State Theatre comes alive with shows, renovations
The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown, now in its 83 year, is a beehive of activity. Things are happening. Renovations and restorations continue at a frenzied pace. The theatre, which opened in 1922 as a vaudeville venue, was designed by architect Thomas Lamb in the 18th century Robert Adams architectural style.
Through the years, it hosted silent movies and talkies. It delighted audiences with Big Band legendaries like the Dorsey Brothers and Paul Whitman.
Later, other notables would grace its stage – Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and the Statler Brothers, just to name a few. It was closed twice, but each time found new life.
However, it was not until 1988 when the Greater Uniontown Heritage Consortium took a leadership role that it became a stable, truly marketable entity. In his first year, Marty Schiff is settling in and learning the ropes.
“Being named executive director is a dream come true,” he said. “This is so much fun for me, managing a theater. … Awareness and ticket sales are up. It’s all very exciting. Everyone is doing their best to get the word out.”
He feels all this is a sign of the theater’s good health. Schiff said the Eberly Foundation and philanthropist and Fayette County commissioner Joe Hardy have led the way in making The State Theatre, AKA, The Grand Old Lady of Main Street, a centerpiece in the revitalization of Uniontown – especially the Main Street corridor.
“Their generosity has been a tremendous boost for us,” he said. “The renovations and restorations are moving along. The restrooms have been updated. They are all in compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (of 1992),” Schiff said. “The size of the ladies’ room has nearly doubled, and the men’s room has been moved to be more accommodating.”
The lobby is being restored. An elevator is in the planning stages. Everything is designed to bring in more people.
“There is so much available in this area – music, ballet, opera, lecture series, cabaret, modern dance, comedy, symphonies, theater,” Schiff said. “We should be able to have the lights on every weekend. I would love to put on an original play at least once a year. … and have acting workshops.”
Schiff believes that “people should not have to go to Pittsburgh” to broaden their horizons.
“We should be the cultural entity in this area,” he said. “We need to become a vibrant, alive, functioning center.”
Schiff does not believe that Hollywood and New York City have a galvanized hold on the theater market, either.
“You can live just about anywhere and make a living in live theater,” he said.
As for The State Theatre, he said the Greater Uniontown Heritage Consortium – the theater’s board – is heading in the right direction. They continue to show him a lot of support.
“Pulling all this together in a short amount of time is a challenge,” Schiff said. “The board gives me day-to-day leeway to run the theater, and that helps me a lot.”
Yet, he said, “For me the real challenge is quickly learning the nuts and bolts … learning about the nonprofit world, and business plans. But, I just love it.”
Upcoming events include: “My One and Only,” Sat., Feb. 26, at 8 p.m.; “The Reduced Shakespeare Company,” Saturday, April 2, at 8 p.m.; “Steel Magnolias,” Sunday, April 10, at 7 p.m.; The Boilermaker Jazz Band, Saturday, May 7. On stage April 30 at 8 p.m. is “A Night With the Stars of Rock and Roll.” The State Theatre Center for the Arts is located at 27 E. Main St., Uniontown.
For more information about rentals, tickets, ticket pricing or upcoming events, call 724-439-1360 or 800-397-2554; or visit their Web site at www.info.statetheatre.info.