LEWISTON – The Public Theatre has been voted Best Theatre Company in the 2005 Portland Phoenix Readers’ Poll for the third year in a row.

“It’s really an affirmation of our standing among the professional theaters in Northern New England,” Public Theatre Artistic Director Christopher Schario said.

Currently in its 15th season, The Public Theatre’s attendance so far this year is averaging nearly 95 percent. The theatre’s Capital Campaign has raised more than $1 million of its $2.4 million goal. The first two phases of renovation, including a two-story addition, new restrooms and a new lobby are already completed. If all goes as planned the rest of the project, which includes total renovation of the auditorium, stage, shops, dressing rooms and exterior, will be finished in about two years.