BANGOR – Penobscot Theatre Company-Maine Shakespeare Festival has received a $30,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation of Falmouth to begin renovating and refurbishing the 132-seat theatre on 183 Main St.

“The Davis Family Foundation grant allows us to take the first critical step in a large project to preserve one of Bangor’s Victorian architectural jewels,” said Mark Torres, the theatre’s producing artistic director. “As a 27-year-old professional theater company dedicated to highest standards of artistic achievement, we sometimes find reaching that standard is quite challenging in a 115-year-old building. For the benefit of our patrons, artists and the entire community, however, we are eager to undertake the major renovations that this wonderful structure requires and deserves.”

An intimate performance space, the theater is the site for about 30 performances each year. The building also houses administrative and educational outreach offices as well as rehearsal space.

The auditorium will also be renovated to provide an enhanced theatrical experience for both audience and actors.