Located amidst stately pines and white birch on the western shore of Wesserunsett Lake, Lakewood is the State Theater of Maine and America's oldest and most famous summer theater. Lakewood's tradition is long in years, deep in sentiment, and steadfast in endurance. Now entering its 123rd Season, Lakewood offers exceptional performances of comedies, dramas, musicals, and children's shows from late-May through mid-September. We invite you to experience the excitement of live theater.
Lakewood Theater
Our Mission
We are a non-profit organization made of and for our community, presenting the finest quality theater experience, keeping with the standards and traditions of Lakewood Theater. Lakewood is the longest running summer theater in the nation, devoted to engaging, inspiring, and entertaining audiences each season from across Maine and beyond through classic to modern productions; enriching the culture of the surrounding communities. We are dedicated to providing educational opportunities to local youth and further securing the future of the performing arts in rural Maine. Through the art of theater, we celebrate diversity, strive to promote equity, and foster the foundation of the performing arts for generations to come.
Our Values
Community
Our surrounding communities are the lifeblood of Lakewood; providing our supportive patrons, our selfless volunteers, our talented actors, and the next generation of the performing arts. We value our communities above all else, without their enduring presence, there would be no Lakewood.
Diversity – Equity – Inclusivity
We celebrate and embrace diversity not only in our everyday work and stage productions but in who we are as an organization. We strive to promote equity, giving each individual directly or indirectly involved with the organization the opportunity to participate and succeed as a part of our mission. Lakewood is an inclusive organization, welcoming people of all races, religions, genders, sexual orientation, and disabilities.
Quality
We work to produce the finest quality productions our organization’s resources allow and endeavor to provide the best possible experience for our patrons, volunteers, actors, and staff. An article in the Boston Evening American in 1928 proclaimed:
"Now let it be known, they do things well at Lakewood. No shoddy stock productions clutter the stage in the costly birch grove; no half-hearted, uninspired attempts to do something quickly and cheaply. The Lakewood Players have pride in their work."
Our more than century long reputation has been built on the quality and character of exceptional work and devotion to the performing arts. We are ever evolving and improving for the betterment of Lakewood’s bright future.
Youth Education
Our organization recognizes the irrefutable notion that our children are the future of the performing arts. We therefore place great emphasis in supporting the youth of our surrounding communities in providing education through summer theater camp opportunities; an immersive theater experience providing lessons in communication, teamwork and collaboration, creative thinking and problem solving, as well as confidence and empathy. The enduring outcomes from their summer experiences are immeasurable.
Thank You
We would like to thank our generous supporters. Without their financial giving and loyal patronage throughout the seasons Lakewood Theater would not have the life and spirit that keeps theater alive in our rural community. For more information visit Our Supporters page.
Photo Courtesy: of Rebekah Wheeler (www.rebekahwheeler.com)