The historic theater began replacing its old wooden seating with new modern seats. As of this week, the auditorium has a total of 703 new, comfortable chairs as well as additional ADA-compliant seating.

A special unveiling ceremony was held for the renovated auditorium, which included a brief program on the history of the theater. Historian Dr. Dan Groebner, who has researched the theater for years described the renovations as “breathtaking.”

Groebner explained the theater was originally built in 1939 as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The theater was originally part of New Ulm High School, serving as auditorium/gym space. The building eventually transitioned into Middle School. It was for this reason the theater was originally built with narrow wooden seating.

By 2012, the school district was no longer using the building as a school and was looking to sell it. Eventually, it was sold to a local citizen group called Cenate LLC. Cenate’s purpose was to find a solution to housing shortages and turn ownership of the gym/auditorium over to a performing arts group.

The renovation of State Street Theaters auditorium was completed this week. Among the renovations was the replacement of the old narrow wooden seats with wider cushioned seats.

After the sale of the classroom side of the building, Cenate gave the theater space over to New Ulm Actors Community Theatre, which officially changed its name to State Street Theater Company (SSTC).

Over the years, State Street Theater has raised over $1 million through capital campaigns. The early campaigns were designed to update infrastructure, with the most recent campaign to improve the aesthetics of the space.

SSTC President Emeritus Mary Ellen Domeier said it was the current campaign that covered the cost of replacing the seating. The aim was to keep the auditorium in the style of a 1939 theater, but have more modern seating. The old wooden seats are the most frequent complaint from audiences. Domeier explained the old wooden seats were only 17 inches wide. The new seats are between 20 and 22 inches wide.

In addition, to the seats safety railings were added to the steep balcony. Aisle lights were added to all parts of the theater.

Several donors and volunteers were thanked for making the renovations possible. Mikelson Medica Foundation and the Roger & Carol Ryberg Family Trust each donated over $100,000 to the project.

Seating improvements at State Street included safety upgrades to the balcony. New railings were installed along the stairs.

“It is not often we can have an effect on the quality of life in a community and we have here,” Roger Ryberg said.

He believed the arts were needed to give a community a high-quality life and these renovations were a part of making that possible.

“I look forward to enjoying these 22-inch seats,” Ryberg said.

Thor Mickelson said it was amazing to be part of a community that cares so much to make the theater renovations possible. He credited strong leadership and many volunteers for making this project possible.

SSTC’s board of directors also wished to thank four of the earliest volunteers for getting the theater company started and continuing to thrive. Judy Sellner, Brenda Nielsen, Wendy Tuttle and Tom Kaehler were given special certificates of appreciation for their volunteer work with SSTC.

State Street Theater volunteers (L to R): Judy Sellner, Wendy Tuttle and Tom Kaehler received certificates of appreciate for the countless hours of support they have rendered to the theater.

The program closed with a special proclamation, read by New Ulm City Council President Andrea Boettger, declaring Feb. 9, 2024, State Street Theater Day.

The first show to be held at SSTC with the new seating is “Chase & Ovation A Salute to the Music of Prince. The performance will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.