THOMASTON — Watts Hall Community players has received a grant from the Maine Community Foundation to continue to improve the 104 year old theater on Main Street in Thomaston.
 
Thanks to a grant from the Maine Theater Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, work will begin soon to purchase a backdrop curtain, called a cyclorama, new sightline masking curtains and lighting equipment that will allow a permanent all-purpose backdrop for productions and to act as a neutral backdrop for other renters using the space. 

The balance of the funding needed will come from proceeds from the Theater group’s productions.
 
2019 marks the fourth year of renewed interest in community theater in Thomaston. Watts Hall Community Players, which had its most recent heyday in the 1990s, according to Players, in a news release, was re-formed and has been bringing summer musicals and other productions to Watts Hall since 2015. Grant funding in the past few years from several foundations including MCF, has helped the Players bring the theater up to date with digital lighting, improved sound and air conditioning. WHCP, an all volunteer community theater, contributes the proceeds from all the productions to theater improvements.
 
On November 30, at 7 p.m., WHCP will present Short and Sweet, An Evening of Short Comedic Plays. On December 22, at 3 p.m., the beloved reading of A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, will provide a reminder of simpler days when a piece of fresh fruit was a large treat for the holidays. 

Both productions are free and doors will open one half hour ahead of showtime.
 
The mission of Watts Hall Community Players is to produce live theater and involve community members of diverse ages at all levels of experience. To become involved on stage, behind stage or as part of the production team, contact WHCP at wattshallcommunityplayers@ gmail.com.