Opera House Arts celebrates 25 years of theater history in Stonington

STONINGTON, Maine (WABI) - A historical staple in the town of Stonington is celebrating 25 years as a non-profit.

Sitting tall on Opera House Lane in Stonington or as locals call it Russ’ Hill, stands the Opera House Arts.

Their crew is gearing up to celebrate its 25 years as a non-profit but not without acknowledging where it all started 138 years ago.

“Kind of getting back to the roots, definitely, we’re focusing this year you know thinking about our structure and thinking about the history of performance here,” said Jessica Shively, the communications and development associate of the Opera House Arts. “It’s a great time to consider past, present and the future.”

In 1886, Charles B. Russ constructed the building as a music and dance hall which soon took the name ‘The Stonington Opera House.’

A place where fishers or workers who cut granite in Stonington could take their boots off and enjoy a different pace.

This origin story is why the four founding directors of Opera House Arts spent nearly two decades restoring and reinventing the venue after finding it in abandonment and decay in 1999.

“We do have our beautiful historic seats, these are the original Roosevelt seats from the 40s,” said Shively. “In our lobby we’re also still using the same popcorn machine from the 40s so popping that organic popcorn that many folks love.”

Opera House Arts is the only theater in Maine of its architectural type that’s still standing and was added to the National Historic register in 1991.

“There’s something for everyone at the Opera House and whether that’s in a performance in live theatre, music, we have family friendly performances,” said Shively.

“We do movies, there’s been a history for 90 years of film shown here as well.”

Tradition of the arts is what started this historical venue and they’re looking forward to celebrating that 138 years later.

“We’ve been here for 25 years as a non-profit now, we’re looking forward to the next 25 years and continuing this tradition and being here for the community as part of the community,” said Shively.

The Opera House Arts has an exciting lineup for the season.

To find the upcoming shows follow the link to their website or Facebook page.

Copyright 2025 WABI. All rights reserved.