The 1932 Criterion Theatre in Bar Harbor, Maine, announced that Courtney Sale is joining as its new Executive Director, beginning in February 2026. She will lead the revitalization efforts of the theatre, as well as focus on programming across music, theatre, film, dance and lectures.

“To join the Criterion Theatre as Executive Director is a profound honor,” Courtney Sale said in a statement. “I am grateful to Harper House Music Foundation and Stephen and Allison Sullens for their visionary commitment to this beloved theatre. In an age of increasing isolation, our community arts spaces uniquely illuminate our shared humanity – a profound experience to which I have dedicated my entire career. I am excited to bring my experience to the Criterion and engage fully with the Mount Desert Island community to build an exciting future together.”

Prior to joining the 1932 Criterion Theatre, Sale spent six years as the Nancy L. Donahue Executive Artistic Director at The Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Massachusetts. Throughout her time at the theater, she directed Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for three seasons and “Misery.” She helped steward the company through its COVID closure and oversaw the creation of a new mission and strategic plan, grew the company’s endowment and more.

Before serving at The Merimack Repertory Theatre, Sale was the Artistic Director of Seattle Children’s Theatre and Associate Artistic Director at Indiana Repertory Theatre.

The 1932 Criterion Theatre is one of two remaining Art Deco theatres in the state of Maine, and is the only one to have maintained its original auditorium, which includes its floating balcony. In 2025, the venue renewed its long-term commitment to the MDI and surrounding communities with the transfer of all assets to Harper House Music Foundation, a non-profit public charity that’s focused on supporting music communities and arts education. The foundation was founded by Stephen and Allison Sullens.

Read the original announcement here.