3rd anniversary of Auburn State Theatre ceiling collapse

This Saturday, April 18, marks the third anniversary of Auburn State Theatre's ceiling collapse. It began with a small crack in the ceiling that over the next few days ran down the center of the auditorium and then split; five days later, in the pre-dawn hours, the ceiling fell in, bringing down sheetrock, wood framing and asbestos. The good news is the roof and rest of the building were undamaged. It seems so long ago, and ever since, it's been an uphill climb worthy of the "Endurance Capital of the World!" From the initial clean-up, structural repair and earthquake retrofitting, to consultants, architects and numerous building inspections, life has been busy! Though there's still a ways to go, Auburn State Theatre (AST) remains committed to reopening, better than ever and ready to go for another 100-plus years. Those who have attended shows at Auburn's historic Theatre remember the excitement of experiencing artists such as The Floyd, Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss, Chris Cain, Mick Martin's Big Blues Band and Scotland's Tannahill Weavers RIGHT HERE in Auburn! Many still remember the indelible magic of the State Theatre Acting Company's "Shrek the Musical," "Mamma Mia" and "Young Frankenstein." For those who are not familiar with Auburn State Theatre: This Art Deco Theatre has served as a gathering place for performing arts, film and cultural events since its opening in 1930. Originally a 1,300-seat movie palace, the Theatre has welcomed audiences for nearly 100 years, providing a multitude of memories for our community. Now a nonprofit performing arts center, AST collaborates with local nonprofits, including Auburn Symphony, Placer Pops Chorale, Protect American River Canyons (PARC), Take Note Troupe and United Auburn Indian Community (UAIC), among others, to present "something for everyone." The Theatre continues to receive calls from artists and organizations asking, "When will you be open?" Every day we are inching toward that goal. Theatre staff continues working, suppliers continue to be paid. Behind the "Restore the Magic" construction wall, progress continues to be made. Guided by respected consultants Theatre DNA, Nineteen-Six architects and RJT Construction, we have submitted construction plans to the City of Auburn. The Theatre has begun a Capital Campaign to raise the $11 million to $12 million this project is expected to cost – which includes numerous ADA upgrades, elevators, second-level mezzanine seating, new restrooms, Green Room and Concessions area. Auburn State Theatre is grateful for the continued community support that has helped us overcome many obstacles on the road to reopening. Outwardly, the Theatre looks pretty much ready for business, with new shows going up on the Marquee every week. This is possible because of wonderful community partners – including Odd Fellows Lodge #7, First Congregational Church of Auburn, Auburn Recreation District, Auburn Veterans Memorial Hall, Crooked Lane Brewing Company, Hotel Vista Sierra and New Auburn Cemetery – who offered their venues for our shows. Because of this generosity, the Theatre has been able to continue presenting music, films and plays, even though our building is under reconstruction. You can be part of "Restoring the Magic" to Auburn State Theatre. Check out our website and subscribe to receive information on upcoming events. Your attendance helps keep AST operating until we are able to reopen. Come see us at "Fairy Square" (across from Auburn's Central Square) on Thursday, May 7, the Big Day of Giving. Come to our annual street party/fundraiser "Cocktails, Cinema and Country Nights" on Saturday, June 6; we hope to see you there! Thank you, we are so very grateful for our caring community!