Photo Credit: Leapologist/Camden Opera House/Flickr
There is no shortage of things to do in Camden, whether you’re interested in catching a classic film, enjoying live music or immersing yourself in an opera. The Camden Opera House is a wonderful venue just down the street from Hartstone Inn that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. Peruse the Camden Opera House schedule below to see what events are on the calendar during your stay.
The Camden Opera House Schedule
Feb. 25, 2015, 3 p.m. – Folk singer Greg Brown
Feb. 28, 2015, 3 p.m. – Original Annie (film)
March 1, 2015 – Benvenuto Cellini – English National Opera
March 21, 2015, 3 p.m. – Mary Poppins (film)
April 10, 2015, 7 p.m. – Dancing with the Local Stars
April 18, 2015, 7 p.m. – Master Illusionist Lyn Dillies
April 25, 2015, 3 p.m. – World Circus (film)
Visit the website to purchase tickets for any of these events.
History of the Camden Opera House
When the Camden Opera House was built in 1894, it was the talk of the town. As the tallest building in Knox County (3 stories), it had electricity and boasted a 45-horsepower boiler that provided heat throughout. The auditorium spanned 36 feet by 33 feet and was accented in gold and white. The building also housed several businesses and a businessman’s club.
The first event at the Opera House was a performance of “Maritama” by the Boston Opera Co., followed by a grand ball in the Banquet Hall. Through the years, the Opera House was the place to see a movie, dance the night away at a gala and even attend a town meeting.
The first improvements were made to the Opera House in the 1950s, when the flat floor of the auditorium was sloped to provide a better viewing experience. To celebrate the building’s 100th anniversary, the building was renovated and restored in 1993.
Camden Opera House Today
Today, the Opera House is still the place for community events and performances. It’s the home of the Camden Civic Theatre and hosts regular performances by members of the community and local students. It also hosts a variety of nationally and internationally known acts. Conferences are also held at the Opera House, including the annual Camden Conference on International Affairs and the annual Camden Technology Conference (Pop-Tech). The Opera House can be rented for special events, including weddings.
The Opera House auditorium seats 495 people with additional seating for two in each of the four loge boxes. The Tucker Room, often used for meetings and conferences, can accommodate up to 35 people sitting and 70 standing. It has a beautiful fireplace, chandeliers and a stained glass window. The Washington Street Conference Room seats 60-70 people and is typically used for meetings.
There is also the Third Floor space, which offers a large, airy gallery space overlooking the town Village Green. This space is used for workshops, meetings and small receptions. The Third Floor features a newly renovated Gentlemen’s Club that is often used for meetings. Each of the spaces on the Third Floor can accommodate 50-70 people standing and 20-40 people sitting.
In addition to the event space, the Opera House building is home to Camden’s municipal offices and the Camden Police Station.
Location of the Camden Opera House
Located in the center of town on Elm Street, the Camden Opera House is just a few doors down from The Hartstone Inn, making it very convenient for you to enjoy a performance during your stay.
The Hartstone Inn
The Hartstone Inn is an enchanting bed and breakfast hideaway in the heart of downtown Camden, Maine. Choose from 21 elegant guest rooms and suites, appointed with luxurious amenities, including soft robes, fine linens and down quilts and pillows. Enjoy gourmet cuisine morning, afternoon and evening, and maybe even try your hand at preparing a gourmet meal or two yourself with our Foodie Adventure Packages. Our Camden bed and breakfast is the perfect place to get away from it all.