About the Colonial Theatre

The Colonial Theatre is a historic and vibrant arts venue located at 163 High Street in downtown Belfast, Maine. It has played a central role in the community, offering films, live performances, and neighborhood gatherings for over a century.

The Colonial Theatre was first built for stage performance. It first opened its doors in 1912, coinciding with the day the Titanic set sail. Its original building burned to the ground in the Phoenix Row fire in the early 1920s. It was rebuilt shortly after with the addition of film projection. Over the years, the Colonial Theatre has evolved into a three-screen cinema, including the audience favorite “Dreamland” theater, which also features a vaudevillian-style stage and Art Deco decor. The eye-catching fiberglass elephant “Hawthorne” that tops the marquee became an iconic part of the theatre’s identity beginning in the late 1990s.

After decades of continuous operation, the Colonial Theatre closed temporarily in September 2022 when its longtime owners retired. The theatre reopened shortly after in fall of 2023 under the newly formed non-profit, Hawthorne Arts Collaborative. The Colonial Theatre continues to offer a curated mix of film programming ranging from first-run blockbusters, to foreign and art house titles, to classic films. “Indie Night” screenings often feature Q&As with filmmakers and other guest speakers. Additional programming includes live music, stage performances, and a wide variety of community events.

About the Hawthorne Arts Collaborative

The Hawthorne Arts Collaborative, formerly known as Belfast Theatre Arts Company, is a 501(c)3 non-profit rooted in the legacy of the Colonial Theatre and its continued operation. Hawthorne Arts Collaborative aims to broaden access to the arts in Midcoast Maine by fostering partnerships, curating diverse programming, and nurturing creative community engagement across disciplines.