BETHEL – The inaugural Maine Performing Arts Festival – featuring street players and mainstage theater actors – will open Wednesday, Aug. 9 and continue through Sunday, Aug. 13.

Daily theatric performances will kick off at noon and continue through 7:30 p.m.

Twice daily throughout the festival a 10-member troupe of high-energy, professional and aspiring actors will present light, comedic, family-oriented plays. “The Servant of Two Masters,” a classic Italian comedy by Carlo Goldoni, is a frantic, slapstick-paced performance. “Telling Tall Tales,” adapted by artistic director Andrew Harris, recounts two folk tales aimed at the young and the young-at-heart. Both shows will take place in Gould Academy’s Bingham Auditorium. Tickets will be available in advance and on site.

Visitors strolling the village streets will encounter Hat Fair performers, including but not limited to mimes, acrobats, musicians, dancers and jugglers, showcasing their talents. The Bethel Village Common will be home to a late afternoon headlining act.

Entertainment in the village and on the common will be free, but performers will accept contributions. Ticket prices for scheduled evening theater shows are $20 for adults, and $10 for children ages 12 and younger. Matinees are $15 for adults, $7 for children.

Additional Maine Performing Arts Festival information, including schedules, performer listings and ticket pricing, is available at www.mainepaf.org.