BEVERLY — Just over a year after reopening its historic doors, The Cabot Theater has transformed itself, hosting sold-out shows and attracting visitors from all over the region.

And there’s “tremendous momentum for 2016,” according to Casey Soward, the theater’s executive director.

The key to success has been community — “love of the building and attachment to it,” said Paul Van Ness, a member of the Cabot’s board of directors.

Over the past year, a new marquee was raised, illuminating downtown; a new sound system was installed, the lobby was updated, and, starting just after the new year, the theater will be shut down for January as new seats are put in. The stage will be extended, a new dance floor will be installed and the theater floor will be painted.

More updates are planned for 2016; Van Ness said fixing the theater’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system is high on the priority list.

The theater is run by a nonprofit, with renovations funded by donations. 

The theater packed the house for several shows this year, including when Beverly’s own Angie Miller, a 2013 “American Idol” finalist, performed in May, and more recently, when Darlene Love took the stage. 

“Many shows this year have had more than 500 people. ... It’s grown very well,” Van Ness said.

Soward, who was another new addition to the theater this year, is upbeat.

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