Augusta Colonial Theater

It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the passing of a remarkable woman, Kathi Wall. https://www.augustacolonialtheater.com/kathis-quest-for-the-augusta-colonial-theater.html

Kathleen Ann Rogers Wall was born December 2, 1943, and passed away June 6, 2026, leaving behind a life so generously and purposefully lived that her gifts will continue to reverberate in the lives that she impacted for generations.

She was a nurse, an educator, an advocate, a social worker, a leader, an executive, a conservationist, a scientist, a chef, a craftsperson, a grant writer, a gardener, a writer, and an artist. A woman whose insatiable curiosity about the world was matched only by her determination to make it better.

She was also a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a colleague, and friend and will be dearly missed by so many. One of Kathi's many passions in recent years has been the restoration and reopening of the Augusta Colonial Theater. She served tirelessly as our Executive Director then Board Member and wanted nothing more than to see the project come to completion, to bring the arts to Downtown Augusta and the greater Capital Region.

Per her wishes, her family has set up a fund called Kathi's Quest for the Augusta Colonial Theater and we've worked with them to create a space for the community to learn more about her remarkable life and contributions to our cause, the community, and beyond. Please take a moment to visit this page, share a memory, and consider making a donation to the cause that was so very near and dear to her heart.

https://www.augustacolonialtheater.com/kathis-quest-for-the-augusta-colonial-theater.html

The stage platform and walkway construction are FINISHED and now we're happy to announce that construction is moving forward on the proscenium walls, back (East) wall and side (North and South) wall reinforcement, and the additional flyspace/roof raising! We all know construction costs have gone through the roof (pardon the pun) since we were awarded this grant back in 2023. We'll be able to complete ALL of the structural elements: stage, proscenium walls, back and side wall reinforcement, roof and stage left/right walkway, but we're going to need some help with the restoration/finishing elements, such as restoring and reinstalling the historic doors, trim, proscenium arch, and other decorative elements. We'll be writing more grants and would love some community support as well! Secure online donations can be made at https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_77326993-fc44-11ee-8cee-0a3287177f03&WidgetId=14540800 or mailed to PO Box 2267, Augusta, ME 04338. Thanks for your support! We can't wait to show off the finished stage area restorations!

This position is still open, though the hiring process is progressing. If you're interested in joining our Quest, don't wait - reach out via e-mail today! Please see our website for more information www.augustacolonialtheater.com. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to: [email protected]

Check us out in today's Kennebec Journal. Thanks to our Board Chair and Vice Chair, Alicia Gaudet and Gary Peachey for contributing to the story. Also thanks to the Parkhurst Family, Senators Collins and King, and all those who have supported-and continue to support-our mission over the years. As the article states, we're ready to get this done!!!

After nearly 60 years, Augusta’s Colonial Theater renovations move forward The historic theater hosted its first ticketed event in more than 50 years back in 2022, and new renovations and additions to the building aim to bring it back to the center of downtown Augusta life.

Just a sneak peek...the stage is coming along well and the stage left/right access walkway over the river is looking good. The KJ was out today so look for an article in the Sunday paper!

We're hiring. Please see our website for more information www.augustacolonialtheater.com. If interested, please submit a letter of interest and resume to: [email protected]

We'd like to take this moment to thank Andrew Silsby for serving three terms on our Board in a number of capacities including as Chair and Vice Chair. Andrew was recently made an Emeritus Board member. We'd also like to congratulate Gary Peachey for his election as Vice Chair of the Board and Alicia Gaudet for being elected to another term as Chair. Board members from left: Gary Peachey, Keith Luke, Bob Dube, Andrew Silsby, Alicia Gaudet, Caroline Saban, and Kathi Wall. Not pictured, Amanda Taylor.

If you come across the Calumet Bridge in Augusta today, you will see the JF Scott crew "flying in" pre-fabricated sections of the cantilevered walkway along the back wall. This walkway will be entirely enclosed and will provide stage left-right backstage access for performers using our newly expanded stage.

www.augustacolonialtheater.com Check out the latest issue of our newsletter, Showtime. This issue includes construction updates as well as other useful information. Click LATEST NEWSLETTER under the Quick Links section on the home page of our website www.augustacolonialtheater.com