Brian P. Allen, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Good Theater at The Hill Arts on March 3, 2024 on Munjoy Hill.

“Good Theater is the theater-in-residence at the Stevens Square Theater on the campus of the former McAuley High School,” were the welcome opening lines of an August mass mailing to Theater supporters.  The one-page letter signed by Artistic Director Brian P. Allen detailed the future  plans for the Theater since it moved from its lnng-time  Munjoy Hill  home  to a new performance center at the Stevens Square Theater.

The loss of Good Theater’s lease  at The Hill Arts on Munjoy Hill  was announced at the March 3, 2024 production of “A Man of no Importance.”  It was a performance that this blogger attended and reported herein  on at that  time..

The new performance center at the former McAuley High School, 631 Stevens Avenue will seat 200, which is more than double the size of its former home  at The Hill Arts, 76 Congress Street.   There is also a spacious parking lot in front of the theater with parking available on Stevens Avenue itself, unlike its former Hlll home where street parking could be challenging at times..The letter points out that there are no stairs to climb either up to the theater itself or to the batthrooms below. A permanent snack shop is located on the first floor as well as the bathrooms and Theater itself.  It’s easy access for all yout needs while at the Theater in a spacious and attracative lobby area.

An extensive renovation is well under way.  That includes a new sound system, lighting equipment, curtains and accoustical materials  to create a perfect performance space for your enjoyment.  There will be a gala event in the spring of 2025 with the inaugural Theater season set for that fall.T

The Theater will also manage the Stevens Square Theater that will book other events when Good Theater isn’t performing in the spacious auditorium.  With all the added responsibilities, an Executive Director, Gusta Johnson, has been hired to oversee these expansion plans.  An actress with a newly earned MBA, Ms. Johnson has also appeared in several productions at the Good Theater; Lucky Stiff and Desperate Measures.

Steve Underwood, co-founder with Brian Allen,  remains the Theater’s Production Manager.  He will oversee the renovation of the space and then resume creating sets and acting in productions.

But to make all of this come together in time for its inaugural season in the fall of 2025, Mr. Allen has initiated a fundraiser to raise $500,000.  “This is a chance to ensure the longevity of the company and making us a permanet part of Portland’s cultural landscape,” said Artistic Director Allen.

For information on how to financially support the Good Theater you may call 207 – 835-0895 or email:  info@goodtheater.com.  The mailing address is:  PO Box 347, Portland, Maine 04112

For more background information on this relocation from Munjoy Hill to Stevens Avenue, please read post herein dated March 3, 2024.