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Photo Credit: Michele Augis / Download Hi-Res Image
The 1932 Criterion Theatre, Bar Harbor’s beloved Art Deco cultural landmark, is poised for a rebirth in announcing a change of ownership and renewing a commitment to its long-term presence on Mount Desert Island and in the surrounding communities. On Sunday, the Criterion Theatre’s current non-profit Board of Directors voted unanimously to transfer the assets of the recently closed Theatre to Harper House Music Foundation (HHMF), a non-profit public charity focused on supporting music communities and arts education.
HHMF, founded by longtime Bar Harbor summer residents Stephen and Allison Sullens, has pledged $1 million in operational, programming and preservation support. HHMF will partner with local stakeholders to steward the Criterion going forward as a vibrant, community-centered performing arts venue. In addition, HHMF is seeding the ‘HHMF Criterion Theatre Preservation Fund’, a donor advised fund established with the Maine Community Foundation to accept donations to support the Criterion and further their community and music initiatives.
“Attending Criterion shows and events has been one of our favorite things about our time on MDI over the years,” says HHMF Founder Stephen Sullens. “The Theatre is a true gem, and we deeply appreciate its role as a cultural cornerstone for Down East communities. Allison and I are thrilled to contribute to the Criterion’s preservation and in leading it in this next chapter.”
Year-round resident and entrepreneur Michael Boland, who previously led the Criterion’s 2014 restoration and served as a driving force behind the Theatre’s modernization, will be working with HHMF to help manage the ownership transition as Interim Director. Their goal is to program a full slate of events for the 2025 season, including returning shows with writer and humorist David Sedaris and comedian Bob Marley, as well as new acts, such as just announced indie pop band Lucius and reggae artist Barrington Levy. More shows and events, as well as ticket information, will be released soon at www.criteriontheatre.org.
“The Board undertook a careful search for sustainable paths forward,” said Board President Stephen Leiser. “Harper House Music Foundation’s commitment and experience working with arts non-profits was extremely compelling, and the Sullens’ connection to MDI was really important as well.”
The Criterion Theatre has been a cornerstone of the MDI community since opening in 1932. One of two remaining Art Deco theaters in the state of Maine, it is the only one that has maintained its original auditorium (including its iconic floating balcony).
For the past decade, the all-volunteer Board, led by Leiser and long-time Board member Steven Parady, worked tirelessly to sustain the Theatre despite financial challenges, due to the rise of streaming and lingering COVID-19 impacts. The Criterion faced a $150,000 annual deficit, mirroring struggles of small theaters nationwide that contributed to the closure of over 3,000 independent theaters. Despite the Board’s efforts, the Criterion shut down last year due to these financial and structural issues, including major repairs needed on the 93-year-old building.
“Serving on the Criterion’s Board has been an honor,” said Board member Steven Parady. “In the midst of these financial headwinds, we made critical improvements to the building as well as worked hard to uphold the artistic traditions of this incredible landmark.”
Leiser concurred, “We’re proud of the work we’ve done and confident that the new ownership will help ensure that the Criterion Theatre remains a vital community hub for future generations.”
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