Theatre Restoration Update – October 2025
Finalizing Design Drawings — Preparing for Construction
As we move into fall, Auburn State Theatre is entering an exciting stage of progress. Our design team is finalizing Design Drawings and beginning work on Construction Drawings, which will be submitted by mid-December. This timing is critical to ensure approval before new 2026 building code changes take effect on January 1.
Why is it taking so long to repair the ceiling and reopen?
Restoring and modernizing a historic building takes careful coordination. The Auburn State Theatre was originally built in 1930, and while its charm endures, much of the structure does not meet current building codes. Every element of our repair and renovation must now comply with today’s standards for safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency—all while preserving the character that makes the Theatre so special.
These updates go far beyond ceiling repairs. They will make the Theatre more comfortable, inclusive, and functional for everyone—audiences, artists, and staff alike.
Our Four-Phase Plan
To reopen as quickly as possible, the project has been divided into four phases, each focused on delivering safe, accessible, and high-quality improvements. Once funding is secured to complete Phases I–III construction can be completed, allowing the Theatre to reopen and welcome audiences once again.
Phase I - “Back of House” additional structure behind stage to include green room, dressing rooms, bathrooms, elevator, mechanical room, and storage. New access to the stage from behind the stage will be created. Load-in of equipment, cast, crew, and performers will no longer have to come through the front doors through the theatre.
Phase II - Auditorium, 2nd floor projection booth and mezzanine infrastructure.
Phase III - Lobby, bathrooms, concessions, updated stairs, and access from street.
Phase IV - Completion of 2nd floor including mezzanine, bathrooms, concessions, event space.
Momentum Is Building
We’re deeply grateful for the early gifts, pledges, and the insurance settlement already received. Our Board continues to provide sound financial planning and value engineering. Together, these efforts have given our fundraising campaign a strong foundation and impressive momentum as we move toward this exciting next chapter.
Happy Fall and Thank You for being part of Auburn’s living history!
Colleen Sands, Executive Director
Many Thanks to our generous community partners for hosting events while the Theatre is under reconstruction
On Stage • On Screen
AST and STAC Present
(Spooky) Golden Age Radio
Get a jump on your Halloween season with a special, spooky Golden Age Radio on Saturday, October 11. State Theatre Acting Company’s (STAC’s) last outdoor radio show of the season presents three spine-tingling episodes sure to give the audience chills.
Relive or experience for the first time the most beloved and iconic radio shows from the 1940s & 50s! STAC’s Golden Age Radio Theatre features talented actors, dynamic soundscapes from a live Foley (sound effects) artist and engaging narratives that will transport you to a bygone era.
Running time: 1.5h
Sat, October 11, 2025
6:30 PM
Special Location due to weather!
First Congregational Church’s Overmiller Hall: 710 Auburn Ravine Road in Auburn
FREE to ALL, Donations Graciously Accepted
Cinema at the State Presents
A Celebration of
Dia de los Muertos
Featuring Coco, Music and Dance
Coco Sponsored by Stein & Sons Cremation & Burial Service FD2120
Trio Los Embajadores Mariachi and Groupo Folklorico Dance Sponsored by The Kelty Family
Hosted by New Auburn Cemetery
In Disney/Pixar’s vibrant tale of family, fun and adventure, aspiring young musician named Miguel embarks on an extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors. 2018 Oscar Winner for Best Animated Feature Film and Golden Globe Winner for Best Motion Picture Animated. Come early to enjoy mariachi music by Trio Los Embajadores and a performance of Folklorico Dance. Maria’s Taco Truck will be on hand for a delicious Mexican dinner.
Running time: 1h 45m
Fri, October 24, 2025
Doors open at 5:00 PM for Fun Activities and Entertainment,
Coco screens at 6:30 PM
Bring your Chairs and Blankets
Location— New Auburn Cemetery, 1040 Collins Drive in Auburn
Tickets: $12 Adults, $5 Kids Under 12 accompanied by an adult ($2 fees included)
Buy Tickets
On Stage from the State Presents
Umpteenth Annual Halloween Bash with Antsy McClain & the Trailer Park Troubadours
Sponsored by The Sugar Plump Fairies
Antsy McClain brings his fun-loving Trailer Park Troubadours to Auburn’s Odd Fellows Lodge #7 for their acclaimed Umpteenth Halloween Bash. Come in costume and be ready to party! They'll take you on a ride through Pine View Heights, the friendliest trailer park in America, with their hilarious original songs and audience participation for an evening you'll be talking about for a long time.
Running time: 2.5h with Intermission
This is a 21 and over show.
Sat,
November 1, 2025
7:00 PM
Location— Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 1226½ Lincoln Way in Auburn
Tickets: Adults $50, Seniors $45
Day of Show: Adults $60, Seniors $55
NEW VIP Experience $100 (click for details)
(all tickets include $6 fees)
Buy Tickets
Auburn Vintage Home Tour
Benefiting Auburn State Theatre
Sponsored by Gayle Morris, Guide Real Estate
Organizer: Linda Nash
Don’t miss the 2025 Auburn Vintage Home Tour! This popular event is your chance to visit five beautiful vintage and historic homes, plus a bonus historic building. Homes include East Lake and Folk Victorians, American Gothic Revival, Queen Anne and Craftsman Bungalow styles. Each home is uniquely decorated and all of the homes are in or near downtown Auburn. All proceeds from this event will benefit Auburn State Theatre’s ongoing Restoration Project.
Tickets may be purchased online but must be picked up in person at Auburn State Theatre, 985 Lincoln Way, Auburn. Locations of homes are printed on the ticket.
Sun, November 2, 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tickets: $30
Buy tickets
Cinema at the State Presents
RITUAL Mountain Bike Film Tour
Sponsored by Victory Velo Bike Shop and Auburn Trails Alliance
RITUAL is a big screen celebration of incredible athletes, creative filmmakers, engaging storylines, stunning cinematography of mountain biking’s most scenic locations, and the straight up pure fun of riding.
Running time: 2h
Thurs,
November 6, 2025
7:00 PM
Location— Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 1226½ Lincoln Way in Auburn
Tickets: $15 Adults, $10 Seniors and Kids under 12 ($2 fees included)
Buy Tickets
Cinema at the State Presents
The Great Escape
Sponsored by Dean Prigmore and Patrice Taylor
The Nazis, exasperated at the number of escapes from their prison camps by a relatively small number of Allied prisoners, relocate them to a high-security 'escape-proof' camp to sit out the remainder of the war. Undaunted, the prisoners plan one of the most ambitious escape attempts of World War II. Based on a true story. Honoring our POW/MIA soldiers (those who came home and those who did not).
Running time: 2h 49m
(including 10-minute intermission)
Tues,
November 11, 2025
2:00 PM
Location— Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 East Street in Auburn
Free to Vets and anyone else who would like to attend to honor our POW/MIA soldiers. Please reserve your seat here or call 530-885-0156
Cinema at the State Presents
The Job of Songs
Sponsored by Mike Holmes
In Doolin, an isolated village teetering on the western edge of Ireland, a community of musicians seek joy and connection through music as they face a modernizing world. The denizens of this unspoiled coastal village of tight-knit neighbors and unlocked doors revel in the passion and history of their traditional folk songs, using music as a thread through generations to create community, connection and joy.
Running time: 1h 14m
Thurs, November 20, 2025
7:00 PM
Location— Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 1226½ Lincoln Way in Auburn
Tickets: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors and Kids under 12 ($2 fees included)
Buy Tickets
Cinema at the State Presents
Butterfly in a Blizzard
Trailblazing snowboarder Kimmy Fasani made sports history as the first woman to land a double backflip. Filmed over the course of 5 years, this documentary shares a deeply personal look into this legendary athlete’s extraordinary journey into motherhood, while navigating stardom, trauma, and a cancer diagnosis.
Running time: 1h 25m
Thurs, December 4, 2025
7:00 PM
Location— Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 1226½ Lincoln Way in Auburn
Tickets: $12 Adults, $10 Seniors and Kids under 12 ($2 fees included)
Buy Tickets
AST and STAC Present
It’s a Wonderful Life:
Live Radio Play
Sponsored by Dean Prigmore & Patrice Taylor
Bring the whole family and enjoy the State Theatre Acting Company’s (STAC’s) presentation of the ageless classic It’s a Wonderful Life as a live 1940s radio broadcast in front of a “studio” audience at the First Congregational Church of Auburn. STAC’s ensemble cast brings the story of small-town idealist George Bailey to captivating life as events unfold one fateful Christmas Eve. This two-act show, with an intermission, will be in full costume with live Foley sound effects and beautiful, original projections to help set the scene.
More info...
Running time: 2h with intermission
Fri, December 12, 2025
7:30 PM
Sat, December 13, 2025
2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Location— First Congregational Church: 710 Auburn Ravine Road in Auburn
Tickets: $20 General Admission,
$15 Children 11 & Under (includes $2 fee)
Buy Tickets
Cinema at the State Presents
Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas
Sponsored by The Kelty Family in Memory of Del Kelty
Mickey Mouse and all his Disney pals star in this animated movie about the importance of opening your heart to the true spirit of Christmas, and the power of friendship.
Running time: 1h 8m
Sun,
December 21, 2025
4:00 PM
Location— Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 1226½ Lincoln Way in Auburn