The State Theater opened in 1946 to the enthusiastic support of the Red Bluff community. Over the years, the theater has been more than just a place to see movies. It has been the site of high school graduations and special events. Long time residents may remember it as the scene of their first date. The State Theater closed several years ago. It had become outdated; new theaters could better present modern movies. While it was vacant, it was not abandoned. The State Theater demonstrated the capacity of Red Bluff residents to propel their community forward. From early residents who recognized the need for quality entertainment in their thriving community, to those who are currently working to create a community art center in the theater anticipating the revitalization of the community's historic downtown, the State Theater is a symbol of the citizens' commitment to their community.

HISTORY OF THE STATE THEATER

The history of Red Bluff's State Theater begins long before it was built. The current State Theater sits on a site long recognized as Red Bluff's entertainment center. In the earliest days of Red Bluff, an entertainment pavilion was destroyed by a fire, the Orpheum Theater, or the Opera House, was built. Opened in 1908, it was built and operated by a group of local businessmen who hoped to bring quality entertainment to the community. At the time that it was built, it held the largest stage in California north of Sacramento.