Ten Bucks Theatre Co. is looking for a new home.
Ten Bucks has called the Bangor Mall home since 2018. But the theater has called its time there “a real roller coaster,” saying major ceiling leaks damaged props and costumes, there’s been a lack of consistent air conditioning, and has been unable to rehearse summer Shakespeare productions, hold performances or show art house movies in that space.
“The owner of the Bangor Mall, Namdar, is only interested in collecting rents and putting absolutely nothing back into fixing the broken infrastructure. We’ve gotten nothing but empty promises and lip service regarding repairs,” Ten Bucks President Deanna Rice, Vice President Joe Fisher, Treasurer Julie Arnold Lisnet and Secretary and membership director Natalie Lisnet wrote in a social media post announcing the impending move.
Namdar Realty Group along with two other investors bought the struggling Bangor Mall for $12.6 million. Namdar owns 375 properties, including numerous malls, in 37 states. The Bangor Mall is its only property holding in Maine, according to Namdar’s website.
Ten Bucks’ lease at the Bangor Mall ends in March 2025.
Ten Bucks is asking for tips on where it can settle down in Bangor, Brewer, Hampden or Orono. It needs at least 4,000 square feet, space to set up a stage, room to store props and costumes, and high ceilings for theater lights.
“We’re not going to lie; we can’t afford a lot of rent. Creating art means profit margins are incredibly slim. Every bit of money we make goes back into the business. This is truly a labor of love for us to share our art with you,” the theater’s officers wrote in the social media post.
Tips can be sent to info@tenbuckstheatre.org.
