Welcome to the STATE THEATRE ARTS GUILD,
We are the Nonprofit Organization Behind the Oroville State Theater.
The State Theatre Arts Guild (STAGE) was formed in the early 1970’s and was originally called the Oroville Community Center Committee. It was incorporated in 1979 as a nonprofit 501c3 corporation. The original charter was to work with the City of Oroville to develop a performing arts center in its downtown district. When United Artists announced its intent to divest the State Theatre in the mid-1980’s, the City of Oroville committed to purchasing the Theater. Committee funds were given to the City to assist in the purchase, the initial remodel and operation of the Theater.
Our MISSION
The Mission of the State Theater Arts Guild is to sustain and protect the Historic Oroville State Theater in order to provide a superior performing arts center for the Greater Oroville area. The organization will enrich, educate, and empower the next generation of theater conservationists and provide a venue for creative community involvement.
PROJECTS
Our Dedication for the History
01
Blade and marquee
The original blade and marquee were removed in 1962 and replaced with a generic movie theater sign for coming attractions. There was no record of where the original signage went, so a replica of the original was created from photos. Of course, the marquee was updated with LED lighting and offers a more dynamic viewing experience, but the blade is the same as the original. The neon boldly lights up Historic Downtown Oroville.
03
Mural Restoration
Beate Bruhl, a renowned restoration artist, was commissioned in 2019 to restore the mural located on the north staircase depicting a woman surrounded by the natural resources found in Butte County. The mural was covered with 23 layers of paint that needed to be painstakingly uncovered and refreshed.
05
Roof Replacement
The roof was replaced to protect
the restorations and protect the integrity of the building.
02
Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ
In 2017 the Oroville State Theatre launched a restoration project to install the Wurlitzer Organ donated by the Mount Shasta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society. It required opening up the second chamber with an access door cut into the backstage wall and repairing the first chamber to accept the components. The organ consists of a three-register console and seventeen ranks of pipes plus percussion instruments and a toy counter.
04
Lobby Upgrade
The lobby and mezzanine were restored to reflect the 1930s Art Deco design uncovered in the ‘reveals’ in the lobby walls and ceiling. Bright colors with gold and silver leaf were painted throughout. Replicas of the original chandeliers were crafted from historic photos.
06
Solar Array Replacement
The Solar Array was replaced to ensure the utilities would be affordable once STAGE took over ownership of the theater.
After the city’s acquisition of the Theatre, STAGE remained a community partner
and helped secure grants to restore the exterior façade.
The City of Oroville eventually announced it was unable to continue its support of the Historic Oroville State Theatre and on June 17, 2014, turned over the operation and management of the Theatre entirely to the State Theatre Arts Guild. STAGE managed the day-to-day operations of the Theatre with mostly volunteer support for the next eight years.
During this period, STAGE secured grant funding through the City of Oroville Supplemental Benefits Fund and Oroville Arts Commission approximately $1.5m, and matched funds from donors and volunteers hours for another $1.5m to complete significant capital projects.
Technical upgrades (sound, lights, and communication)
All of our efforts were recognized and on March 17, 2021, the City of Oroville transferred ownership of the Oroville State Theatre to the State Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. to ensure continued operation of the Theatre.
Sustainability
With the Transfer of Ownership from the City of Oroville, the current primary focus of the organization is shifting to building revenue sustainability. We will always look for avenues to continue to restore the theatre, but we must first grow programming and rentals to ensure the doors can stay open. We have invested in upgraded technology, equipment, and amenities to expand the use of the theatre.
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Jim Moll
President
Investments, Stifel Nicolaus & Company. Served on the following boards, Oroville Chamber of Commerce, Oroville Exchange Club, Oroville Hospital and Northwest SPCA.
His passion is the community of Oroville, the Oroville State Theatre, his church community and his wife of 46 years, Claudia.
Michael Phulps
Vice President/Treasurer
Owner of Metal Works. Business management background and volunteers on several non profits boards.
Currently serves on the Golden Valley Bank Board of Directors.
He enjoys bringing folks together
to make things happen.
Warren Jensen
Secretary
Director of Community Analytics and GIS with Gary Bess Associates. Experience in strategic planning, grant writing and market intelligence.
His passion is the community, history and statistics.
Erik Johansen
Board Member
Senior Sales Manager with a local manufacturer of plastic bags. Many years of involvement with the community and establishing long-lasting relationships with customers through personal service.
He prefers to be recognized as a bridge builder and to add common sense to life.
Joe Putyrae
Board Member
CPMR retired. Founder and CEO of Putyrae and Associates. 25 years of sales and marketing experience, while consulting on multiple manufacturer advisory councils.
Lead community training and education for the Butte County Grand Jury Association. His passion is music and travel.
Stan Hall
Board Member
Retired industrial maintenance manager and refrigeration engineer. He has much experience with the theatre building maintenance.
His passion is to see the theatre completely restored for the 100 year celebration in 2028.
Louisa Louie
Board Member
Union Restaurant owner. Education from California College of the Arts; Marketing/Graphic Design and Restaurant Management.
Her passion is art, music and art education for youth.
Ron Hawkins
Board Member
Ron continues to bring his construction experience to look for ways to improve revenue streams with the theater buildings.
Daniel Ballard
Board Member
Expertise as a local historian.
Daniel also serves on the Butte County Historical Society board and is an actor at the Birdcage Theatre. He also developed a very successful monthly Historic Walking Tour program to highlight the history
and architecture of the greater Oroville area.
His passion is researching, preserving and sharing local history.
Hardy Lahn
Board Member
Founder/CEO of Lahn+Partners, Brand Consultancy & Design. He previously taught Art, Branding,
and Design at UC Berkeley and the Art Institute of San Francisco. He immigrated from Germany in 2016.
His passion lies in contributing to the Oroville community, working with wild horses, and providing horse-aided communication and leadership training for children with special needs and trauma victims.