THOMASTON — The Maine Community Foundation has granted Watts Hall Community Players a $5,000 grant as part of its Community Building Initiative to support the installation of a new heating and cooling system in the theater.

“Responding to a true community need, the Maine Community Foundation’s grant will allow the theater to begin installing heat pumps to heat the hall in winter and cool it in summer,” said Community Players, in a news release.

Last summer heat and humidity adversely affected both the players and the audience during the June and July performances. In the past, the Maine Theater Fund of the Maine Community Foundation has supported both new lighting and sound equipment which has helped modernize theater in the 104-year-old building.

This summer, another musical, Once Upon a Mattress, will brighten the Fourth of July season.The musical is in full rehearsal with performances scheduled for the last weekend  of June (27, 29 and 30)  and the first weekend in July (5 and 6).

The mission of Watts Hall Community Players is to produce live theater and involve community members of diverse ages and abilities in all aspects of live theater. Watts Hall productions are staged by members of the community who want to be part of a creative team.

If you are interested in helping out backstage or behind the scenes, there is still time; contact the producer, Emily Carver, at wattshallcommunityplayers@ gmail.com.