Theater News

Sponsorships make “Read-It, Watch-It” Possible!
Posted: 2010-07-23

Read-It, Watch-It summer film series is available free of charge to children and their families throughout Centre County. It is a wonderful collaboration between the Schlow Library and the State Theatre that makes reading fun and accessible to kids by relating books to movies. This free program, however, would not be possible without the help of its sponsors.

So we’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their generous support: The Downtown State College Improvement District, Ferguson Foundation, Fulton Bank, McDonald’s, Wegmans, The Helen S. Friedman Community Enrichment Fund.

In their own words, some of the sponsors explain why they support Read-It, Watch-It:

“Our organization primarily supports local programs that benefit disadvantaged children and their families by providing them with shelter, food, basic needs, and also opportunities such as the State Theatre special programs, which they might not otherwise have the financial access to.”
– Jan Bradley, Ferguson Foundation

“We’ve sponsored this program for several years, and we’d like to keep it going. We’ve got an agreement with the State Theatre, and they help us out by advertising for us. Most importantly, we want to build a relationship with the community, and this is just one way we do that.”
– Jeff Lombardi, Wegmans

StateCollege.com and Forever Broadcasting also sponsor Read-It, Watch-It. They help with the series by advertising for the program online and through radio stations Froggy101 and Majic 99. In the words of one of Froggy101’s radio hosts:

“Forever Broadcasting has a partnership with the State Theatre, so we promote the State Theatre on our radio stations Froggy101 and Magic99. We sponsor Read It, Watch It because we do anything we can to help out with the State Theatre.”

So once again, thank you to all our most generous sponsors!
Written by Himani Gupta, summer intern

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The Next Stage announces Adult Acting Class: Aug 9 - 25
Posted: 2010-07-12

Mon. and Wed. 7 – 10 pm
Aug. 9th & 11th, 16th & 18th, 23rd & 25th

Teacher – Cary Spear
Member, Actors Equity Association
Acting Teacher: Carnegie Mellon University
Acting Coach: Two Next Stage productions

Class concentrates on Scene Work and Monologues

Base Fee $240 (plus a portion of the space rental cost -- $15/$20 depending on class size.)
At about $14 an hour for 18 hours of personalized, professional instruction it’s a bargain. And – IT’S FUN!

You need to commit to all 6 sessions. Scene partners will depend on you to be there.

Enrollment period ends Wednesday, July 14th. Your check for $240 serves as your enrollment and reserves your place.

Write Mary at msy3@psu.edu or Jay at sdj12us@yahoo.com if you have questions.

Make checks payable to The Next Stage, Inc. Mail to:
The Next Stage, Inc.
Calder Square
P.O. Box 11111
State College PA 16805

The Next Stage is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation.

Kids Build a Community at the State
Posted: 2010-07-09

The second week of the State Theatre Drama Academy has just come to a close and the kids are already settled in and working hard to create a great performance. However, they contribute more to this production than just their acting abilities. Instead, they have assumed responsibilities for costume making, props, clean-up, and support.
Although the children use a buddy system when walking around the theater, they have developed a lot of independence. When they step into the crafts room, they immediately get to work and start painting, gluing, and molding their costumes and props. They make things out of string, fabric, and old film strips, and of course, lots of glitter, paint, and mess is also involved. Despite whatever mess is formed, at the end of the day, they all pitch in to help clean up.
The kids also provide a lot of support and encouragement to each other on and off stage. The first-year kids have developed new friendships while old ones still hold strong. Some of the older children have even assumed a mentor-like position to some of the younger ones. One even jokingly refers to a few of the older girls as “mom.” They help each other learn dances, review lines, and even offer hugs.
These kids have a lot to do yet before their final production on July 24 and 25th. However, their hard work and smiles look very promising!

First Read-It, Watch-It of the Summer is a Big Success!
Posted: 2010-06-29

At the first Read-It, Watch-It event (Wednesday, June 24), coordinated by the Schlow Library and the State Theatre, children and their families were coming in droves. Just over 280 seats were filled with kids clutching popcorn and juice boxes. Some had been here the year before, but many were new-comers, excited to see that day’s feature film, “Chicken Run.”

This was a great event that brought together the whole family. One group of kids who had attended last year was accompanied by their grandparents because Mom and Dad couldn’t make it. When asked why they chose to participate, Grandpa answered emphatically, “Because the kids like it!”

Another group came with Our Lady of Victory Catholic Preschool’s Summer Day Camp. The coordinator of this collaboration, Nan Casciola, explained that this was the third year the camp was participating. She said her school participated in it because it was a coordinated reading program.

Many families donated to the Food Bank, as well. One mother, Suzanne, explained that she was a strong supporter of the Food Bank, and she really appreciated “events like this, where kids can make a contribution.”

When the movie started, the theatre was packed and hundreds of eyes watched quietly, in awe.
Written by Himani Gupta, summer intern

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The Art of the Steal - Limited Engagement
Posted: 2010-06-17

Limited Engagement
Before the 7pm showing on Friday, June 18, Nancy Locke, Associate Professor of Art History, will be joining us to share some of her knowledge of the Barnes collection. She will discuss the importance and uniqueness of some of the major works from the collection. We're happy she could join us!
More information...

"A Grand" Membership Drive!
Posted: 2010-06-04

As your local non-profit performing arts center we still rely on support from individuals like you that enjoy all the theatre has to offer. We're trying to reach a goal of 1,000 members for the 2010 drive! Sign up today to become a member of the State and enjoy great benefits!
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The State Theatre Summer Drama Academy
Posted: 2010-06-03

There are still a few spots left for The State Theatre's Summer Drama Academy - get your application in now! Read scripts, design and create sets and make new friends this summer. Applications are available on our website or contact Kristy at 814-272-0606x 303 / kristy@thestatetheatre.org.
More information...

Defibrillator purchased for The State Theatre!
Posted: 2010-03-02

A big thank you to all the community members and volunteers who came out for the Nittany Valley Shakespeare Festival's community fundraiser for The State Theatre. Through your efforts and contributions, together we raised the money for the purchase of a defibrillator and staff training to help make our theatre safer for all. A special thank you to the talented cast of actors who performed the reading of Dylan Thomas' UNDER MILKWOOD and donated so mucn of their valuable holiday time: Bob Barton, Rich and Hiedi Biever, John Churchill, Sue Ritti, Oz Osborne and Julia LaPlant!

Andy Tolins Duo Replaces Gregory Isakov For Brandi Carlile Show
Posted: 2010-01-24

Due to a family emergency The Andy Tolins Duo will be replacing Gregory Isakov as the opening act for Brandi Carlile on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.
The State Theatre apologizes for any inconvience this causes and our hearts and prayers go out to Gregory Isakov and his family.

TO ALL STATE THEATRE FILM FANATICS: HERE IS THE 'LOW DOWN'....
Posted: 2009-04-16

You may have noticed fewer film titles listed on our website. In order to provide our customers with the latest and greatest independent films available, we will be announcing our films at a later date than we have in the past. This allows us to request newer prints and a possibility of obtaining more films with a limited release. We will still be showing independent film on a weekly basis. For the most up to date information and show times, please check our website.

Ebony and Ivory Tribute for the Bob Zimmerman Stienway Piano Fund
Posted: 2008-10-10

We have reached $43,936.46 of our $62,000 Goal. Thank you all!

This benefit was an afternoon of enlightening and inspiring tunes featuring 4 local pianists, Richard Biever, Alexander Korte, David and Hyun Ju Curtain. Thank you to all who attended. It also was an opportunity to support the Bob Zimmerman Steinway Piano Fund. Your donations and attendance at the benefit helped us move closer to reaching our goal to purchase a Steinway for the State Theatre.

The Bob Zimmerman Memorial fund was established in January 2007 upon the passing of Bob. He believed in always giving back to his community. Bob included the State Theatre as one of his passions because of his great love for music and theatre. Having been a founding board member at the State Theatre he knew the value of a community performing arts center.

We still need your help in reaching our $62,000 goal. Currently 32 keys have been purchased for $300 in our “Name a Piano Key” challenge. There are 56 keys remaining. For $300 you, a family member or friend can be listed on a plaque that will hang in the theatre.

For more details contact Carol Falke 814-272-0606 X314 or carol@thestatetheatre.org

Diversified Asset Planners Reaching Out
Posted: 2008-05-16

The State Theatre is pleased to be partnering with Diversified Asset Planners. Through their generosity they will be providing funds to purchase blocks of tickets for children and families in the Centre County to attend the Sound of Music and Sha Na Na. Diversified Asset Planners is a full-service financial planning firm specializing in retirement planning. They have been recognized throughout the community for their support for Coaches vs Cancer, The Second Mile, Meals on Wheels and the Children’s Miracle Network. The following programs will benefit from this partnership: The Youth Service Bureau and their programs: both Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Second Mile of Clinton and Centre Counties, Outreach "Streetworks", Stepping Stone Transitional Housing Living Program, Stormbreak Youth, Youth Haven, Zerby Gap Family Works,Youth and Family Services and Family Desicion Making Group. Others include: The Centre County Women's Resource Centre, Centre County Parks and Recreation, The United Way's Hope for Kids and WIC (Women,Infants, Children).

Donald L. Smitley Memorial at The State Theatre
Posted: 2008-04-30

Despite having muscular dystrophy and eventually using a power wheelchair Donald Smitley believed that each of us has an original way of being human and he never let his disability define or limit him. He found ways to live life on terms he chose. When encountering obstacles he developed unique ways around them instead of being defeated. Even in inclement weather he trekked from his home at Addison Court to have breakfast at his beloved Corner Room Restaurant. After retiring he traveled to Europe, Belize, Guatemala, and many times to Mexico often spending months on the road. Whatever their status in life, no one was a stranger to Donald. They were just people he hadn’t met yet. His inspiring smile beneath his signature Greek fisherman’s hat was a common sight around State College especially in the warmer months. He spent many happy hours at the intersection of College Avenue and Allen Street greeting old friends, making new ones and spinning his stories. Many knew him that way even if they never knew his name. Donald was an avid movie fan and was delighted with the State Theatre. A bright light has been extinguished in State College. The State Theatre is using the funds donated in Donald’s memory to place a plaque on the railing of his special spot located in the theatre. We miss him dearly and are happy that he will be remembered in this way.

State Theatre Awarded the Ingrid P. Holtzman Award!
Posted: 2008-04-25

On Wednesday, April 16th the State Theatre was presented the Ingrid P Holtzman Award for improving the appearance of the Borough of State College. This prestigious award was accepted by President of the Board Joe Beddall and Executive Director Mike Negra. Accompanying the award was a $1,000 check. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the State College Borough for their support throughout our entire renovation process.

Email: info@thestatetheatre.org
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