By BStigers on April 28, 2023.
The Auburn State Theatre has begun repair work on the auditorium interior this week to stabilize the room environment. Initial assessments were done by the city of Auburna s building inspector and private contractors. Planning is underway to determine the full scope of the repair work and restoration action that needs to be taken.A As previously reported April 19th, the historic State Theatre in Auburn, CA. had to temporarily close to the public and address interior building damage after ceiling cracks were noticed. Initially a large section of the auditorium ceiling plaster and framework came down the morning of April 18th, triggering a fire alarm system in the empty auditorium which triggered a multi-fire engine and crew response.
During the assessment process and due to the age of the Auburn state theatre, an environmental contractor was retained to do asbestos testing which returned a positive result, showing asbestos in the ceiling debris samples.
The first phase of repair, starting yesterday, will be the environmental contractor to secure and close off the auditorium and finalize a plan of action for the abatement and remediation for the auditorium area.
Work is being done in the critical barrier area which encompasses only the Theatre auditorium. This temporary closure of the State Theatre auditorium does not affect the Auburn state theater on-site offices or other businesses in the multi-use complex. Additionally, the exterior building roof is intact, did not collapse or sustain any damage.
The Auburn state theatre board of directors president Chris Walsh stated: a we want to thank our patrons, volunteers, performers, employees, tenants, and the community, for the outpouring of support. We will keep you appraised as we move forward with caring for the beloved theater, with a full slate of performances scheduled for 2023. Auburn state theatre is working as quickly as possible to reopen but emphasizing safety and proper historical restoration to ensure the auditorium will be a staple in the community for decades to come. Several State Theatre events will continue as repairs are undertaken, including the Big Day of giving on May 4th; Auburn Vintage Home Tour, May 7th, and the annual street party fundraiser, Cocktails and Cinema on June 3rd.
All indoor performances scheduled for the state theatre auditorium through the end of July are being rescheduled or relocated to other venues, when possible. Updated event information is available at theauburnstatetheatre.org. All patrons and ticket holders can transfer ticket dates, receive a refund or convert their purchases to a donation. an e-mail with events specific information and is what to do next will be sent to those purchased online all others may visit the Theatre box office in person or call 530-885-0156.
Remember BIG DAY OF GIVING May 4th.