The Bangor Opera House, home to the theatre, was designed by architect C.P. Crowell and officially opened to the public in 1920.
The venue has served various functions throughout its history, including a long stint as a movie palace before transitioning back to live stage performances.
The Penobscot Theatre Company is the only LORT (League of Resident Theatres) member in the state of Maine.
The building survived the Great Fire of 1911, which destroyed much of the surrounding downtown area, necessitating its later reconstruction and modernization.
The Penobscot Theatre Company is a professional, year-round regional theatre housed in the historic Bangor Opera House, a landmark building dating back to 1920. Located in the heart of downtown Bangor, the company produces a diverse season of contemporary plays, musicals, and holiday classics. As the only year-round professional theatre in northern Maine, it serves as a central hub for the regional performing arts scene. The venue retains historic architectural elements while providing modern acoustic and seating capabilities. Productions range from intimate dramas to large-scale musical performances featuring both local talent and visiting professionals. The organization is a non-profit entity dedicated to fostering theatre education and community outreach. The building itself is noted for its classical revival architectural style, contributing to the city's historic downtown aesthetic.
The historic marquee and the ornate lobby entrance on Main Street.
Book tickets in advance via their website as popular weekend shows frequently sell out.
Visit the theater's online 'Plan Your Visit' page to check for any specific pre-show talks or post-performance talkbacks.
Arrive early to appreciate the historic lobby architecture before being seated.
Do not wait until the day of the performance to purchase tickets, as the intimate nature of the house limits capacity.
Operates year-round with a primary production season running from autumn through early summer; often dark on Mondays.
Smart casual attire is standard for most performances; maintain silence during the production.
