The Leavitt Theatre almost ceased to exist.
In the mid-2010s, after the Ogunquit-based silent film theatre found itself gasping for air in the midst of the home movie theater and streaming revolution, it nearly shuttered its doors.
But then, after drawing upon the good faith created over the previous decades with the patrons of Ogunquit, the theatre raised an astounding $70,000 on Kickstarter in 2014 to breathe new life into the theatre. And then in 2017, when Max Clayton -- whose parents used to own the theatre -- took over the Leavitt, he made some much-needed changes that completely transformed the business.
Today, the Leavitt hosts concerts, movie nights, Boston Celtics watch parties, private events, and even drag shows!
From the historic Leavitt Theatre in downtown Ogunquit, Max Clayton sits down with host Troy Farkas to discuss the theatre's roots as a silent film theater, how it evolved alongside the movie industry throughout the 20th century, the fundraising campaign that saved the theatre from extinction, taking over as owner in the late 2010s from his parents, how the theatre adapted to changing consumer demands, the theatre's plans for celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer, and more.
CHAPTERS:
- What to do in Ogunquit (00:00)
- The evolution of the theatre (05:37)
- Max's love for the theatre (12:12)
- Tough times for the theatre in the 2010s (17:15)
- Transforming the theatre after becoming the owner (20:50)
- Seacoast Stories LIVE on 6/19 (26:30)
- How the pandemic forced the Leavitt to adapt (28:25)
- Plans for the 100th anniversary summer season (37:40)
- Advice to younger self (45:26)
To see the Leavitt Theatre's complete summer 2025 lineup, visit their website here.
**The next "Seacoast Stories" LIVE PODCAST is on June 19! It's at The Word Barn in Exeter, N.H., and it will feature conversations with Flight House Gym's Jay Collins, Live Freely's Alyssa Pine, and Cup of Joe's Joanna Kelley. To secure tickets, click here.
To support this show, make sure to FOLLOW "Seacoast Stories" here on Spotify or on Apple Podcasts.
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