LEWISTON — When Richard Martin joined the staff of the Franco-American Heritage Center in late 2003, his job was to fill the stage.

He was the center’s second full-time staffer. He helped oversee the renovation of the performance space, booked acts and nurtured a seasonal calender.

Nine years later, he remains a backstage fixture at almost every concert and recital. He is also a regular director at the Community Little Theater in Auburn.

The Sun Journal wanted to know what keeps him going.

Name: Richard Martin

Age: 62

Hometown: Lewiston

Single, Relationship or Married? Married

Children? Four

You grew up in Lewiston. What pointed you to the arts? As a teenager, a few friends and myself were motivated to emulate the performance and music of the Beatles. Over the years, theater arts became predominant, particularly in 1971 when I performed in Tim Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the very place where I’m currently working.

In the 1960s, you performed with “The Travelers,” one of the many local bands that was popular at the now legendary PAL Hops. What do you remember of those days? Performing at the PAL Hop in 1963 was like a performance in the “big show,” particularly when the show curtains opened and 2,000 young people on the dance floor started their applause. And I also remember the unfortunate end to the PAL Hop, which is where young people could come together with the purchase of 50-cent tickets for a great night of fun and dance.

Why do you think those bands continue to draw audiences? I suppose the association with the PAL and the frequent opportunities to perform allowed for a growing long-term fan base. In addition, each band had its particular attractions and accomplishments to persistently draw audiences, not only to nostalgic performances but simply to continue to experience good-time music.

Today, your work in the arts is behind the scenes. Is there any desire to be back on stage? My satisfaction in the theater is derived in the collaborative journey to an accomplished performance by cast and crew. “Behind the scenes” is comfortable and rewarding and preferable to assuming a role for the stage.

What drew you to Community Little Theatre? After presenting a few performances at the old Paris Theater with the Stage Master’s Company in the late ’80s, I had the opportunity to direct “Brighton Beach Memoirs” at Community Little Theater. I enjoyed the community theater experience and, surprisingly, won Best Play for that season.

How many productions have you directed for Community Little Theater? Do you have a favorite? I’ve directed nearly 20 productions for Community Little Theater, particularly musicals, with music and theater as common interests in my work over the years.

When you first came to the Franco-American Heritage Center as its program director, the former church was a pretty sleepy place. Was it hard to believe the center would be as busy as it is today? I’ve always realized our potential to become a center of activity, if we continued our good business sense and searched for growth at every available opportunity. The entire staff is loyal and dedicated to this idea, and we’ll continue to improve our practices and accommodate for the future.

What makes a good act for the Franco Center? We have had talent from around the world at the center with successful outcomes artistically. A good act would also have a mix of popularity, local or national, and marketing effort to ensure a financial success.

How can the Franco Center grow as an arts venue? For the center, our challenge is one of discovery, to look pass the granite structure. Although many people remain unaware of the center’s mission and activity, many others are becoming familiar with the beauty and elegance of the center, its infusion of art and its affordable services to the community such as rental opportunities, production and catering services.

You’ve written a musical, “Lewiston — A New Home.” Are you going to do any more? Winning the Moss Hart regional award for community theater was satisfying and encouraging as a new playwright. I would not be surprised if one day an inspiring idea wasn’t enough to prompt me to take the pen and write another.