Restoring the 'heart of Auburn,' 2 years after State Theatre's collapse

Friday marked the two-year anniversary of the heart of Auburn temporarily closing its doors to the public. On April 18, 2023, the Auburn State Theatre announced a closure following the collapse of its ceiling. According to a statement provided to the Auburn Journal by Executive Director Colleen Sands in 2023, theatre volunteers noticed dust on seats and a couple of cracks in the ceiling in the week before the collapse. Weekend shows were postponed and a contractor was enlisted to evaluate the situation. The Theatre Restoration Project was then launched to restore the auditorium. Sands said what they hoped would be a 90- to 120-day process turned extensive due to the required asbestos remediation and repair to the theatre's trusses that were discovered during restoration. "It's been challenging. It's exciting. It's frustrating. It's all the feels," Sands said of the process during an interview with the Auburn Journal on Thursday. "The best thing is we have a vision of what the future will bring us. While we're going through the process, managing the expectation of our patrons is key for us. We want to continue to provide them with entertainment, and that's why we are still doing movies with community partners." According to Sands, the Odd Fellows Lodge #7 opened its doors for the State Theatre to hold its Acting Company productions, and the First Congregational Church where the theatre holds its State Theatre Acting Company radio shows in the parking lot or auditorium as well as the annual Christmas radio show in the sanctuary. "It's just been the outpouring of support, whether it's financial or just the positive responses we get, has been – you can't measure the value of that," Sands stated, noting the theatre wouldn't be able to do anything without its volunteer support. Sands confirmed to date the asbestos remediation, repair to the trusses caused by age and seismic retrofitting to bring the theatre up to today's building codes and ADA requirements have been completed. "Once we got the trusses repaired and the auditorium cleared out, we then truly began pursuing the solution for what the future of the theatre would look like," she said. Sands said the theatre is exploring options including working with the Auburn Symphony to look at the possibility of having a mechanical stage extension to provide an adequate-sized facility and the latest and greatest technology, as well as the potential addition of a mezzanine. Current work being completed includes reclaiming space which could add a second level to the theatre experience, to include the possibility of the mezzanine, bathrooms, a large area for gatherings and a second concessions area. "We've had to end our relationships with our tenants, which has been a hard and sad process for us, but the tenants themselves are so happy for us that we're continuing to move forward and they cannot wait for us to come back as a bigger and better theatre," Sands confirmed. The theatre's breezeway has been abuzz with construction of late, as demolition of the theatre's offices, concession area, box office, lobby, downstairs restrooms and tenant office spaces is underway. In the meantime, the State Theatre office has relocated to Suite 206 on the second floor and will soon expand into Suite 207 for additional office space, Sands said. Sands confirmed other work underway includes a feasibility study to confirm what the community wants in its State Theatre, and a capital campaign to confirm potential fundraising opportunities within the community. "We're on the right path for this theatre of what the community wants," Sands said. "They want this gathering center. They want shows. They want it to be a rental facility. They want it to be potentially with the symphony. Anything that we can do to bring the arts to Auburn is what this feasibility study will show and that the people in this community support all of that." Sands confirmed the goal is to have those completed by June, and the theatre has been working with industry consultant TheatreDNA on aspects such as lighting, chairs and technical equipment needed to put on a production. Sands shared a fun aspect of the restoration project has been discovering artifacts under the theatre or within the property that provide a "glimpse into history." Sands said such items include beer bottles, a cannonball and a live bullet that was found by her husband, Tim. "What we're going to try to do is dedicate a little space in the new theatre for a museum of like an homage to all of these things from the past," she confirmed. Sands said while the past two years can be equated to balancing several spinning plates, it is all to assist the State Theatre to "come back to be the best we can possibly be and, at least for the next 100 years, make this the true heart of Auburn, which it has been for almost 100 years at this point." The Auburn State Theatre will mark its 100th anniversary in 2030. Ways to give Members of the community wanting to donate to the theatre can do so by utilizing the Donate Now button on the theatre's website, auburnstatetheatre.org, or dropping off or mailing a check at the theatre. Another way to give is through Big Day of Giving, the annual call-to-action for the region to support nonprofit organizations. Early giving has begun, and supporters can visit bigdayofgiving.org/organization/AUBURNSTATETHEATRE to give. Sands confirmed there will be three events the community can support the arts on the Big Day of Giving (Thursday, May 1): The Auburn Carnegie Library will host tours of its refurbished building and grounds as well as an opportunity to chat with various nonprofits about their mission. Music and treats will be provided. The event will be from 2-6 p.m. at Carnegie Library, 175 Almond Street. A Celebration of the ARTS will be hosted by the Auburn State Theatre, Placer Artists Tour and Auburn Symphony from 4-7 p.m. at Auburn Art Park and Central Square. Supporters can enjoy a snow cone or slice of pizza while celebrating Auburn's arts. The Auburn Education Foundation will be at the Station Public House, 750 Lincoln Way, Ste. 100, from 4-7 p.m. in support of Auburn Union School District student enrichment programs, with entertainment provided by students in the programs. The State Theatre will also host its annual Cocktails & Cinema fundraiser/street party on Saturday, June 7. This year will be "Moonlight on the Bayou." Attendees are encouraged to get their tickets now and Sands said the State Theatre hopes to share photos of where the theatre has come from and its vision for the future during the event.