The State Theatre is getting ready to reopen to the public for the first time since its closure in March 2015. Major renovation work is happening right now to prepare for an October opening.
Local singer Stephanie Grace is set to perform on Friday, Oct. 29, to kick off the historic State Theatre’s re-opening. Tickets are on sale now.
“We felt it important to let the community know that something is happening inside the theater,” said Charles Haddad, Boyertown resident and community leader.
The renovation process began about a month ago – repairs to the roof, the ceiling, new air conditioning installation, heating upgrades, and refurbished carpeting and walls were among the items addressed.
The theater’s historic murals will be retained, cleaned and touched up. The bathrooms will be be refurbished and updated.
The State Theatre will be hosting live performances until the funds can be raised for film projection equipment. The continued effort has raised $25,000 of the needed $125,000.
The State Theatre Preservation Society hopes to show films by the first or second part of 2017.
“We wanted to do something of a major introduction,” said Haddad in regards to the upcoming Stephanie Grace performance. “She’s a known person to the community and will be a good draw.”
There are other events eyed for the fall as well, such as a Thanksgiving event hosted by Thunder Outreach to benefit the Salvation Army. The Society is also working with the high school for a fall or holiday production.
In addition to outside groups, the State Theatre will also have its own theater group. This group is in the process of formation, but is set to present the play “Our Town” on a date to be determined.
Specific committees for film, special events, music, and the school district have been created to help the theater run smoothly. Members of the public are welcomed and encouraged to get involved with these committees.
“The idea is to introduce the theater to the community while we get the projection and sound equipment,” said Haddad. “We are fund raising currently.”
The Society’s upcoming fundraising event is the Charity Golf Outing at Butter Valley Golf Port on Monday, Oct. 10. For more information or to register, visit <www.statetheatrepreservation.com>.
“Since this is a community theater, we are looking for community financial support to get the projection equipment,” said Haddad. Donations can be made by mail or online.
The State Theatre, located at 61 N. Reading Avenue, was built in 1912. “We’re fortunate to retain it,” said Haddad.
Everything is wrapped in plastic right now, seats covered, to be ready for the public in just a few months.
