State Theatre: "Every Year's a Wild Ride!"

When Easton's State Theatre had its renaissance and began operations as a nonprofit in 1997, it was one of only two venues within the Lehigh Valley and had no trouble attracting headliners. Today, it s one of 26 venues, and is dwarfed by sites like PPL Center and Wind Creek. Yet it soldiers on, and is actually doing quite well. That's what Executive Director Shelley Brown and VP of Development Denise Smith told Northampton County Council on Thursday night. They provided a month-by-month chronology.

January is the middle of its show season. As the market has changed, the State Theatre has changed with it and is doing more more rentals for weddings and corporate events and private events. This has enabled it to double its visitors, many of whom are new.

February included three Broadway shows and fundraising events. Brown said the State is ideal for Broadway touring companies because it includes lots of space for equipment.
- 3 shows and fundraising events

March included a show by the Red Hot Chili Pipers, a rock-and-roll piper band. Liberty High School's Grenadiers are incorporated into this event.

In fact, 11,500 children under 18 visited the State last year.

In April, the State conducts its annual fundraiser to raise money for the Freddy awards, which has a budget of $400,000.

In May, the State held its 17th annual Freddy awards. Bangor Area High School won with a production of  Mamma Mia!  Brown said the Freddies creates a community where kids go to each other's shows and root for each other. I think that's great, but would add that athletes do this as well. Tonight, when four teams play in the EPC semifinals, there will be numerous athletes from other high schools on hand, just for the joy of the game. These kids all know and respect each other. 

Things slow down in June, but a new show season is announced. Plus West Virginia University awards scholarships. Seven students have received $95k  in scholarships, and this includes technical theatre.

As the Summer progressed, July was the time for projects that included upgrades to the kitchen and repairs to the rear egress to make it safe. It is also time for summer acting camp for 120 kids, which is sold out every year. This culminates with a final recital on the big stage.

In August, shows go on sale with the first week to members only. Last year's sale was the State's best first day since 2011. Then in September, there were improvements to the bar and concession area.

"Stage on stage" was tried in October. This is a new show in which the audience is actually on stage.   This is also the month in which Broadway shows perform technical rehearsals, getting ready for the Big Apple. There was also a fundraiser that pulled in $13,000

In December there were seven Broadway shows and a Christmas service.

Throughout the year, there were 100 shows and 85,000 guests for a staff of 14.

"Every year's a wild ride," said Brown.

Asked why she does not do films like 19th Street Theatre, Brown said she'd need about $300k for the equipment.