RESTORING THE STATE THEATRE
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President's Message
Summer 2011
APPAC President
Paul Ogden
Two years ago we opened the doors of the "new" State Theatre, a tiny (by accepted industry standards) 131 seat theater, with the hope of proving that a performing arts center could succeed here. Of course our long term goal has always been to create a 500 seat venue.
With our start up "demonstration" project we have shown on a small scale what is possible on a much larger scale. Community support has been very gratifying. Since April, 2009, when we brought in our first live entertainment, the State Theatre doors have opened to 85 live musical entertainment, drama, or speaker programs and 48 film presentations. More than 11,000 patrons have attended these events. This is success! We owe great thanks to all who have made this happen - and the list is long.
The 131 seat capacity of the current theater severely compromises what we can do, and the kind of entertainment we can bring to Auburn. The success we have achieved makes us confident that we are ready to expand and embrace our dream of a larger performing arts center.
There are many reasons why our venture should be supported. The City of Auburn and local merchants have long sought to bring more people into the city. Current efforts include: Think Auburn First, the new Central Square Plaza, and the Phase 2 Streetscape improvement program.
These efforts are a good beginning. But our research shows that a major impact attraction is also critical and currently lacking. Our business plan study conservatively projects that a 500 seat theater will bring 25,000 to 30,000 people into the State Theatre annually. We believe our project will be the major impact attraction Auburn needs.
The Cascade Theater in Redding, the Arkley Center in Eureka, and the El Campanil in Antioch are good examples of what we believe can happen in Auburn. In those cities downtown performing arts centers forged from old theaters have enhanced business activity. They serve as major magnets to bring people into downtown. Hustle and bustle and excitement have been created. That is our goal for Auburn.
Our attendance records confirm that State Theatre patrons are coming from Sacramento, Placerville, Grass Valley, Cool, Rocklin, Loomis, Lake of the Pines, Davis and Roseville - to name a few. With a 500 seat theater, we could invite big name performers who will appeal not only to local audiences but to patrons within a 50 mile radius. We also want to book entertainment that will appeal to a wide variety of age groups.
We are pleased that local performing groups such as Placer Community Theater, Take Note Troupe, The McLauglin Studios, and the Auburn Symphony have sought us out - and we continue to receive new inquiries on a regular basis. We have been complimented for our exceptional acoustics, the way we operate the theater, and our professionalism. This is very gratifying.
In addition to having a first class performing arts center, the restored historic building (which began with our wonderful 1937 era façade replication) will be a source of community pride as well as source of enjoyment and cultural enrichment for many years.
APPAC is a non-profit organization. For two years, and during a very difficult economic climate, we have run a viable entertainment business at the State Theater. This is largely due to great volunteers who believe in the project and financial support from our Marquee Club members whose regular donations make it possible for us to pay the bills to operate the theater.
We thank all involved and ask for your continued support as we pursue our next goal: a 500 seat performing arts center. The future looks bright.
Marquee Club Update
Summer 2011
APPAC Vice President
Ron Ravo
Thank you for your continued support of the Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center's (APPAC's) operation and restoration efforts at the State Theatre. Marquee Club donations year to-date total more than $15,500 which represents 52% of this year's target amount.
The money raised by the Marquee Club assists in underwriting the operation of our interim theater operation. Funds raised assist in covering the following expenses: utilities, insurance, minor repairs to the facility and equipment, parttime staff person, and necessary equipment replacement costs.
In just under two years, more than 11,000 people have attended either one of 84 live events or 47 movies held at the State Theatre in the heart of Auburn. The State Theatre is not only becoming a local icon but is a beacon central to Auburn's Streetscape Project.
The next big phase (funds permitting) will be to initiate the restoration of the interior of the building. This means tearing down the wall that currently splits the theatre and restoring the original forty foot wide stage. Seating would more than double.
We have been able to keep admission prices and rental fees very affordable with your support. Keeping this venue viable is why we continually solicit your financial support.
Please be sure to share your experiences at the State Theatre with family and friends so that they, too, will realize how valuable an asset the State Theatre is to the area. The economic and cultural potential this project has to offer our community, with the continued restoration, is immeasurable for us and future generations.
Thank you for supporting the Marquee Club and please consider being a capital campaign contributor. Help us "tear down the wall" and "raise the curtain" on the original stage.
Ron Ravo
Vice-President APPAC
To join the Marquee Club, please see the Marquee Club page. Categories for individuals include $35 (Cast
Member), $50 (Star Member), $100
(Headliner), $250 (Producer), or
$500 plus (Director) level.
Categories for businesses include $50 (Star Member), $100
(Headliner), $250 (Producer), or
$500 plus (Director) level.
Keep quality arts programs and patrons coming to downtown Auburn.
Sacramento Bee, June 25, 2010: Classic Auburn movie theater reborn as arts center
Auburn Journal, April 22, 2010: Media Life: Film foul-up, boffo box office highlight Auburn's first movie fest
Auburn Journal, April 13, 2010: Hitchcock festival taking over State Theatre
Auburn Journal, April 13, 2010: Reeling in Hitchcock classics: photography by Ben Furtado
Auburn Journal, August 28, 2009: Media Life: Auburn's State Theater rolling out classic film series
Auburn Journal, August 7, 2009: Mid-life crisis musical is one for the aged
Auburn Journal, April 2, 2009: Projecting the future for State Theatre
Auburn Journal, March 26, 2009: Media Life: Auburn's historic State Theater starts booking live shows
Auburn Journal, January 4, 2009: Our View: One small step for State Theater would be big step for Auburn arts
Auburn Journal, July 4, 2008: Our View: Marquee shines a light on Auburn's redevelopment goals
Auburn Journal, June 24, 2008: State Theater’s beacon of change goes up
Auburn Journal, June 15, 2008 guest column: Come July 11, celebrate a new era for historic theater
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