WALDOBORO — In January, February and into March, the Waldo Theatre Board of Directors conducted an online survey to help chart a course for the historic building's future and received over 175 responses. The board is now releasing results of those surveys, but hopes to continue the survey collection to gather information from a wider spectrum of those in the community, as well as those outside the community who enjoy the arts.

The Waldo Theatre has been closed since 2014, and requires significant physical repairs before it can reopen. An entirely new board of directors took on the task of revitalizing the building and the organization in July of 2016. "In addition to the board's ongoing work to assess the building's needs, we felt it was necessary to get feedback from the community on where their interests lie in order to start forming a sustainable business model," said interim board president Melissa Smith in a press release.

Survey participants were most strongly interested in seeing movies, professional and community theater, and classical and folk concerts at the Waldo, all of which have been hosted there in years past. Educational programs, comedy or variety shows, and open mic events also received significant interest.

The survey responses included many offers of assistance, including carpentry and electrical work, helping with art installations in the theater's gallery space, and building sets. Most heartening, more than 80 percent of respondents said they would consider or may consider becoming supporting members in the future.

Respondents described the Waldo as "a beautiful and unique venue in the heart of Waldoboro," a "treasure of the town," a "wonderful meeting place for people from all walks of life" and how much they "loved seeing the streets of Waldoboro bursting with cars on show nights."

"The survey results make it clear to the board that the Waldo has the potential to be vital once again and that it has played an important role in the lives of individuals and the life of the community," said board member Janet McMahon.

The board will be taking a closer look at the survey data to date, and will reach out to participants as part of its ongoing planning process. In the meantime, the survey remains open at home.thewaldotheatre.org and the public is encouraged to respond.

The Waldo Theatre Board of Directors meets regularly on the third Wednesday or Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Waldoboro. The meetings are open to the public and participation is encouraged. For more information, the board can be contacted by email at info@thewaldotheatre.org.