The Skowhegan
Opera House
*Lights Up Productions is a Maine Nonprofit Corporation in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status. Contributions received by our donors are not tax-deductible. Once we receive our exempt status, donations received while our application was pending may be treated as tax-deductible contributions retroactive to 11/14/2023. If our application is not approved, contributions will not be considered tax-deductible.
Help us restore the Skowhegan Opera House to its glory!
History of the Skowhegan Opera House
Skowhegan is the Native American word for “spearing” or “place to watch.” Bordering the mighty Kennebec River, the Skowhegan Opera House is an 840-seat hidden gem on the second floor of Skowhegan’s Municipal Building. Built in 1907, it is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is currently underutilized, having mostly regularly scheduled dance recitals each year. It is also very much in need of stage equipment updates and renovations. Over the past decade, minimal funds have been raised.
Future Plans
In 2024, Lights Up Productions plans to hold community outreach events with our friends and
affiliates. For example, in February and March, you will find us at some Somerset SnowFest
events (see our list) and at the Bob Marley Comedy Show. Starting in June, we plan to begin
monthly Historical Tours of the Skowhegan Opera House and to host a variety of First Friday
events in the lobby. During the first weekend of December at the annual SKOW-Whoville event,
we plan to have our first production of a children’s readers theater of A Christmas Carol and a
show for adults called The Santaland Diaries.
Restoring the Beauty of the Skowhegan Opera House
Our Recent Fundraisers
*Lights Up Productions is a Maine Nonprofit Corporation in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status. Contributions received by our donors are not tax-deductible. Once we receive our exempt status, donations received while our application was pending may be treated as tax-deductible contributions retroactive to 11/14/2023. If our application is not approved, contributions will not be considered tax-deductible.
Somerset SnowFest Kick-Off Party
February 16th – 4 pm to 8 pm.
Join us for the Somerset SnowFest Kick-Off Party at
Bigelow Brewing
Somerset SnowFest
February 17th – 9 am to 3 pm
Join us at Somerset SnowFest at Lake George West Information/Fundraising Table from 9 am to 3 pm.
We will also have an Ice Hole World Championship team at Lake George East – the competition begins at 11 am!
Somerset SnowFest Ice Bar
February 23rd – 7 pm to 9 pm
Warm up with us inside from 7 to 9 pm during the Ice Bar at Unwined! Live music and fun with Bob Lovelace and Lights Up Productions– a new nonprofit that is revitalizing the Skowhegan Opera House. Come out and hear Bob play classics from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Beatles, and all of his favorites, like Angel From Montgomery and Sunday Morning Coming Down, as well as songs from his newest CD A Whole New World, like My Baby Likes Peas and Sugar From A Tree.
25% of all draft and canned beer sales will be donated to Lights Up Productions!
Bob Lovelace has been performing around central Maine for 40 years. He has several CDs to his name, has had his original music played on many local radio stations, and has done live performances on WXNZ, WMHB, and WERU. Bob has also written plays for and performed on the Skowhegan Opera House stage.
Our Next Fundraisers
Skowpendous Family Fun Night
April 19th – 5:00 to 7:30
Find our table at this free family event hosted by KVCAP in the Municipal Parking Lot by the Chamber of Commerce. Anyone donating and/or adding to our list of what YOU want to see at Skowhegan Opera House will receive free Arts Access tickets to a future event/production! There is usually kid-friendly music, a climbing wall, children’s crafts and activities, free raffles, wood-fired pizza, healthy snacks, and more. Held during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Skowpendous helps raise awareness of and support for prevention of child abuse and neglect.
More Events Coming Soon!
About Lights Up Productions
Lights Up Productions is in its start-up phase as a domestic nonprofit corporation in the state of Maine. Through fundraising and producing full opera house seasons of concerts, children and student events, and live theater, we will bring engaging arts and entertainment experiences to the historic Skowhegan Opera House. This “place to watch” will become a destination that residents are proud of and visitors will fall in love with. While building our seasons and our relationship with the community, we will raise funds for the
Skowhegan Opera House in collaboration with the Town of Skowhegan.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Lyn Govoni, President
Theater Artist
Office Manager
Wentworth Partners & Associates
Bryant Cyr, Vice President
Production Manager
Waterville Opera House
Kim Kennedy, Treasurer
Faculty, Kennebec Valley
Community College
Business Administration
Department
Karol Kish Youney, Secretary
Insurance Specialist
Hannah K. Davis, Director
Costume and Wardrobe Supervisor
Billie Clark, Director
Owner of Unwined, Skowhegan
Grace Lommel, Director
Promoter
Alicia Nicholls, Director
Assistant to General Counsel
& Chief Financial Officer
at Editas Medicine
Zachary Longyear, Director
Principal, Skowhegan Area Middle School
MSAD54
*Lights Up Productions is a Maine Nonprofit Corporation in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status. Contributions received by our donors are not tax-deductible. Once we receive our exempt status, donations received while our application was pending may be treated as tax-deductible contributions retroactive to 11/14/2023. If our application is not approved, contributions will not be considered tax-deductible.
Contact Us
*Lights Up Productions is a Maine Nonprofit Corporation in the process of applying for 501(c)(3) status. Contributions received by our donors are not tax-deductible. Once we receive our exempt status, donations received while our application was pending may be treated as tax-deductible contributions retroactive to 11/14/2023. If our application is not approved, contributions will not be considered tax-deductible.
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