STANDISH – There has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks at the Schoolhouse Arts Center in Standish.

Since April, volunteers have been working hard to complete major renovations to the 100-year-old building and the theater that was built in 1989. New risers will seat more than 150 people with a better view of the stage for every patron. Renovations will enable patrons to access the theater directly from the Gathering Room on the main floor. Changes will also include a new handicapped ramp, which will allow easier access.

Schoolhouse officials envisioned the renovations to be completed by the opening of their summer musical, “Fiddler on the Roof,” on July 3. But time was running out and their team of volunteers was not capable of the work demanded for the project. That is when contractor Dave Johnson of Windham stepped up to the plate. Johnson’s team started work immediately, with only three weeks to complete the project. Within hours, the old risers were removed. In less than a week, new risers were ready for painting and work began on the handicapped access ramp and the new theater entrance from the Gathering Room. In two weeks the renovations were completed and seats were being re-installed.

“Fiddler on the Roof,” the first production in the newly refurbished Schoolhouse theater, will be presented Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. through the month of July. Adults are $18 and seniors or students are $16. For reservations, call 642-3743 or visit www.SchoolhouseArts.org.

“Fiddler on the Roof” Director Bruce Avery and Stage Manager Ellen Stanley work though details seated on newly constructed risers in the Schoolhouse Arts Center’s renovated theater.