State Theatre offers a variety of entertainment for community to enjoy
Staff at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown celebrated 100 years in 2022.
With a rich history of serving as a picture palace, vaudeville house, state music hall and other entertainment, Executive Director Erica Miller said with the help of local community leaders and the community’s generosity, the historical landmark eventually became a performing arts venue.
“We present a season of touring productions each year, we have local talent through Main Street Theatre Company and throughout the year, offer classic films, concerts and other opportunities,” Miller said. “We also have the venue available to rent for events.”
As one can imagine, the upkeep of a 100-year-old building can sometimes be a challenge, particularly for a nonprofit.
An aging fly rail system and theatrical rigging are in need of replacement; they control the moving scenery, stage curtains and on-stage lighting.
“This replacement is important to continue with the high-quality performances we present,” Miller said. “The project is in the early stages and will take place mainly in January of 2024, when the season is a bit lighter.”
Miller said it’s thanks to community and political leaders, the theatre is able to achieve the needed repairs.
“Commissioners (Scott) Dunn, (Dave) Lohr and (Vince) Vicities, Muriel Nuttall of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Ann Nemenic of Go Laurel Highlands, Crystal Simmons with the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Uniontown, Andrew French of the Redevelopment Authority of Fayette County, Mark Rafail, Fayette Economic Development Coordinator, state Sen. Pat Stefano and state Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa all had a part in making this project a reality,” Miller said.
Once completed, theatre staff hope to turn toward the Union Trust Building, also owned by the theatre.
“The Union Trust building is even older than the theater. We use the main floor and the basement for backstage areas, dressing rooms and some office space. It needs various repairs on the exterior of the building, but we would also like to upgrade lighting and add air conditioning,” Miller said.
Above all else, Miller hopes the theatre is accessible to everyone; finding something in the 2024 season that speaks to them.
“I think we often see this great, historic, beautiful venue and think it’s too fancy for me,” Miller said. “It’s not that way at all. Everyone is welcome and we want to reach out to that next generation, inviting everyone to enjoy the theatre.”
Miller said the best way to support the State Theatre is to purchase a ticket, but fundraising events are also a great way to enjoy the venue and learn more about the venue while having a fun evening.
Fundraisers are held throughout the year, including the annual donation campaign: Leadership Circle. Watch for information regarding a dinner and dance event the first weekend of February, as well as a 100 Handbags purse auction event in early March.
Upcoming performances include “Seussical the Musical” in February and 3 Redneck Tenors – Broadway in March. A number of classic films, harkening back to the theatre’s day as a movie house, are also on the schedule.
For more information, visit https://statetheatre.info.