State Theatre To Return ... Eventually

Last June, a ruptured water main on Congress Avenue flooded the State Theatre, destroying the stage, production facility and a quarter of the venue's seats. For the past several months, the future of the historic 70-year-old institution was unclear.

At a press conference held earlier today, Austin Theatre Alliance executive director Ken Stein announced that the State will eventually return as a working theatre venue, and perhaps even as a producing theatre.

A phased reopening, in tandem with reconstruction efforts, will allow the theatre to host smaller events for the time being, including the State School of Acting and Austin Scriptworks. Full production work will be defered at least until the 2008-09 season, but the ultimate outcome won't be decided until further repairs are made.

“We’ve been working with the insurance company and the city on how to complete the repairs. At the same time, we are working with the developer of the building next door to minimize the impact of the construction now underway,” Stein said. “We simply believe that it is in our best interests to wait until the construction is complete and the dust settles to make any final decisions. All of our decisions are based on being responsible stewards of these major community assets. We are very aware of the responsibility of ensuring that the State and the Paramount theatres continue to exist to serve the greater Austin community, and beyond."

Photos from AustinTheatre website