Schaeffer Theater

- 305 College St, Lewiston, ME 04240

For decades, the Schaeffer Theater has been a cultural cornerstone in Lewiston, Maine, serving as a hub for exceptional performing arts in the region. Nestled on the campus of Bates College, this theater is more than just an auditorium; it is a creative force that brings a wide array of live performances to our community. From compelling student productions by the Department of Theater and Dance to hosting events for the nationally acclaimed Bates Dance Festival, Schaeffer Theater is a vital resource for anyone who appreciates the magic of live performance. Its role as a host for both college-affiliated and outside theatrical groups ensures a dynamic and ever-changing calendar of events, providing something for every taste, whether you're a fan of dance, drama, or music.

Named in honor of Lavinia Miriam Schaeffer, a beloved teacher of speech and dramatic arts at Bates College for over three decades, the theater embodies a legacy of dedication to the arts. This rich history is evident in the quality of the productions and the talent that graces its stage. The Schaeffer Theater is known for its proscenium-style house, a classic stage setup that provides a traditional and immersive viewing experience. While some audience members have noted that the seating can feel somewhat close, a consistent point of praise is that there is "not a bad seat in the house," and the view of the stage is "great from nearly everywhere." This design ensures that every patron feels connected to the performance, regardless of where they are seated. Beyond the main stage, the building is a complete performing arts complex, housing a media and technology loaning center, full set-construction and costume workshops, and even a Black Box Theater, which is home to many student-directed productions.

The Schaeffer Theater is committed to making the performing arts accessible to everyone. The venue’s location at 305 College Street in Lewiston, ME 04240, USA, makes it a convenient destination for residents of Lewiston, Auburn, and the wider Maine community. The theater is situated on the Bates College campus, which is a well-known and easily navigated area. For visitors with mobility needs, the theater provides essential accessibility features. These include a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all patrons can attend performances comfortably and without difficulty. This dedication to inclusivity is a testament to the theater's mission to serve as a public space for the entire community to enjoy.

Navigating to the theater is straightforward, with clear signage on the college campus. Its location as part of the vibrant Bates College community means it is not just a destination for a show but an opportunity to explore a beautiful and historic campus. The proximity to local amenities in Lewiston and Auburn also makes it easy for attendees to plan a full evening out, whether it’s for a family outing or a date night. The combination of a central location and thoughtful accessibility features makes the Schaeffer Theater a top choice for live entertainment in the region.

The services offered at Schaeffer Theater are focused on providing a comprehensive and high-quality live performance experience. The venue supports a variety of productions and events, contributing significantly to the cultural life of the area. Key services and offerings include:

• Hosting major productions from the Bates College Department of Theater and Dance.
• Serving as a primary venue for events during the internationally recognized Bates Dance Festival.
• Presenting performances by outside theatrical groups and guest artists, offering a diverse range of shows.
• Providing a complete performing arts facility, including a full set-construction and costume workshops.
• Serving as a space for student-directed productions in the Black Box Theater.
• Operating a media and technology loaning center for students and faculty.
• Offering a venue for live performances that are open to the public.

The theater's multifaceted role as both an academic facility and a public performance space ensures a constant flow of engaging and high-caliber events. Whether it's a student-written play, a professional touring dance company, or a musical performance, the Schaeffer Theater is the stage for a wide variety of artistic expression.

What sets Schaeffer Theater apart are its unique features and highlights that enhance the overall patron experience. These attributes make it a special and highly valued part of the Lewiston-Auburn arts scene.

• Live Performances: The theater is a dedicated venue for live performances, offering an authentic and engaging experience that cannot be replicated on screen. The energy of a live show, whether it's modern dance or a musical, is a major draw for audiences.
• Great Sightlines: As noted by attendees, the theater is designed to provide excellent views of the stage from nearly every seat. This ensures that every member of the audience has a clear and unobstructed view of the performance, making for a truly immersive experience.
• Welcoming to All Ages: The venue is recognized as being "good for kids," making it a fantastic destination for families who want to introduce their children to the world of live theater and dance. The wide variety of shows, from dramatic plays to dynamic dance productions, means there's often something suitable for younger audiences.
• Comprehensive Accessibility: With a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, the theater demonstrates its commitment to making the arts available to everyone, including those with mobility challenges. Additionally, the availability of clean and accessible toilets on-site adds to the comfort and convenience for all visitors.
• Senior Pricing: The availability of senior pricing for certain performances, as mentioned in customer reviews, is a great feature that makes live entertainment more affordable and accessible for older members of the community, encouraging a wider audience to attend.

For more information on upcoming shows, tickets, or general inquiries, you can contact the Schaeffer Theater. The physical address is 305 College Street, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA. You can also reach the theater's box office and administrative staff by phone at (207) 786-6161. Keeping the community informed is a priority, and the theater’s contact information is readily available to ensure that you can easily get details on show times, ticket prices, and any special events. The helpful staff can assist you in planning your visit and making your experience at the theater as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Choosing to attend a performance at Schaeffer Theater is a decision to support and engage with the vibrant performing arts community in Maine. What is truly worth choosing about this venue is its dual identity as a professional stage and a learning environment. The theater’s connection to Bates College ensures that it benefits from a constant infusion of new talent and creative energy from the Department of Theater and Dance. This collaboration results in a diverse range of high-quality productions, from a dance performance with a modern and traditional fusion, as one reviewer noted, to musical and theatrical events. Despite some seats being described as close, the consistently great views from all locations more than compensate, ensuring a positive viewing experience. It's a place where you can witness the future of performance art in our state and see seasoned professionals alike. For anyone in the Lewiston-Auburn area seeking a memorable cultural outing, Schaeffer Theater offers a reliable and enriching experience, providing top-tier live entertainment that feels both professional and deeply rooted in our local community.

Schaeffer Theater

305 College St, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA