PORTLAND, MAINE —September 17, 2025
Portland Ovations is grateful to be able to share with the public our Community Seats program, providing complimentary and reduced-price performance tickets to partners and their constituencies across Greater Portland. Ovations believes the power of live performance cultivates community in a positive way.
“Thank you again for helping us make memories and gather moments of ‘Awe,’” says Libby Catania, Executive Director of Our Place. “The kids feel very comfortable in your spaces and welcomed. It is a rarity and a privilege to work with such caring staff.”
Ovations has long distributed free and reduced-price tickets, establishing relationships with organizations and social service agencies, creating greater access for all who wish to experience the power of live performance. This season, Ovations formally organized this program as Community Seats, growing the program, distributing more tickets, gathering in community when the curtain goes up.
“While providing complimentary tickets to our non-profit and social service partners to share with their constituencies has long been a practice of Ovations’, we are thrilled to make our Community Seats program official and public thanks to ongoing support from a generous funder,” says Aimée M. Petrin, Ovations Executive & Artistic Director. “We look forward to continuing to expand Community Seats, making the arts more and more accessible for all who wish to experience the power of live performance and coming together in community.”
In the 2024-2025 season, Ovations distributed over 600 tickets through partner organizations serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+ communities; youth development programs; recent immigrants and asylum-seekers; and people with disabilities living throughout Southern Maine. If you are interested in learning more about the potential of your organization becoming a Community Seats partner, please contact Katelyn Manfre, kmanfre@portlandovations.org. Participating organizations should be 501(c)3 non-profits or other institutions specifically dedicated to serving and working with community members who may not typically have access to performing arts experiences.
“It’s always so joyful to see groups gathered in community at an Ovations performance,” says Katelyn Manfre, Ovations Director of Community Programs & Partnerships. “No matter the age, background, or familiarity with the artists, there is an energy and excitement for a special night out together. I look forward to more organizations joining the program and encourage anyone who is curious to reach out and see how we can collaborate!”
Community Seats are possible thanks to the generosity of the Onion Foundation, as well as Ovations’ Members. To support Community Seats through a designated gift, please contact Portland Ovations.