Designed by Portland architect Herbert W. Rhodes, the State Theatre, with its brilliant blend of Spanish, Italian, and Art Deco elements, opened on November 8, 1929. It seated 2,300 and featured lavish furnishings like wrought iron stairs, bronze doors, tapestry rugs, and a Wurlitzer organ. It aimed to provide a premium cinematic experience with three projectors and a magniscope.
Its inaugural film screening featured “The Trespasser,” drawing an audience of 2,200 patrons. Over a span of more than three decades, it showcased premier films, with ticket prices ranging from 10 to 25 cents. While it briefly dabbled in silent films, it swiftly transitioned to the realm of sound films.
In the mid-1930s, it started a children’s matinee program that hosted a weekly radio show. In the late 1940s to 1960s, it expanded to include theatrical productions and various events, adapting to growing competition from television.
The State Theatre struggled after its manager’s retirement in 1963 and later fell on hard times, becoming an adult movie venue. In 1990, new owners, Nick and Lola Kampf, restored it, reopening in 1993. A non-profit briefly took over but went bankrupt in 1997, leading to the owners regaining control until the property’s sale in 2000.
In 2000, Grant Wilson Jr. reopened the venue, but it faced issues with ancient wiring and deteriorating fire escapes. After sporadic use for events, it closed in 2006. In 2010, The Bowery Presents and Alex Crothers of Higher Grounds in Burlington, VermontĀ undertook extensive renovations, investing $1.5 million to modernize the theater.
Following its impressive revival in October 2010 through the collaboration of Crothers, The Bowery Presents, and the dedicated leadership of general manager and talent buyer Lauren Wayne, the State Theatre has welcomed an array of globally renowned acts. Its stage has been graced by the likes of Skrillex, Pixies, FUN, MGMT, Arctic Monkeys, and numerous other world acclaimed performers.