WALDOBORO — The Board of Directors at The Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro is announcing the departure of Executive Director Kate Fletcher.

Fletcher is widely regarded as being instrumental in reopening The Waldo and helping to establish the organization as an up and coming cultural hub in the Midcoast, according to the Board, in a news release.

“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of the renovation, reopening, and rebirth of The Waldo Theatre, a place so cherished by our community, including my own family,” says Fletcher. “I'm grateful to the many volunteers and donors; community supporters and collaborators who have made the new Waldo a reality. So much work was accomplished under unprecedented pandemic conditions, and everyone involved kept the faith and moved us forward in a courageous effort. We've been open to in-person events for a year, and now I'm excited to see where the Board of Directors, dedicated staff, and talented community members can take The Waldo's programming in its next phase of growth. Thank you to the audiences near and far who are embracing the new Waldo!” 

Since her arrival in 2019, Fletcher has enthusiastically joined the ongoing building renovations, and been particularly helpful with the technology innovations now in place, all the while helping to meet programming goals for theatre, music, film, dance, and education. Since the start of 2020, over $450,000 has been donated from individuals, foundations, and businesses to make all of the necessary restoration work possible, including essential technology updates possible. 

“Kate has done an incredible job – astonishing really – and undertook a huge amount of heavy lifting to re-open against all odds. We acknowledge the tremendous effort of operating a performing arts venue while also trying to establish itself in the time of Covid” says Board President, Keri Lupien. “Although we are very sorry to see Kate leave and will miss her dearly, we are forever grateful for the talent, energy, creativity and commitment that she has brought to The Waldo during her tenure. She got us to the very strong and promising position we are in today and we realize that she is now ready to go in a different direction. We are happy for her and the opportunity this presents for her to engage in her many other creative pursuits.” 

“We all have a great deal of gratitude for Kate and are so thankful for the solid foundation that she has helped lay,” adds Board Vice President Liz McGregor. “We are excited to continue to grow The Waldo into a buzzing hub with a variety of offerings that appeals to our local community and beyond. When The Waldo first opened its doors in 1936, it was one of the best designed small theaters in the country and the region’s premiere motion picture cinema. It is such an important landmark and one that deserves to not only serve the community as a theatre and venue, but also to connect the community as a gathering space. The future is so bright and we look forward to welcoming more of our community members and Midcoast visitors through The Waldo’s open doors.”

Ken Stevenson has agreed to step into a full time role as Acting Managing Director through the summer.

“I profoundly believe in The Waldo, in the importance of what we're doing, and how critical each piece of the team is. I am fully aware that I'm stepping into enormous shoes and I look forward to being a bridge to the next chapter of leadership at the Waldo,” says Stevenson.

A teacher at Lincoln Academy, Stevenson has been a board member for several years and has been immeasurably helpful with his gift for organization, inspiration and thoughtfulness. He is a strong supporter of The Waldo’s mission to be a cultural cornerstone that connects, enriches, and entertains the community.

For updates on The WaldoTheatre plans and events, membership and sponsorships, visit waldotheatre.org