May 6, 2024 By Melissa Gibson 3 min read

Starting with silent movies and Vaudeville’s finest acts in the early 1920’s to professional touring productions to local performances, the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown has been providing entertainment for more than 100 years.

“All of the State Theatre’s season performances and the classic film series are great and should not be missed,” said Erica Miller, executive director. “We encourage everyone to come and enjoy a show or a movie. This beautiful historic building has been bringing great entertainment to our region for over 100 years and we’re now the presenting house of the Main Street Theatre Company, which brings four great musicals to the State Theatre each year.”

In addition to performances, the theatre offers numerous opportunities to expose young people to the magic of the performing arts.

The Education Series presents two shows each year to public, private and homeschooled students as a field trip.

This year, students were able to attend a performance of the annual “Nutcracker” ballet.

“For most of them, this is their first chance to experience live theatre. We offer these shows at a low cost to schools, and we provide study guides to enhance the educational experience for all who attend,” Miller said.

With a century-old building comes the need for routine repairs and renovations.

Earlier this year they replaced the theatrical rigging systems, including a new fly rail system, stage curtains, a new grand drape and fire safety curtain. And, there are more upgrades on the way.

“We’re currently having the canopy on the side of the Union Trust building along Gallatin Avenue repaired by Louis Agostini and Weeger Contracting. We’re in the planning stages of repairs to the cornice of the building,” Miller said. “We’re also in the midst of getting LED lighting in the State Theatre auditorium, making the auditorium brighter and saving the theatre in power expenses.”

The canopy and cornice projects are made possible through a façade grant from the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Uniontown (RACU) headed by its director, Crystal Simmons.

The lighting project is thanks to a capital grant through the Fayette County Tourism Grants, administered through Go Laurel Highlands.

Ultimately, Miller and the staff at the Greater Uniontown Heritage Consortium, Inc. (which owns the State Theatre) hope to bring the community and visitors together to provide a special experience.

“Our mission is to present the performing arts, not only to culturally enrich our region but also to boost the local economy and increase tourism,” Miller said. “Our shows and events bring tens of thousands of people to downtown Uniontown to be entertained and to eat in the local restaurants, park in the local parking garages and shop in our local stores. We’re proud to keep the performing arts coming to downtown Uniontown.”

Visit https://statetheatre.info/ for a schedule of upcoming events and the new season this fall.