Sandusky State

Historic Theaters 

CASE Studies

Current Name of Theater:  The State Theatre
Current Type:  Performing Arts Theater
Seats:  1,526
Website:  www.sanduskystate.com
Historic Names of Theater:   The Schine Theatre
Address: 107 Columbus Ave, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Contact: Kristen Moldovan – Education & Box Office
419.626.1347
Email:   kmoldovan@sanduskystate.com
Year Built/Style:   1928 / Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival
Original Architect:   Peter M. Hulsken.  Built by William F. Seitz and sons
Original Cost: 
Listed on National Register:   yes: October 20th 1982.  82001435
History of Theater:  
In 1928 The Schine Theatre officially opened on October 11, 1928 with “The Night Watch” starring Billie Dove.  During September 1930 The Schine Theatre was taken over by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp. They were evicted from the theatre in 1933 for non-payment of rent and it was then operated by Seltz Theatre Company.
By the the mid-1940’s, the Golden Voiced Marvel Page Organ was introduced to The Schine Theatre. This organ is one of only four in the country.  It left the Theatre, and was sold to a gentleman from Detroit in 1961.
Cost of Rehabilitation: 
Architect: 
Contractors: 
Source of Funds: 
Renovation Story: 
The Theatre fell into despair in the 60’s and 70’s.  The Sandusky State Theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. In June 1990, the Theatre went through its biggest renovation.  In 1995, the Golden Voiced Marvel Page Organ was returned home.  On October 11, 2003, The State Theatre celebrated its 75th anniversary, with a performance by Michael Bolton. Today the Theatre operates with no debt and is working to be completely renovated for its 100 year anniversary in 2028.
The Sandusky State Theatre, Inc., is a non-profit 501 c-3 Organization, dedicated to the preservation of the State Theatre as an historic landmark and community cornerstone that serves the people of the greater Sandusky region by presenting programs of artistic, education and social merit.