State Theatre

Recent color photos of this theatre can be found on the site: “America’s Stunning Theatres” by photographer and stagehand Noah Kern at: http://www.pbase.com/affablebeef/theatres Comments and information may be left there without registration; such can be public view or only to Mr. Kern. Scroll down the page to find the name, and then click on the sample image above it to be taken to the page of photos of it.

Taken from the State Theatre Site:
State History
1873 Northampton National Bank constructed. The granite facade and the Foyer are original.
1910 The bank was demolished and the small Neumeyer Theatre was built.
1914-1916 The theatre’s name changed from Neumeyer Theatre to the Northampton Theatre, and then the Colonial Theatre.
1925 Architect W.L. Lee of Philadelphia was employed to design a new, larger theatre. He was inspired by the architecture of old Spain and the Davanzanti Place in Florence, Italy. Many local Italian artisans created the elaborate frescoes and gilding.
1930-1960 The death of Vaudeville and the development of talking pictures was evident at the State. A larger movie screen and new equipment for sterophonic sound were installed.
1960-1981 The lobby and foyer were painted brown and blue, covering the beautiful frescoes. The theatre was used primarily for rock concerts during the 1970’s.
1981 The theatre was turned over to the National Development Council. Threatened with demolition, a group of concerned citizens calling themselves the “Friends of the State Theatre” raised enough money to purchase the theatre, screening classic films to ensure some income. The State Theatre was established as a 501©3 non-profit organization.
1982 The City of Easton provides a $20,000.00 grant to investigate the possibilities of the theatre.
1985 The neighboring “Best Market” is acquired by “Friends of the State Theatre."
1986 Renaissance Campaign – Phase One:
$1.2 million was raised by the friends. Renovations included upgrading the stage (a state of the art gridiron, the structure which supports stage props and lights), a new velvet curtain, and new lighting controls. Fire and smoke alarms, exits and lights, and bathroom facilities were added, as were an upgraded and expanded electrical system.
1990 Renaissance Campaign – Final Phase:
$2.5 million raised from private, corporate, and public partners. Renovations include the restoration of all seats, installation of new carpeting, and the construction of openings and stairways to connect the theatre with the Best Market. A comprehensive artistic restoration(Ceilings, walls, etc.) is completed.
1997-1998 This State Theatre Center for the Arts season has 53 performances, attracting 60,000 patrons.
1999-2000 This state Theatre CEnter for the Arts season has 92 performances, and attracts nearly 100,000 patrons.
2001 The State Theatre celebrates its historic 75th season. The annual reading program "Spotlight on Reading-,” encouraging literacy in local 5-9 year olds, begins during the summer of 2001. For the first time ever, the State Theatre stages over 100 performances in one year.
2002 The State Theatre announces the 2003 Freddy Awards, recognizing significant accomplishments in high school musical theatre. The first phase of conctruction begins, and new administrative office space is opened.
2003 The cameras roll as the first ever State Theatre Center for the Arts Freddy Awards is televised live on WFMZ channel 69. 22 High Schools from Lehigh and Northampton Counties in Pennsylvania and Warren County New Jersey compete for outstanding achievement awards in 21 categories, including a student scholarship from DeSales University. The second annual Freddy Awards Ceremony is planned for May 27, 2004.
Present: Plans are underway for expanded restrooms, lobby space, support spaces, and more: enabling the State Theatre Center for the Arts to better serve the needs of our patrons and our community in the 21st century.