SET THE STAGE FOR
STATE THEATRE’S FUTURE

State Theatre New Jersey opened in 1921 as “Reade's State Theatre,” when New Brunswick was a thriving transportation hub and manufacturing center with a growing population. The State Theatre stood out as a grand live performance and movie palace in the heyday of silent film and Vaudeville. It is one of only a few grand historic theaters remaining from this period and it is our goal to ensure that the stage is set for it to thrive for the next 100 years.

In 2018 the theater was profiled as a “Treasure of New Jersey” in NJTV’s PBS documentary Treasures of New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey. You can watch this 30-minute episode here »

In preparation for our 100th anniversary in 2021, we have launched the Next Stage Campaign to:

Ensure accessibility throughout the theater and safety for all. This includes the addition of a much-needed elevator for access to all theater levels.
Upgrade patron amenities throughout the theater, backstage areas, and production equipment to continue to attract the highest level of talent while welcoming State Theatre’s growing and diverse audience.
Improve efficiencies in our systems to reduce operational costs and benefit public safety.

Read about our partnership with Middlesex County »

Read our announcement of the Next Stage Campaign »

Watch our Virtual Groundbreaking »

Share Your State Theatre Memories with Us »