State Theatre of Ithaca receives $103,000 in state funding

ITHACA, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A nearly 100-year-old Ithaca landmark that draws visitors from across the region is getting a boost from the state.

The State Theatre of Ithaca is receiving $103,000 in state funding secured by Senator Lea Webb and Assemblymember Anna Kelles.

The 1600 seat downtown performing arts center hosts between 75 and 85 events each year including concerts, comedians and dance, attracting 60,000 people annually.

The State is part of the 14-member Upstate New York Alive Downtowns! Coalition which represents theaters that are at least 75 years-old with 1,000 or more seats.

State Theatre Executive Director Doug Levine says first-time visitors are amazed at the grandeur of the Moorish Gothic architecture inside.

“They just don’t build theaters like this anymore. They would never take the time and effort to painstakingly carve eagles and gremlins and gargoyles into the facade. You can just look around here for days and still see something new. I’ve been here for 16 years and I’m still finding new things in the building itself,” said Levine.

Levine says the funding allows them to avoid furloughing employees during the slow summer season.

Upcoming shows include Neko Case tonight, Graham Nash and Judy Collins, Pink Martini and the Wallflowers featuring Jakob Dylan.

For tickets and more information, go to StateofIthaca.org .

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