State Theatre (Falls Church, Virginia) facts for kids

The State Theatre is a cool place in Falls Church, Virginia, where you can grab a bite to eat and watch live music. It first opened its doors in 1936 as a movie theater and showed films until 1988. After some big changes, it reopened in 1999 as a spot for concerts and special events. If you're using the Metro, the closest station is the East Falls Church Metro station.

Quick facts for kids
State Theatre

The State Theatre
Address	220 N Washington St Falls Church, Virginia 22046-4517
Location	Washington metropolitan area
Coordinates	38°52′58″N 77°10′11″W / 38.8829°N 77.1696°W / 38.8829; -77.1696
Owner	Timeless Entertainment
Capacity	850
Opened	January 27, 1936 (1936-01-27)
Building details
General information
Renovated	1998-99
Renovation cost	$2 million ($3.59 million in 2022 dollars )
Renovating team
Architect	Martinez+Johnson

History of the State Theatre

The State Theatre was quite special when it first opened. It was one of the very first theaters on the East Coast to have central air conditioning. Imagine how cool that was on a hot day!

It was also the main theater in a family-owned group called "Neighborhood Theatres." This group also ran other movie theaters nearby, like the Glebe Theater and Buckingham Theater in Arlington County, Virginia, and the Jefferson Theater in Falls Church.

From Movies to Music

The very first movie shown at the State Theatre was Thanks a Million, starring Dick Powell. For many years, it was a popular spot to catch the latest films.

However, on November 27, 1988, the State Theatre closed its doors as a movie house. The last film it ever showed was Die Hard, with Bruce Willis.

After being closed for a while, the theater went through a huge renovation in the late 1990s. This big project cost millions of dollars. The goal was to turn it into a fantastic place for live music and private events.

When it reopened in 1999, many parts of the original building were kept. The full stage is still the same as it was in 1936. The 200 seats in the balcony and the two lobbies are also original.

Strictly Global TV Show

From 2004 to 2011, the State Theatre was home to a weekly music TV show called Strictly Global. This show was filmed right there for nearly seven years!

Famous Performers

Many well-known artists and bands have played at the State Theatre. Here are just some of the performers who have rocked the stage: