State Theatre
116 E. High Street,
Bellefonte,
PA
16823
116 E. High Street,
Bellefonte,
PA
16823
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Mid-State Theaters Inc.
Previous Names: Garman Opera House
Nearby Theaters
Built in 1887 as an opera house, the Garman Opera House was converted in the 1930’s to a movie house renamed State Theatre. It closed in the 1960’s and became a warehouse. It became a movie house again in July 2000 showing art, foreign, and first run films. The Garman Opera House closed once more in October 2008, and was put up for sale.
Demolished in late-2013/early-2014 by a developer to build new residences. Despite demolition, Preservation PA placed it on its ‘At Risk’ list to make a legal point.
Contributed by
ARKAT, INC
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Homepage:
http://www.garmanoperahouse.com/
UPDATE from Garman’s website:
Construction began on December 5th, 2005 for a new screening room, in the Garman Opera House building. The project also includes plans for The Garman Opera House Inn, which will be located above the auditorium of the existing theatre.
The second screening room, The Garman II, will be located on stage in what is now the “fly” gallery. Access to the theater will be via Cherry Lane. As of February 2006, the remaining beams are scheduled to be delivered and set in place. After this step is completed, work will begin to construct the floor of the screening room.
Garman’s Opera House is listed in the 1897-98 edition of the Julius Cahn Official Theatrical Guide. A.S. Garman was Mgr. and press agent. Seating capacity was 950, and the house had both gas and electric illumination. The proscenium opening was 32 feet wide X 28 feet high, and the stage was 30 feet deep. Ticket prices were 25 cents to 75 cents and the theatre was on the ground floor. There was the Daily News plus 4 weeklies. Hotels were the Brockerhoff, Bush, and Garman. Railroads were the Pennsylvania RR and the Philadelphia & Reading RR. Bellfonte’s population was 5,000.
This closed theatre was briefly featured on InSession during the Jerry Sandusky trial. One of the reporters stood in front of the theatre by the doors and mentioned its history to the town.