A beautiful spot! I went to church here on a Sunday morning, and it was such a cool place to hold the service. The door greeters out front were friendly and made it welcoming, the coffee and snacks were good, and having the service inside the theater was super cool! Perfect seating, and lots of it! Id love to go to a show here and will update if I ever do.
When the theatre reopened however many years ago, I was more than a little cautious about getting my hopes up, as wed not had a venue of the sort in our area for many years. It has since then become my favorite spot for ALL kinds of music, dance, cabaret (shout out to Lady Greys Lovelies!) local fundraising efforts, our local LIVE Rocky Horror Picture Show (hooray for Love and Light Productions), and they even offer free kids movies once a week all summer long.I have been lucky to attend the shows of some awesome Jam Bands, The Cast Of Beatlemania..and, even my ALL TIME favorite band, Third Eye Blind, played there on their 2009 tour. Because its such a small venue, I had the privilege of meeting the band after the concert and was even invited back on their bus for cocktails So if an artist you really love, or even just someone youd like to meet is playing at State Theatre, I highly recommend that after the show you run around to the back, in Calder Alley, and wait patiently to get hugs and autographs!Oh, and the best part is that there is not one single bad seat in the entire auditorium, both floor and balcony offer fantastic views. Those old guys from the Muppet Show would struggle for a complaint!I love supporting local business and local art and music; but its the absolute bestest when those two things merge into one awesomesauce event️️
I used to manage this place back when it was a run down cinema. I appreciate the love that went into restoring it. It’s a beautiful venue and used well.
Wonderful old theater right downtown State College. They have tons of music, films and events for all ages. Seating gets tight in the front 5 rows, but other than that great seats all around. Intimate space that offers popcorn and beer! Sometimes they have parking vouchers, but usually you will have to pay for the parking garage nearby.
This small venue has great acoustics and no bad seats. They have a wide variety of offerings and are a local treasure. Great place to go.
Not your typical theater... Fun showings, you never know what (or who) theyre going to show here. Great place.
A nice building but needs to work on atmosphere when hosting concerts the lack of a standing or general admission section can suck the energy out of the best performers.
Beautiful old theatre with national and local entertainment. Enjoy a concert, movie, local theater, improv, and lots more. Two performance spaces with refreshments and artwork in the lobby. If youve never visited this theater, look them up and find an event. Best parking in the Fraser Street garage.
We went to see the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy show and had a great time. The crowd was super into the show, the music sounded great and their was a solid local beer selection.
Came here for The Rockey Horror over Halloween.While the performance was not my type of thing the theater itself was well run and professional.The snack area had all the typical snacks but I thought it was kinda pricey.
Great venue! Friendly and helpful staff.
This is a great little theater doing great little theater things. Saw a wonderful play in the attic called voices. Very good. Intimate space.
Ill be talking specifically about live music: Offering a standing area or standing room only shows would be an improvement. Also, a hipper, up and coming artist line up would be nice to see. The State Theatre often pays tribute to older, established acts. I would like to see appreciation for artists still hard at work, looking for exposure...
We saw Madame Greys show here, was a good time.
Its a really great place to go for so many things. And it is just small enough that youre already really engaged in the performances, movies, and other programs that have there.
Except for sound acoustic which can improve further, its a great theatre for artists
Great place, historic building, great staff, great live events!
This theatre is charming. The sound system, lighting and comfortable seats helped to enhance an expertly produced dance recital.
Fairly old theatre in remarkedly good condition. Saw a live performance of a Disney musical, Frozen.
Great night with great music.
Amazing venue. Great staff. Very comfortable and clean. A casual setting to see some of the amazing acts the come there. Have never had a bad experience.
Great experience except for high temperatures in the balcony.
Beautiful place to see a concert with great acoustics. Not many bad seats in the house.
10AM Sundays is church, its a branch of a group called Calvary. (Theyre the church without walls)
I went to see Mrs. Magarida. The theater has small show-rooms in the second and third floor. Just for about 30 people max. I was also there watching the opera live from the MET in NY. They project the operas twice a month. This theatre is a true jewel for our area. We are so lucky to have them organizing all these events.April 7th:I went yesterday to see the Finding Your Roots presentation. Everything so organized.I wish they would sell more stuff in the cafeteria. They just have sweet treats.
Great venue for live music!
Great venue the Allman Betts band did a great job. Good popcorn.
Great venue to see fantastic theatre performances.
Great event for our students!!! Thank you!!
Nice theater. Attic space interesting
Great intimate place to see a concert.
HAPPY VALLEY IMPROV is an awesome show if you want a night to relax, laugh, and have fun! The staff at the theater are so helpful and kind.
Very well organized and always has great musical performances.
Always an enjoyable experience! The staff are friendly, the beer is tasty, and the shows are top notch. We saw Blues Traveler and the energy from the band and the crowd was amazing!
Nice little theatre that sells beer and wine during certain shows.
The sound was great no matter where you sat. Loved the place
Great shows with lots of other things going on all the time. Great staff. Nice atmosphere and comfortable seats.
Nice venue! Friendly staff!!
The staff were very polite and helpful. The seating was good, ensuring a nice view of the stage. The place seemed quite clean as well.
State Theater is a lovingly resurrected venue from State Colleges past. Its home to intimate plays and music in the upstairs Attic, national and local acts on the main stage, and unique movies and other events. I highly recommend it.
First time wont be the Last.Live at the Filmore was excellent...Crowd energetic Lots of Fun....looking forward to next time....
Saw Every Time I Die here. It was a raucous good time.Im not 22 anymore and Im not a fan of getting into the largely active crowd at punk shows, but there was plenty of room to sit back and watch kids act like lunatics and hear a great band. Love this place.
I love the State Theatre. Its wonderful to have a local place that hosts various live shows, theatrical productions, as well as showing independent films. I dont live in State College anymore, but Im not too terribly far away, and Ill frequently make trips to attend a performance or film screening.
Nice place to see a show
Small, intimate, comfortable seats with leg room.
Saw The Machine there. Great tribute band. If you get a chance, you wont be disappointed.
Mixed feelings. Very high prices, very high. Great for the wealthier retired folks, student prices. Average folks can’t afford. Also, lots of dust on the light fixtures etc, so not great for asthma or allergy sufferers. Finally, tight seating, from the sides and knees! Great show offerings.
Not a bad seat in the house! Staff VERY courteous. Saw Colin Hay there....fantastic show!!! Acoustics were amazing. Dont miss out on this gem :)
A wonderful little preforming arts center in the heart of downtown State College.
This is a classic small venue. It has that intimate feel that is lost in a lot of the large halls .Small drink bar attached located in the heart of downtown. This can make for a great evening
The State Theatre used to be a great venue to see blues and classic rock musicians. It has become un-bearable with the drunks running for more beer. People standing in the aisles and talking while musicians are playing. Quality has gone to hell for the Money that alcohol brings.
Saw Bluegrass Redemption, they were amazing and the room we were in was great as well.
Love the Jazz in the Attic Series
Great staff, park in Frazier garage
Pretty nice place
Great venue
Have been herw several times for plays and music performances. No bad seats. Inexpensive. Beer. Great shows.
Great venue to see a show or hear a band. Drinks at the bar in front, and good acoustics. Definitely the premier place to take in an evenings entertainment in State College.
Went to see Joe Diffie had a great experience the stage is a little small but that just means your close enough to see.
Its a very nice place. Not too big not too small. Good view of stage from any seat.
I attended the Zombies concert. Two parking garages within a short walk. Easy in and out.
I really had a good time
Wonderful theater! I went here for a come and play music event. It was held in an odd little room up stairs but it was still very nice. The theater was cleanly and visually appeasing and the staff was very knowledgeable and kind.
Seeing Justin Hayward in concert was wonderful
Great theater. We go to watch shows at least once a year. There arent any bad seats in this place.
Arlo Guthrie was here! And Some Like it Hot..and so much more, over the years. It was a lovely movie theatre back in the 70s, with a popular, elegant balcony. I had my first just-me-and-the-boy-alone Movie Date there. So glad it is still with us, with lovingly engraved bricks in the sidewalk out front. Support the State Theatre, spelled the old-fashioned English way, like our own Centre County. Not everything in State College is Penn State...no pun or dissing intended. Just the facts, Maam and Sir...just the facts.
Very nice and helpful staff. Local craft liquor and beer. Its an awesome, old theatre!
This is a great old theater and a State College icon. I usually see simulcast Operas and Ballets here, so there are plenty of good seats!
Awesome time with awesome friends. the staff was super friendly and accommodating. Saw Big Gigantic in this close, intimate setting.
Were do grateful for this fantastic local venue!
Fantastic local place to see live events. So glad it is there!
Lovely. Clean & comfortable
Such a great mix of shows and always smiling faces!
First time there and will certainly be back! Great show!
Cosy little theatre with old charm! Would like to revisit
A fantastic theatre, that represents the last of the dying breed of one auditorium theaters in State College and elsewhere. The theater plays many films and has shows from many groups and bands that interest college students. Watch for classic and cult films that come to the theatre and see if you can catch one of your favorites.
Always great local entertainment!
Great local theatre that offers a wide variety of performances!
I love this venue.
Shows you cant see anywhere else.
Great music venue. The State presents music groups of many different styles, and they also regularly feature local acts.
Love this place!
Great theater arts program. Smaller stage so its smaller plays but not talent
Great community theater that hosts many different types of entertainment.
Great shows, music and beer in a comfy retro venue.
Fabulous sound experience
The State Theatre opened on the 7th of June 1929. The Theatre was the vision of Stuart Doyle, owner of Union Theatres and the esteemed architect Henry White. It was to be seen as “The Empire’s Greatest Theatre” and was designed as a picture palace when such monuments to movies were at their grandest and most spectacular.During its first week patrons were offered “entertainment of unparalleled magnificence”.The opening night’s performance featured noted bandleader Will Prior who was described in the programme as a conductor capable of lifting “jazz to perfection in a sublime miscellany of melodious rhythm”.The first of countless motion pictures to be shown at the State Theatre was “The Patriot” accompanied by Price Dunlavy billed as a “debonair genius” playing the mighty Wurlitzer organ.Other attractions included Australia’s leading soprano Rene Maxwell & the State Beauty Ballet billed as “a beauty bevy with amazing ability”.After providing an outlet and a venue for entertainment during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the next decade saw the spectre of World War return.Leading up to and during the war, patrons were able to view the latest news via the theatre’s regular screenings of the Movietone news-reels.The State played its part by continuing to provide an escape for all those directly and indirectly involved in the conflict. They thrilled to golden celluloid stars such as Cary Grant, Ronald Colman and Joan Crawford.Post 1945, the State once again became the place where Sydneysiders came to play.This decade saw the dawning of Australia’s multicultural society with the first wave of post war immigration. Increasing affluence and economic stability fuelled the rapid expansion of new outer lying suburbs and helped to create the so-called “baby-boom” generation.As television was far from an everyday reality, people lived for live & film entertainment and the State was the place to be.A new generation of Hollywood and local stars had arisen during this decade. Film attractions appearing in this decade included James Stewart in “Bend of the River” and Virginia McKenna staring in an adaptation of Neville Shute classic book “A Town Like Alice”.The 1960’s saw Australia in a period of radical change reflected in the growth of pop culture and increasing opposition to the Vietnam conflict, which mirrored social upheaval around the globe.In times of change, people often look to entertainment as a release and again the State Theatre provided the outlet.The changing times are reflected in the films on offer which in 1960 included Yul Bryner in “Once More with Feeling” whilst by 1969 the sexual farce “Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happines” was being shown.The growing of permissiveness in 1970’s Australian society and the rejection of more “traditional” values is seen in the anti censorship demonstrations surrounding the film “Medium Cool”.In 1974, the State Theatre became the home of the prestigious Sydney Film Festival and has continued to play host to this event for two weeks in June, each subsequent year.The 1980s are often described as an unremarkable decade, best remembered for the Rubik’s Cube and the rise of arcade games.This decade saw the State Theatre return to its more traditional roots with numerous live acts & musical theatre performances gracing its doors.The State Theatre has long been at the forefront of Sydney’s artistic and cultural life, the theatre is also responding to the changing needs and demands of its commercial patrons.
Beautiful old theater. Balcony seating is a little cramping, but nice place.
Nice historic place.
Fun place with great shows, both plays and bands. They have a bar now with local beers
Wish they showed more regular movies more often.
Had to make a delivery there. Hard to park and off load in the street
Great theater, clean, friendly staff decent show.
Great venue. Saw a concert there.