The State Theater in Auburn

The Historic State Theatre is one of many icons in Downtown Auburn. It is host to many cinema and theater productions every year. The Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center Manages and operates The State Theatre. (APPAC) puts on every third Thursday Film Series featuring vintage academy award winning films. On Stage at the State, also produced by APPAC, packs the house for nationally recognized musicians as well as regional performers and local bands.

The State Theatre originally opened on Dec. 26, 1930. The originally seating was for 1300 and included a balcony but the upper deck had to be removed over the years so the theater is smaller. The feature presentation back on the grand opening in 1930 was “Sunny” with Marilyn Miller. An adult ticket was 40 cents. The interior was decorated in silver and black throughout. Later in 1937, there was a re- grand opening this time with air conditioning! The Auburn Journal reported the theater as “The most modernly equipped theater in Northern California. An interior re-design was also updated with drawings throughout the building and then transferred to the ceiling. It also received a new “State” theater sign. The theatre was closed in the late 1960s, and in 1973 underwent a major remodel into offices. This left a small portion of the original orchestra section as a movie theater, and eliminated the balcony. In the 1980’s the movie theater was split into two smaller movie houses. It was purchased by APPAC in 2006 with the goal of restoring the theatre into a medium sized performing arts center. In 2008, under the supervision of architect Richard Wyatt, the building facade was restored to its 1937 likeness, including a neon-lit marquee and vertical blade sign. The current seating capacity of the theater is 130 but APPAC has hopes to expand it’s seating capability to 500.

Last week my husband and I went to see the “Goddard Sisters” and really enjoyed their performance. I was so excited about this terrific venue that I booked tickets to “Sultans of String” in a week when my mother-in-law comes to town . And also want to get some girlfriends together to see “Hot Motown Nights with J Ross Parrelli” on August 13th.

If you haven’t taken the time to see this beautiful theater or weren’t aware of all the movies, music and performances that take place right here in Auburn, then do yourself a favor and check it out. You will be pleasantly surprised!

For upcoming events click on this link: State Theatre