Bob Riley of Auburn sent in this 1942 photo of the State Theater. Riley was an usher at the movie house before joining the air force during World War II.

Our History

On December 26, 1930, a new and exciting venture was introduced in the City of Auburn. At the State Theatre's grand opening, attendees marveled at the beautiful interior, elaborate furnishings and marvelous sound projection. The good wishes of many of the businesses and service clubs were noted by the lovely flower arrangements that graced the lobby of the theatre. The building had 1,325 seats.

The building was extensively remodeled in 1972, the balcony removed, the front part of the auditorium divided into two theatres and the rear of the auditorium converted to a mall.

During the late 1990's, Doris Viera and Esther Stanton, long-time boosters of the City of Auburn, solicited backing from the Auburn community to create a performing arts center in the historic State Theater in Downtown Auburn. It provided a unique opportunity to restore a historical landmark, rejuvenate the downtown area and provide a permanent home for the Auburn Symphony.

Strong Interest In Preserving Our Heritage

The Performing Arts Committee consisting of Doris Viera, Esther Stanton (now deceased), Monroe DeJarnette and William Lipschultz was granted charter committee status by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce in 2001 and was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service on August 2, 2001. This committee appointed the first permanent Board of Trustees, consisting of twenty interested community members, most with direct connections to the arts. The Board elected William Lipschultz as its President. The Performing Arts Committee (PAC) began working with the City of Auburn to develop a Feasibility Study to determine if the State could support a performing arts program and would be feasible to operate.

State Theatre Property Purchased in March, 2006

To acquire the State Theatre, the APPAC Board of Directors initiated a formal appraisal of the building and a negotiated proposal to the Lardner family, owners of the building.

The State Theatre location was chosen because it is:

A valued part of the historic fabric of the City of Auburn, and worth preserving
Close to the center of Downtown Auburn and Placer High School
Close to restaurants and shops
Located across the street from a major hub for public transportation
Cost effective, in considering another site
Evident there are no appropriate and available properties in the downtown
Potential to bring economic renaissance to Downtown Auburn
Able to house The Auburn Symphony and accommodate a wide range of theatrical venues

NTD Architects of Auburn Chosen as Project Architect August, 2007

After requesting proposals, APPAC interviewed three firms. The Project Architect for the very successful Cascade Theater restoration project in Redding, California, James Theimer, assisted APPAC in the selection process.

NTD offers substantial experience and background in the planning and execution of successful performing arts center projects and historic theaters and was the unanimous choice of the review team.

Project Auburn Provides a New Building Façade in May, 2008

Project Auburn, under the leadership of Nick Willick, and assisted by the Auburn Rotary Club, and Jeff Henry of the Placer County Contractors Association provided a beautiful new façade replicating the façade that existed in 1937 when the building was "modernized".

Auburn architect, Richard Wyatt, did the research and plans for the project. A view of the new façade can be seen at façade colors.

New Marquee and Tower Sign Installed in June, 2008

Thanks to a grant from the Auburn Urban Development Authority (City of Auburn), assistance from Viola Wrigley, and funds provided by the APPAC Board, a 1937 era marquee and sign have been installed.

Progress to Date in Spring, 2009:

New Business Plan
Creation of Advisory Committee
Purchase of new movie screen
Installation of 35 mm projector and screen

A summary of our progress and answers to many questions can be found on our FAQ page - Frequently Asked Questions.

APPAC@att.net


	RESTORING THE STATE THEATRE Home \| About \| News \| History \| Donate \| Get Involved \| Supporters \| Contact Cinema at the State \| On Stage at the State \| Event Calendar \| FAQ \| Board \| Map Bob Riley of Auburn sent in this 1942 photo of the State Theater. Riley was an usher at the movie house before joining the air force during World War II. Our History On December 26, 1930, a new and exciting venture was introduced in the City of Auburn. At the State Theatre's grand opening, attendees marveled at the beautiful interior, elaborate furnishings and marvelous sound projection. The good wishes of many of the businesses and service clubs were noted by the lovely flower arrangements that graced the lobby of the theatre. The building had 1,325 seats. The building was extensively remodeled in 1972, the balcony removed, the front part of the auditorium divided into two theatres and the rear of the auditorium converted to a mall. During the late 1990's, Doris Viera and Esther Stanton, long-time boosters of the City of Auburn, solicited backing from the Auburn community to create a performing arts center in the historic State Theater in Downtown Auburn. It provided a unique opportunity to restore a historical landmark, rejuvenate the downtown area and provide a permanent home for the Auburn Symphony. Strong Interest In Preserving Our Heritage The Performing Arts Committee consisting of Doris Viera, Esther Stanton (now deceased), Monroe DeJarnette and William Lipschultz was granted charter committee status by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce in 2001 and was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service on August 2, 2001. This committee appointed the first permanent Board of Trustees, consisting of twenty interested community members, most with direct connections to the arts. The Board elected William Lipschultz as its President. The Performing Arts Committee (PAC) began working with the City of Auburn to develop a Feasibility Study to determine if the State could support a performing arts program and would be feasible to operate. State Theatre Property Purchased in March, 2006 To acquire the State Theatre, the APPAC Board of Directors initiated a formal appraisal of the building and a negotiated proposal to the Lardner family, owners of the building. The State Theatre location was chosen because it is: A valued part of the historic fabric of the City of Auburn, and worth preserving Close to the center of Downtown Auburn and Placer High School Close to restaurants and shops Located across the street from a major hub for public transportation Cost effective, in considering another site Evident there are no appropriate and available properties in the downtown Potential to bring economic renaissance to Downtown Auburn Able to house The Auburn Symphony and accommodate a wide range of theatrical venues NTD Architects of Auburn Chosen as Project Architect August, 2007 After requesting proposals, APPAC interviewed three firms. The Project Architect for the very successful Cascade Theater restoration project in Redding, California, James Theimer, assisted APPAC in the selection process. NTD offers substantial experience and background in the planning and execution of successful performing arts center projects and historic theaters and was the unanimous choice of the review team. Project Auburn Provides a New Building Façade in May, 2008 Project Auburn, under the leadership of Nick Willick, and assisted by the Auburn Rotary Club, and Jeff Henry of the Placer County Contractors Association provided a beautiful new façade replicating the façade that existed in 1937 when the building was "modernized". Auburn architect, Richard Wyatt, did the research and plans for the project. A view of the new façade can be seen at façade colors. New Marquee and Tower Sign Installed in June, 2008 Thanks to a grant from the Auburn Urban Development Authority (City of Auburn), assistance from Viola Wrigley, and funds provided by the APPAC Board, a 1937 era marquee and sign have been installed. Progress to Date in Spring, 2009: New Business Plan Creation of Advisory Committee Purchase of new movie screen Installation of 35 mm projector and screen A summary of our progress and answers to many questions can be found on our FAQ page - Frequently Asked Questions. Home \| About \| News \| History \| Donate \| Get Involved \| Supporters \| Contact \| Events \| FAQ \| Board \| Map Cinema at the State \| On Stage at the State APPAC@att.net Copyright 2008-2010, APPAC - All rights reserved. Web site by Webcrafters