A lot has been happening behind the scenes at Waldoboro's Waldo Theatre since the doors closed in fall 2014.

The board of directors, led by President Chrys Hearth, has been busy raising money to get back in the black, and for sorely needed building repairs.

Hearth briefly stated the theatre “ran into a shortage of funds” in 2014. That year, the sole adult show presented was “The Vagina Monologues” in late April followed by a local school's production, an art show and events of that ilk.

Board member Melissa Smith said in an email that repairs currently underway are in preparation for winter, including work on the roof — and the heating system is definitely on the overall repair list. Smith said the theater would also benefit from cosmetic renovations including fresh paint, both inside and outside of the Gothic Revival building, as well as interior items such as carpet and seat cleaning.

“Building maintenance has been minimal in recent years due to a low operating budget,” Smith said.

To address the theatre's budget issues, the board has been working on ways to raise funds and initiated its fundraising campaign “Light Up the Waldo.”

Hearth also initiated a GoFundMe online campaign for the Waldo.

Hearth and Smith say the theater's reopening is planned for spring 2016.

“There are plans to host events in late fall and early spring at other venues in the community that would aid in fundraising efforts and increase our presence at the community level,” said Smith.

“There were some shows put on — by a local school, an art auction and things of that nature,” Hearth said. “The last adult show was ‘The Vagina Monologues’ in late April. I believe that the last full-on theatrical production was ‘Shrek’ at the end of 2013.”

These events include live music and theater, variety shows and open mic nights. Further suggestions being considered by the board include teaching workshops in songwriting, improv comedy and writing.

“Our aim is to offer programming that appeals to both the local community and audience members from afar,” Smith said. “To have something of interest for all ages.”

“As usual, the entire board will have input into the schedule for 2016,” said Hearth. “All together, I expect 30 to 70 performances between May and November. However, we don't usually start framing out the live theatrical schedule until February, so I cannot say yet who might be directing or what shows they'll be presenting.”

The last full theatrical production at The Waldo was “Shrek, The Musical” in 2013.

Stay tuned for an announcement early next year for upcoming shows and other programming at the historic Waldo Theatre.

Smith said public meetings will be ongoing. Another is planned for sometime next month.

For updates, visit www.thewaldo.org.

The Waldo Theatre, which first opened in 1937, is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

To make a tax-deductible donation, and get a confirmation letter, checks should be made payable to The Waldo Theatre, and mailed to P.O. Box 587, Waldoboro, ME 04572.