At 109 years old, the Lewiston Civic Theatre is one of the most historic buildings in Lewiston. But Aug. 10 the city of Lewiston closed the beloved structure due to safety restrictions.
Over the summer a leak occurred on the main stage. During the process of trying to find the source of the leak, employees found a truss in the theater’s roof had collapsed, which caused the building to be condemned, according to Mel Syverson, who serves as director of Oliver! and as the new LHS drama adviser. No one is allowed inside the building and Eighth Street beside the building is also closed for precaution.
If the building proves stable, the city will allow a few select people to enter to retrieve some expensive equipment and specially made props for the upcoming production of Oliver!.
“The major obstacle is the fundraising and the best way people can help is to come and see the shows,” says Syverson.
If the building is deemed unsalvageable, the questions then arise of what will happen to the building and where the non-profit theater group will hold its productions. Derek Renzelman, an LHS students who also acts at the Civic, says, “The Civic is in the people and not in the building.” He knows the people will keep the Civic going even if the building is gone. As of Sept.13, the city and theater leaders have made no decisions that answer those questions, according to The Lewiston Tribune.
Maire Marran, a devoted volunteer of the civic theatre, shared her ideas about how to keep the company going, and how to get a new high school built. Many people feel reluctant about pushing for a new high school because they do not want to lose its historic building. Marran suggests turning the original LHS campus into a cultural arts center.

“The main theatre [at LHS] could be rejuvenated and be leased to the Civic Theatre, but also be available for concerts, renting out [and] for special events,” Marran said. “The classrooms could become artist studios and workshops, with classes being offered to the public.”
Meanwhile, the commercial kitchen at LHS could provide space for a culinary arts program or for businesses to rent out.
“There is actually an existing demand for such a facility in town,” said Marran, who is a homemaker in the Valley.
“The possibilities are fabulous, and the coming together of the need for a new home for the community theatre and the high school is serendipity!” Marran said.
Marran hopes to pitch the plan for review with the city.