05/29/2026
Ogunquit Playhouse is embarking on a vital journey to modernize our nearly century-old theatre building. This revitalization ensures we can continue serving our community safely and successfully for generations to come.
Ogunquit voters are being asked to vote on June 9th for two important Articles about our future – Article 7 and Article 14 – that will make this revitalization possible.
However, at this point, the campaign against these two articles has moved beyond honest disagreement and into deliberate misinformation suggesting falsely that Articles 7 and 14 approve massive unchecked development, eliminate town oversight, and authorize projects that are not even before voters.
That is simply untrue.
So what do these Articles actually do?
Article 7 consolidates Playhouse-owned parcels into a single zoning district, creating a more logical and consistent framework for future planning. The town only has one Playhouse, which is why the special zone was created.
Article 14 applies only to the Playhouse theatre building and allows a modest increase in height necessary to make a modern theatre with improved accessibility, larger and more comfortable seating, modern life-safety systems, improved backstage facilities, and infrastructure capable of serving audiences for the next century.
Neither Article approves housing projects, educational facilities, manufacturing buildings, or any future development proposal.
Nothing — absolutely nothing — can be built in Ogunquit without Planning Board approval, Conservation review, public hearings, and compliance with town and state law.
No workforce housing project is before voters.
No educational complex is before voters.
No “manufacturing building” is before voters. (The only “manufacturing” that we do on our campus are our costumes!)
Ogunquit Playhouse has operated transparently throughout this process. We have shared plans publicly, gone through review processes openly, and listened and responded to community feedback every step of the way. We have held multiple Open Houses to share plans with the public and show the deterioration of our facility and the need for significant repair.
Early long-range conceptual studies were publicly shared months ago as part of broader planning discussions, and we listened to the feedback. Since then, we have acquired additional offsite housing capacity that substantially changes future housing needs.
Voters deserve FACTS — NOT speculation presented as certainty.
This vote is about whether Ogunquit believes in the future and the mission of a nearly century old arts institution.
On the ballot is whether we modernize responsibly for the next century — or allow misinformation and obstructionism to define our community.
We believe Ogunquit deserves better.
Simply put, we are simply giving the town an institution that will continue to thrive and deliver great experiences into the next century.
We respectfully ask for your YES votes on Articles 7 and 14.
Article 7:
ogunquit.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5237/Ordinance-Amendment---Zoning-Map---Article-7[DO1]
Voter Guide Summary: This article amends the zoning map for properties owned by the Ogunquit Playhouse by changing portions of Map 5, Lots 42-1 and 35-B to Shoreland General Development 3 zoning while retaining Resource Protection zoning areas.
Article 14:
ogunquit.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5236/Ordinance-Amendment---Table-7031---Article-14[DO2]
Voter Guide Summary: This article amends Table703.1 of the Zoning Ordinance to permit nonprofit performing arts theatres in the Shoreland General Development 3 District to have a maximum height of 55 feet.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Ogunquit Planning Board Final Public Hearings and Unanimous Determination:
ogunquitme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1916/files/agenda/4484
Ogunquit Conservation Commission Findings:
ogunquitme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1916/files/attachment/5995
Many thanks to all of our supporters.
Deborah Warren
Managing Director
