AUBURN — The executive director of The Public Theatre in Lewiston will talk about the theatre’s history, the current production and their upcoming summer spectacular at noon Thursday, April 12, in the Androscoggin Community Room at the Auburn Public Library.

In 17 seasons, more than 200,000 people have attended more than 100 productions at The Public Theatre and more than 65,000 students have attended special matinee performances?

The Public Theatre’s building has long been an institution in Lewiston/Auburn. Originally an automotive garage, it was purchased in 1930 by Le Montagnard who converted the ground floor into a stylish movie house named the Ritz Theater. One of the Ritz’s greatest claims to fame is that Stephen King, Maine’s most successful writer, often attended sci-fi thrillers there as a child.

In 1991, The Public Theatre began its first season producing two plays in a space at the Auburn Mall. A search for a permanent home led to the Old Ritz. On Oct. 9, 1992, The Public Theater opened its production of Moliere’s “Scapin!” to a sold-out audience in a building and location rich with history and promise.

In 1993, The Public Theatre signed a contract with Actor’s Equity Association, the union of professional actors, and became one of only five Equity theatres in the state. Equity membership allows The Public Theatre to hire the very best actors from New England and New York City. Actors appearing at the theatre have ranged from regulars on the television show E.R. to accomplished performers from Broadway and feature films.

In 1998, the old Ritz went up for sale. Raising more than $100,000 in three months, The Public Theatre purchased the Ritz and bought itself a permanent home.

The current production, “Red,” offers a rare and thrilling glimpse into the mind of a great artist struggling with his ego, his conscience and his art. Their summer production, “On Golden Pond,” tells the story of a retired New England professor and his wife whose summer is unexpectedly transformed by a visit from their middle-aged divorced daughter, her new fiance and his 13-year-old son.

The Auburn Public Library will be celebrating the arts throughout April with a number of programs. Check out the online calendar at www.auburnpubliclibrary.org for upcoming events.