State Theatre Nb: A Cultural Gem

The State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a historic, nonprofit venue with a rich history of hosting live performances and movies since its opening in 1921. With a seating capacity of 1,850, it is one of the oldest theatres in the state, designed by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb. The theatre has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major $3 million restoration in 2003-2004, which involved stripping away layers of paint to restore the original colour scheme and repairing the ornamental plaster domed ceiling. Today, the State Theatre is a thriving arts hub, presenting a diverse range of entertainment, from international orchestras to Broadway shows, comedy, dance, pop, rock, and family events. It also hosts numerous education and community engagement programs, reaching over 30,000 students and families annually. The theatre has welcomed renowned performers such as Ringo Starr, Diana Ross, Harry Connick Jr., David Copperfield, and Bruce Springsteen, among others. With its commitment to accessibility and community engagement, the State Theatre continues to be a beloved cultural landmark in New Brunswick.

The State Theatre New Jersey has a rich history, dating back to 1921

In its early years, the theatre was managed by Benjamin Franklin Keith and Edward Franklin Albee II of the B.F. Keith Theatre chain, which was the largest vaudeville theatre chain at the time. After Keith's death, Albee continued to operate the theatre, eventually merging with the Orpheum booking agency to form Keith-Albee-Orpheum (KAO). In 1928, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) acquired KAO, leading to another name change to Radio-Keith-Orpheum, or RKO.

The theatre underwent significant changes in the following years, including a major renovation in 1933, which resulted in the addition of the RKO Art-Deco design elements. With the advent of talking movies, the theatre became a go-to cinema for first-run films in 1939.

In the 1950s, the RKO State Theatre began hosting rock 'n' roll shows, featuring popular artists of the time. To accommodate this new genre, the theatre underwent another renovation, adding acoustic tiles to enhance the sound experience.

Despite facing competition from television in the 1960s, the State Theatre remained a prominent entertainment venue. It embraced the Rocky Horror Picture Show in the 1970s, attracting large audiences, often in costume, for late-night showings.

After a period of decline and changes in ownership, the theatre was acquired by the New Brunswick Cultural Center in 1986, leading to a $3 million renovation. It reopened as a performing arts centre in 1988 with a performance by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

Today, the State Theatre New Jersey is a thriving non-profit theatre, offering a diverse range of entertainment, including international orchestras, Broadway shows, comedy, dance, pop, rock, and family events. It attracts a large audience, with over six million people having walked through its doors as of 2020.

It has hosted many famous performers, including Ringo Starr, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin

The State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has hosted a plethora of famous performers, including Ringo Starr, Diana Ross, and Aretha Franklin. The theatre has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1921, when it was known as Reade's State Theatre. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and changes in ownership, reflecting the evolving entertainment landscape.

In the 1950s, the theatre began to host rock 'n' roll shows, featuring artists like The Satins and Chubby Checker. This new genre of music led to the addition of acoustic tiles, enhancing the sound quality. The State Theatre continued to adapt, embracing the Rocky Horror Picture Show in the 1970s and drawing in large audiences.

The theatre has also played a significant role in the community, with over six million people having passed through its doors as of June 2020. It offers a diverse range of entertainment, from international orchestras and Broadway shows to comedy, dance, pop, rock, and family events. The State Theatre is committed to accessibility and provides over 180 education and community engagement programs annually, benefiting students, teachers, and families.

The venue has a seating capacity of 1,850 and is located at 15 Livingston Avenue in the heart of downtown New Brunswick. It is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with nearby parking decks available. The State Theatre continues to be a premier arts venue in New Jersey, attracting renowned performers and offering a variety of cultural experiences to its audiences.

The State Theatre's impressive roster of performers includes not only Starr, Ross, and Franklin but also Harry Connick Jr., David Copperfield, Frankie Valli, Bruce Springsteen, George Carlin, Lewis Black, kd lang, John Leguizamo, and Tony Bennett. The theatre has also hosted distinguished international orchestras, such as the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Munich Symphony Orchestra, further solidifying its reputation as a world-class performance venue.

The theatre offers a diverse range of entertainment, from orchestras to comedy

The State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, offers a wide variety of performances, from orchestras to comedy, and everything in between. Located in the heart of the New Brunswick arts district, the theatre has hosted acts such as Jay Leno, The Zurich Chamber Orchestra, The Moody Blues' John Lodge, and Hollywood Nights—The Bob Seger Experience. The venue also plays host to Broadway shows, with tickets for the 2024-25 season currently on sale.

The State Theatre is also a popular venue for symphony performances, with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra regularly performing there. The venue has also played host to the New York Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to musical performances, the theatre also hosts comedy acts, such as A Drag Queen Christmas, and family-friendly events like Blippi: Join the Band Tour! and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The State Theatre is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all patrons and requires all attendees to abide by the venue's safety protocols. The theatre also offers accessible seating and parking options for patrons with disabilities.

The theatre is easily accessible, with nearby parking available and public transportation options, including New Jersey Transit rail services, within walking distance.

Whether you're looking for a night of music, laughter, or family fun, the State Theatre in New Brunswick has something for everyone. With a diverse range of performances and events, it's a cultural hub in the heart of New Brunswick.

It provides accessible seating and has specific rules regarding children's tickets

The State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is an accessible venue. However, it is important to note that the theatre does not have an elevator to access the balcony level. Accessible seating is available, and guests can contact the venue directly for more information.

The State Theatre has specific rules regarding children's tickets. Everyone, including children, needs a ticket to enter the theatre. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied and seated directly adjacent to a parent or guardian. Free infant lap vouchers are available for children 11 months or younger for certain events geared towards very young children. These lap vouchers require that the child must be seated on the lap of a parent or guardian. For more information, guests can contact the State Theatre New Jersey Ticket Office.

The State Theatre is located in the heart of downtown New Brunswick

The State Theatre has a rich history and has played a significant role in the entertainment industry in New Brunswick. In the 1950s, it started hosting rock 'n' roll shows featuring popular artists such as The Satins and Chubby Checker. It also embraced the emerging genre of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in the 1970s, attracting large audiences. The theatre continued to operate until the 1960s when audiences shifted to multiplex cinemas. After a period of decline, the theatre was purchased by the New Brunswick Development Corporation in 1979 and later by the New Brunswick Cultural Center in 1986.

The State Theatre reopened as a performing arts centre in 1988 after a $3 million renovation, with a performance by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra. In 2003, the theatre received additional funding for interior restoration, and the original colour scheme was restored. Upgrades were also made to the sound and lighting systems. The theatre continues to be a premier venue for the arts community in New Brunswick, presenting a diverse range of entertainment, including international orchestras, Broadway shows, comedy, dance, pop, rock, and family events.

The State Theatre is committed to accessibility and offers accessible seating for patrons with disabilities. However, it is important to note that the theatre does not have an elevator to access the balcony level. The theatre has a seating capacity of 1,850 people and is known for its impressive sound quality and acoustics. It has hosted several renowned artists, including Ringo Starr, Diana Ross, Harry Connick Jr., David Copperfield, and Bruce Springsteen.

The State Theatre also has a strong focus on education and community engagement, hosting over 180 programs that reach 30,000 students, teachers, and families annually. These programs include performances, workshops, artist residencies, and sensory-friendly performances. As of June 2020, over six million people have walked through the doors of the State Theatre, making it a beloved and integral part of the cultural landscape of New Brunswick.

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