The curtains covering the silver screen of the Harbor Theater have not opened on a film since mid-March due to COVID-19, but a lot has been going on behind the scenes.

“As the world changed and everything started spiraling, we started looking at what we could do and what our goals are,” said board member Kim Martin. “The most important message we want to get out there: We know this theater is vital to the community and it isn’t going anywhere. We have been working on making it a safe place that people can come back to and escape for a little while.”

In early July, when Gov. Janet Mills announced theaters could reopen adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines, the Harbor Theater board sent out a questionnaire to members to gauge how they felt about returning to the theater. Most of them replied they just weren’t ready.

Martin noted the largest percentage of the theater’s year-round patrons and membership are over 60 – a high risk group for the coronavirus.

The theater’s annual appeal will be mailed this week. What will be different is the inclusion of several comments from both year-round members and residents and summer visitors demonstrating how they feel about the theater. These comments help underscore the vital role of the theater in the region and beyond.

“We know this is a hard time for everybody; everything is in turmoil today,” said Martin, also this year’s appeal chairperson. “Anything people can send – no amount is too small,” Martin said. “The donations will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.”

The annual appeal always helps cover rent, utilities, staff payroll, film costs, and maintenance. Ticket sales account for half of the theater’s income. Having to darken the screen has heightened the theater’s needs.

Theater manager Lisa Perry and projectionists Mike Reynolds, Kevin Kelly and Nat Taylor and two backups, Perry and Andrew Bertleson, are employees still working on a regular basis. One of the projectionists has to come in to fire up the projector once a week or so to keep it in running condition. And a new projection system has been installed.

The board hopes to be able to reopen sometime this fall. Perry completed COVID-19 training in Augusta and many measures have been taken to make the theater as safe as possible for patrons. Those measures include installing a new ventilation system with high efficiency filters on the AC/heating system as well as an exhaust fan to take air outside on a regular basis. Martin called this an enhancement of what they already had. A plexiglass shield has been installed at the concession counter. A contactless payment system has been installed for both the box office and concession stand; cash payments will be accepted.

Staff and patrons must wear masks unless they are eating or drinking in their seat. Masks must be worn after eating. According to the theater website, bandannas and gaiters do not qualify as a mask. The six-foot distancing guideline will apply. Families or couples may sit together. Martin said ushers will take people to seats. Other details are being worked out.  For all of the COVID-19 changes, visit https://boothbaycinema.org

To keep the community engaged and going out to the movies, board member Scott Larsen spearheaded the Harbor Theater’s “Back to the 80s” free movie nights outdoors. Each of the three nights, gates open at 6:30 p.m. with live music, food and beverages until the movies start around 7:30 p.m. There’s a 100-person, state-mandated limit. Social distancing will be observed and masks are required until audience members are seated. Locations include Newagen Seaside Inn (“ET”), Linekin Bay Resort – from your boat – (“Dirty Dancing”) and Sheepscot Harbour Village Resort (“Raiders of the Lost Ark”).

“We want the community to come together for a shared experience,” Martin said. “Traveling with your neighbors to new places, and that’s what the movies are all about.”

Martin said the movies that had been scheduled to open this summer are scheduled for release at Thanksgiving. The board still has to work out what days and times the theater will be open that will allow for re-sanitizing after each performance.

The films are the “reel” stars of a night out. The board strives to appeal to the tastes of all audiences – thrillers, comedies, children’s and family movies; documentaries (often with guest speakers), the art and music series; and special premieres like “Downton Abbey” that also included a costume contest and was a roaring success that filled the house. The board plans to continue this programming, with more food and wine films complemented with Eventide Specialties’ selections.

The addition of wine and savory and sweet treats is something Martin brought to the table. It’s her business; Martin owns Eventide Specialties. She said this food and drink make going to the Harbor Theater “a real night out.”

“People will come. We’ve been building a good reputation at the theater for the community,” Martin said. “We continue on the path we were on, enhancing the experience for everyone. We just need some help right now to make it a reality. And when we do open, people will know we have taken every consideration seriously creating this new normal.”

In addition to the mailed appeal, contributions may be made at https://boothbaycinema.org