Oroville State Theatre

Built in 1928 by renowned California architect, Timothy Pfluger, the Oroville State Theatre was one of many California theaters owned and operated by the Turner & Dahnken Circuit, one of the largest independently owned theater chains in the country. The late 1920s were a period of prosperity in Oroville, reflected by a number of major building commissions, an abundant agricultural industry and ult

imately the gold rush which lent support to Oroville’s economy during the early years of the Great Depression. Over time the City of Oroville has experienced economic peeks of strength and growth as well as the turbulence of struggles and challenges. During one downturn, the Theatre was sold to United Artists who modernized several aspects of the theatre, but with considerable loss to the interior detail and damage to the Theatre’s infrastructure. UA held the Theatre for only a short time before seeking to divest itself of the project. Originally formed in the 1970s to establish a performing arts center in Oroville, the group that would eventually become STAGE raised donations from the community that were used to help the city acquire the State Theatre from United Artists, thereby cementing their role as custodians and protectors of this architectural treasure. The city first transferred full management responsibilities to STAGE in 2014, and finally completed ownership of the building in 2021. Today, the theatre provides several types of services: live performances featuring celebrated artists; co-sponsored performances as a collaborative between two or more local organizations; and a rentable venue for community events such as graduations, recitals and city meetings. Learn more about STAGE's mission to Conserve, Restore, and Renovate the Oroville State Theatre on our website: www.orovillestatetheatre.org