Oroville State Theater renovations

posted by orovillestatetheater on January 28, 2008 at 7:50 am

OROVILLE, CA — The historic 1928 State Theater in Oroville is undergoing a ¾ million dollar upgrade. This project includes a completely new heating/air conditioning system replacing the old system. The old system consisted of the 1928 installation with additions in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1980s. The new systems are very flexible to meet varying needs of the theater now functioning as a performing arts center. The new installation also removes all the intrusions and additions in the original pipe organ chamber. This prepares the chamber for a future return of a theater organ.

In addition to the heating/air conditioning system, the theater is receiving a complete set of new curtains, including the main, additions to the fly system (the system was rebuilt 5 years ago), 14 additional stage lights, and a real follow spot (finally we can retire the temporary home-built one). In addition, both 35mm projectors have received new lighting and sound optics and have been repaired so that traditional reel-to-reel films can be shown (some historic film lenders do not allow platter system projection).

Before the project is finished a new electrical supply gear will be installed, removing the one currently on the stage floor, and providing an isolated electrical supply to the sound system.
These upgrades are just in time for the theater’s grand 80th birthday celebration on April 5, 2008. The event will recreate the opening night complete with stars, searchlights, a red carpet and featuring Dave Moreno at the Organ Console accompanying a silent movie. Dave will bring his “road” organ for this event. Of course, there will be cake! The last two weekends in April the theater will host the community stage production of Meredith Wilson’s beloved musical, “The Music Man." For more information, call 530-538-2417 or 530-538-2406.

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