Venue Information

The State Theatre offers a seating capacity of 744 for all events. As a guest, if you need to request special accommodations for wheelchairs or other mobility impairments please contact the State Theatre at (530) 529-2787 at least 24 hours in advance. Those purchasing wheelchair seating may purchase (1) wheelchair seat and (1) companion seat. Any additional seats must be purchased in the regular seating areas. This policy ensures that we are able to accommodate all available and accessible wheelchair seats in our theatre.

Theatre Seating

As a guest, if you need to request special accommodations for wheelchairs or other mobility impairments please contact the State Theatre at (530) 529-2787 at least 24 hours in advance. Those purchasing wheelchair seating may purchase (1) wheelchair seat and (1) companion seat. Any additional seats must be purchased in the regular seating areas. This policy ensures that we are able to accommodate all available and accessible wheelchair seats in our theatre.

History

1908 - Opera House Built

Orpheum Theatre and Opera House Built on site of present State Theatre

Erected by Red Bluff Businessmen (108 years ago)
Largest Stage North of Sacramento
Most Popular Stars of the Era Performed on the Stage

1928 - Orpheum in Disrepair

Orpheum in Disrepair and Purchased by T&D Enterprises – Renamed State Theatre

Complete Renovation of Theatre
Renamed it the “State Theatre”
Press Account – “State Theatre is a riot of colors and modern design”

1944 - Burned in Fire

Original State Theatre Destroyed by Fire.

1945 - State Theatre Rebuilt

Government Gives Special Permission to Rebuild State Theatre during WW II.

Deemed Necessary for Home Front Morale in WWII.
Alexander Cantin, renowned Theater Architect was hired to design the Theatre.
Selected a Streamline Moderne Art Deco Style for the new Theatre. Primarily Designed as a Movie House.

1946 - Grand Opening

New Streamline – Modern Art Deco State Theatre Opens

May 24, 1946 Grand Opening
Rave Reviews on Design
Provided 40 Years of Service as a Prime Movie House

Late 1980's - State Theatre Sold

State Theatre Sold to Multiplex Theatre Company and Converted to multiple mini theaters.

Theatre Divided into Multiple Mini Theaters
Was not an Economic Success -Theatre Closed and Placed on Market

Mid 1990's - Preserve and Save

State Theatre Building Purchased by business partners Ben Sale and Dr. Ron Clark

Primary Motivation was to Preserve and Save this Historic Building
Reroofed and modernizing restrooms completed

2000 - Non-Profit Organization Formed

State Theatre For the Arts Non-Profit Organization formed.

Leased State Theatre to provide Community Programs and Films
Had Goal of Restoring Theatre but Funding Opportunities for a Private Building were scarce.

2009 - Steering Committee Formed

State Theatre Citizens Steering Committee Formed

Due Diligence Studies Performed
Strategic Plan Developed
Capital Campaign Designed

2010 - Theatre Closed

State Theater For The Arts Organization Closes the Theatre. (January 2010)

2010 - Non-Profit Reorgainzed

State Theatre For the Arts Non Profit Reorganized & New Board is Appointed.

Negotiated Contract to Purchase State Theatre
Secured Loan to Purchase State Theatre
Launched Capital Campaign

2011 - Green Room

Green Room Building Purchased Adjacent to the Theatre.

2012 - Mortgage retired

Theatre Mortgage Retired and Restoration Campaign Launched

2013-2015 - Restoration

Focus on Theatre Restoration and Systems Upgrades & Expansion of Programming

2016 - Seat Replacement

Launched Seat Replacement Drive