If “all the world’s a stage,” The State Theatre in downtown State College keeps it spinning.
In addition to providing intimate, affordable performance venues for local groups, The State offers unique opportunities for thrifty locals to experience select entertainment.
Three-dollar movies appeal to those who, as executive director Richard Biever says, “want to see recent films on the big screen. Maybe they missed the first run and this gives them another chance to see good films at a low price.” The screening rooms at The State stay busy.
Starting in October, opera lovers can watch Metropolitan Opera Live in a cinematic setting. These productions take the viewer into the world of opera, with all of its rich colors and textures, during performance, which adds a special touch of drama and visual excitement.
“It’s fascinating to see it on the big screen with subtitles,” Biever says. “And some people can’t just drive to London,” he says, “so we have the National Theatre Live from London series.” These shows present live onstage performances beamed in by satellite.
Plays include a new interpretation of Othello, set in the present day in a war cabinet in an underground bunker. But the themes of jealousy, revenge and suspicion still dominate.
For those whose tastes run to more realistic fare, The State runs documentary films covering topics ranging from extreme sports to female jazz musicians to the world of autism.
Since Biever has a background in theatre, live performances comprise much of The State’s focus. Nationally-recognized musical acts, including Judy Collins, Dark Star Orchestra and NEEDTOBREATHE will captivate music lovers in the upcoming season.
Other live performances include a program called “Start at the State,” which gives local playwrights the chance to have their work read.
“It will be done simply,” according to Biever, “they will rehearse with a director, but they’ll still have the script in hand.”
A special project of The State’s own FUSE Productions brings together local performers, including actors and vocalists, and Equity actors from New York. “The idea is to produce the shows here and go on tour,” Biever says. Performance selections include Annie and A Year with Frog and Toad.
Good community venues bring quality performances to locals, and The State provides the county with, in Biever’s words, “a gathering place for the arts.” You can find information about upcoming programs by clicking HERE.
