Dating back to 1926, The State Theatre Center for the Arts is known far and wide as a historic landmark and a center for community and global performances. In the 1980s, however, the building was threatened with demolition – until a group of concerned Eastonians calling themselves “Friends of the State Theatre” stepped in to save it.
Relying on the support of the community they called home, Friends of the State Theatre raised enough money to not only purchase the building, but to renovate it completely. The preservation and restoration of the historic State Theatre became a larger metaphor for the preservation of downtown Easton itself.
In essence, “it’s not about how to save a theatre – it’s about why.”
Join filmmaker Jeremy Joseph and Friends of the State Theatre for a screening of the documentary, Saving the State Theatre, followed by a panel discussion and talkback. Speakers include:
Antonia “Toni” Barriga Mitman
Co-Founder, Historic Easton, Inc.
Co-Founder, Friends of the State Theatre
Ken Klabunde
Co-Founder, Friends of the State Theatre
State Theatre Manager, 1974-1980
Richard Wolfe
Co-Founder, Friends of the State Theatre
Owner – Roxy Theatre, Northampton, Pennsylvania
Jeremy Joseph
Founder, Big Easy Easton Brass
Creator, Brick Easton
Screening at 7:00pm, panel discussion to follow. Admission is free for Fourth Friday.