding our outreach to communities. There is so much to do and we’re excited to be doing it!

On a chilly January Friday night, a few weeks ago, the legendary Mavis Staples took the stage for the first time at The Criterion and filled the theatre with a feeling of hope and love and elation. The night was pure magic and I remember looking back at the audience (almost 700 strong!) while they smiled, clapped, cheered and danced - all of them having the same amazing experience in this beautiful, special place. It is these moments that remind us why we do what we do and inspire us to continue the good work.

The 1932 Criterion Theatre is a cornerstone in the community and our responsibility as good stewards of the building itself and the mission of the theater is an important one for all of us to embrace. It is one of the great joys of my life to do this work and I’m excited about the year ahead and the future of the theater as the heartbeat of a community that embraces it. I invite you to join us on this amazing journey!

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Year in Review Looking back on Criterion programming during 2017, you will notice harmonious movements of monumental growth and deep rooting in community.

One week in October, for example, The Criterion welcomed a local business’s employee recognition ceremony, a public concert by residents of the Birch Bay Retirement Village, legendary country star Clint Black, the Maine-based puppet troupe Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, and a one-night screening of a Halloween cult-film. In just four consecutive days, those events brought over 1,200 people through The Criterion’s doors, many of whom were walking in for the first time.

Once the floors were swept and the stage reset, our management team stopped to reflect on that whirlwind of a week. To us, it perfectly encapsulated what The Criterion’s 85th anniversary year had taught us; our venue is versatile and full of potential, our staff is dedicated, ambitious and efficient in meeting the demands of a busy and diverse programming schedule, and our audiences and local businesses are excited to help us usher the theatre into a bright future.

A Year in Films Throughout the year, The Criterion screened over 50 films including 25 first-run or recent releases such as Rogue One, Hacksaw Ridge, Manchester by the Sea, Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dunkirk, The Big Sick, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. In between first-run programming and live events The Criterion booked several successful “retro-film” runs including a Hitchcock series in April, a Spielberg series in July, and a one-night-only screening of Lawrence of Arabia. In an effort to involve more local businesses and off-set movie licensing costs, 20 of those retro-run films were

Costume-clad community members parade down Cottage Street before the Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiere. Photo: Carrie Jones

sponsored by 11 local businesses. Mountainfilm On Tour, an internationally touring environmental-focused film festival, once again made its only Maine stop at The Criterion drawing nearly 200 people. The event was followed a few days later by a free screening open to local students. Four documentaries screened throughout the year including The Fire of ‘47, produced by Bar Harbor Historical Society and directed by Mount Desert Island High School alumnus, Peter Logue. This historic film told the story of the legendary fire’s impact on MDI through firsthand accounts and archival footage. The local response was tremendous. Both the premiere on October 1 and the additional encore screening sold out. The Criterion then opened during a weekday, allowing hundreds of local students to watch the film, and scheduled a third screening at the end of November to make sure all community members were able to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this historic local event.

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A Year in Family Programming

A Year in Live Events

With help from grants from the Lynam Foundation and New England Foundation of the Arts, The Criterion presented a variety of family programming to the community. Barn Arts Collective once again hosted its summer-long show at the theatre; its original musical adaptation of Pinocchio drew nearly 1,000 people from July to September. Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers performed four times with Everybody Loves Pirates, Legend of the Banana Kid, Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow and The Grinch. In addition, visiting children’s group The Gottabees presented an engaging and comical performance of Squirrel Stole My Underpants. Aside from children’s performances, The Criterion opened the theatre to schools and local organizations for special screenings and events including The Middle School Shakespeare Project’s Hamlet performance, Summer Festival of the Arts’ Beauty and the Beast, a student workshop hosted by Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and Conners-Emerson School’s holiday chorus concert. Families came together to bid farewell to 2017 with a lively New Year’s Eve Spectacular Carnival by Barn Arts Collective.

Undoubtedly, The Criterion made its biggest strides in diversifying music programming throughout 2017.

Nineteen separate musical acts performed throughout the year with five Maine-grown bands among them. The list of acts included Ghost of Paul Revere, Bella’s Bartok, David Crosby, Chris Ross and the North, Lori McKenna, Bar Harbor Music Festival’s Don Pasquale, Samba Meets Jazz, Laszlo Gardony Jazz Trio, Brett Dennen, Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet, Los Lobos, Robert Cray and Clint Black. The sheer number and demanding nature of these acts inspired great teamwork and growth as management, staff, and volunteers worked together to fulfill the performance requirements efficiently and professionally and to ensure quality performances for thousands of attendees. In other live programming, The Criterion brought Ian Harvie to the stage, a Maine native and comedian from Emmyaward winning show Transparent. It also hosted Acadia Community Theater’s spring musical Shrek, and hosted educational lectures and discussions for the Acadia Night Sky Festival and North Atlantic Fire Science Exchange.

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A Year Behind the Scenes

The Year Ahead

It was year three for the non-profit 1932 Criterion, but the 85th year for the historic space. This anniversary allowed for celebration and deep reflection about all the theatre had given the community in past years and its growing potential as a historic arts space.

In April, Heather Martin stepped down as Executive Director to complete her Master’s degree. The board of directors hired Tamara Crowley as an Interim Director. As programming increased in both prestige and quantity, the theatre solidified its team with four full-time managers, nine part-time concessions staff, four new board members, and eight new volunteers. At the end of 2017, The Criterion had a total number of 267 active individual members and 20 business members, over double the figures at the end of 2016. The Criterion received grants from Maine Arts Commission, Lynam Family Foundation, and New England Foundation for the Arts.

Thanks to the generosity of Karol Foss and the hard work of R.L. White & Sons, an elevator was installed in the theatre’s lobby, providing easy access to the balcony for all patrons and kickstarting movements toward increasing inclusivity.

As The Criterion continues to build off the success of the past year, it is looking ahead at a 2018 full of promise and expansion. The board of directors and management are already focusing their efforts on upgrading the sound and lighting system, building an office space, improving efficiency of the online ticket and seating system, diversifying programming by bringing more music, comedy, dance, theater, speakers, and children’s programming.The Criterion hopes to secure grant funding for historic preservation, ADA compliance and programming initiatives, revamp membership options for both individuals and businesses, and double membership numbers. The fulfillment of all of these goals depends on the continued support of the community through donations, membership, business involvement, and volunteering.

Thank you all for a truly momentous 2017; we look forward to many more years together, bringing a vibrant arts scene to the region and beyond.

Above: Volunteers and staff dedicate a winter Saturday to historic poster organizing.

Moviegoers gather outside The Criterion after the sold-out screening of Fire of ’47. Photo: Maine Magazine

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2017 CRITERION FINANCIALS INCOME

EXPENSES

Box Office

$393, 726.79

Operating Costs

$39,459.57

Concessions

$97,229.84

Advertising

$44,484.05

Donations/Grants

$126,863.50

Office Expenses

$10,745.07

Memberships

$20,165.00

Payroll

$206,488.85

Tenant Rentals

$52,943.82

Minor Equipment

$332.77

Revenue/Advertising

$375.00

Professional Fees

$7,761.00

Venue Rentals

$2,937.50

Repairs/Maintenance

$9,858.42

Other

$907.99

Taxes

$19,608.51

TOTAL INCOME

$695,149.44

Hospitality

$6,419.99

Utilities

$33,208.81

Subcontractors

$1,128.49

TOTAL EXPENSES

$379,495.53

Cost of Goods

$320,579.98

Gross Profit

$374,569.46

2018 Project Wish List Upgrade sound and light systems Install ADA compliant assistive listening devices Continue historic preservation of memorabilia Renovate office space

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Criterion Staff Tamara Crowley, Interim Director, grew up in Lamoine and has deep love for Acadia National Park and the many coastal communities in the area. It was this love, and strong family ties, that brought her back to the area after more than 20 years "being away.” Time in the U.S. Navy and a successful career in creative leadership and sustainable business development took her all over the world where she nurtured a passion for food, spices, music, old churches, and other ancient sacred places.When she isn't at the theater, she loves discovering treasures at auctions and flea markets, working in her gardens and relentlessly begging her husband for another rescue dog. Tamara shares her Hancock Point home with her husband Andrew, her eleven-year-old son Austin, three rescue dogs, one cat, six chickens, a forty-pound pet turkey named Thunder Chicken, and two hermit crabs.

"I believe the Criterion is absolutely the heart of us. We are nurturing the arts and the creative spirit of our communities. It’s a special place and it’s thriving again.”

Chuck Colbert, Production Manager, grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, but was “called to come to the Criterion by Fate and self-determination conspiring to present me with a job I had dreamed of for many years.” Chuck is the man you see running the boards, loading the films, and generally keeping the place functional and the performers happy. “I want to be the glue that allows the Criterion to be the voice and home of stories of lives lived and loves lost, of all of humanity’s hopes and dreams, and of life’s frustrations and challenges. Stories told and feelings shared of our common humanity.” When he’s not at the theatre, which is rare, chances are he is serving as a firefighter, caring for our elders, or playing guitar - all with his partner Toby whenever possible.

Kristin Leffler, Community Outreach Manager, Development Associate, joined The Criterion team in May 2016 to learn the ins and outs of non-profit arts management. As an award-winning film and radio documentarian, she knows the unifying power stories can have and sees great potential at The Criterion to gather and share the community’s memories in order to build support, engagement, and stewardship of this historic arts space. Formerly the Media Manager, Kristin now focuses on building the membership program, organizing volunteers, increasing business support and drafting artist contracts. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking around MDI, mastering board games, dancing around her kitchen, and reading as much as possible.

Nathanael Lee, Concessions and Hospitality Manager, Film Curator, grew up in Bar Harbor and is truly honored to be a part of this beautiful historic theatre's rebirth and continual growth in the community! You'll recognize Nathanael as the tall man that often comes to work at the theatre wearing bowties. When he isn't practicing throwing boomerangs, juggling, or spontaneously dancing, he is probably deeply engrossed in watching a film! Nathanael would like to give a little shout out to his concession staff for being absolutely incredible during the big live music nights this past summer.

Zachary Taibi, Marketing and Box Office Manager, was raised in New York, but fell in love with Mount Desert Island when he enrolled at College of the Atlantic. As a student, Zach worked concessions for The Criterion. Now a graduate, he’s excited to continue being a part of this community and support the theatre in his new role.

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Behind the Scenes

Clockwise: Local students gather for a screening of Fire of ’47. Barn Arts Collective’s Brittany Parker greets fans after a summer performance of Pinocchio. The finished product of the upstairs elevator lobby. Manager Kristin Leffler uses the snowbank to her advantage while changing the vintage marquee letters.

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Clockwise: Fiddler Michael Doucet from BeauSoleil performs an August show for an enthusiastic crowd.

Comedian Ian Harvie meets with local high school students before his performance in June. Country star Clint Black serenades a packed house during his October show. The chandelier comes down for a spring cleaning.

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