Oscar Ericsson

The State Theatre prepares for a showing of “Sentimental Value” on the year of its 100th anniversary.

In the heart of Sioux Falls, the State Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, but despite a grand re-opening in 2020, the fight to bring the theatre back to life continues.

The State Theatre opened in 1926, serving as a display of the newest silent films for the general public. Operators Moses Finkelstein and Isaac Ruben wanted an elegant space where filmgoers could not only watch a movie but share it with those around them. The following decades proved their aspirations successful as the State Theatre flourished, becoming the cinematic hub of Sioux Falls and the surrounding area throughout the ‘30s and ’40s. It would become so esteemed that it would host the world premiere of the 1956 western “The Last Hunt,” starring Stewart Granger. Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, general manager Cliff Knoll, known for his passion for cinema, drew in audiences by creating a magical experience for patrons. As rival theatres opened around Sioux Falls, the State Theatre became increasingly difficult to run. A series of mechanical issues and a limited number of screens were key factors in the theatre’s end. After an extraordinary 70-year run, the State Theatre closed its doors in 1990.

For the residents around downtown Sioux Falls, this was devastating news. The once-bustling building was now barren. As people saw the empty building, their own ideas about what it could hold started to take effect. In the early ‘90s, a group of people attempted to repurpose the theatre into a concert hall and rental facility. In 2001, the Sioux Falls Film Society made the State Theatre its priority and home. A new roof was installed to prevent water damage, and after another successful series of renovations, the Sioux Falls State Theatre Company non-profit formed in 2005. Its mission was to keep the building pristine and bring it back to its splendour. A series of successful campaigns led to the renovation of the refined lobby and bathrooms in 2012. The following years were pivotal to the project’s success. After a $250,000 donation from Secretary John Swedeen, a $1.5 million donation from the City of Sioux Falls and a $3.5 million donation from T. Denny Sanford, the theatre was finally ready. For three decades, the State Theatre’s fate remained a mystery, but on Dec. 11, 2020, its doors opened to the public for a showing of White Christmas. For the staff and audience alike, it was a night to remember.

 “It was like a dream come true,” said executive director Allison Weiland, “That’s what we had been working so hard for.”

After Swedeen’s large donation, many staff members and volunteers joined the State Theatre team, including Weiland. Upon joining, she faced many challenges, including raising awareness, fundraising and event-hosting to support the building’s success. 

“My attitude towards it was [that] this building is too special to just be sitting here unused,” said Weiland. “I could see the vision and how much joy this could bring to people and how unique it could be to our city.”

Despite its recent success, the State Theatre’s plans are far from over. Six years after a successful second opening, the staff still have their aspirations. 

“We still have a big section of the theatre to restore and open,” said Weiland, “So I’m still selling that story and getting people excited and raising awareness and fundraising, so I’ve learned a lot, but the journey continues.”

As the board and staff work effortlessly together to bring the theatre back to its original state, there are many ways people can help out. Volunteering, donating and simply going to movies all contribute to the preservation of the theatre.

 “$1.50 of [your ticket] goes into preserving the theatre,” said Weiland, “So buy tickets, come to movies [and] bring your friends.”

The State Theatre has been giving the residents of Sioux Falls a special place to share for 100 years, but as the staff and board work to open the rest of the theatre, what makes this place worth the trouble? 

“There is no other building that can give off [the same] experience,” said Weiland. “It’s one-of-a-kind.”