Join Us!

The State Theatre of Ithaca (STI) is seeking their next Executive Director!

Our historic performing arts venue in downtown Ithaca, NY will celebrate its centennial in December 2028, and the current STI organization welcomes just the second ED since its founding in 2009, with a mission to preserve, operate, and promote the Theatre as an active venue.

Interested? To learn more about the theatre, review below.

To apply for the Executive Director position, visit corpsteam.com and send a resume and cover letter to Kirsten Poirier.

Historic Stage. Unforgettable Nights.

The State Theatre is a 501 c(3) not-for-profit organization that owns and operates downtown ithaca’s last remaining historic theater. With just over 1,600 seats, the state theatre hosts over 75 events each year including concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, classic movies, dance performances, readings, and community performances. Over 60,000 people attend events here each season.

At The State Theatre of Ithaca, we believe a great night out can do more than entertain; it can bring a whole community together. As stewards of our historic 1928 theatre, we’re proud to preserve one of the Finger Lakes’ most iconic gathering places while presenting top-quality, diverse performances from national, international, and local artists. From unforgettable concerts and community events to nights filled with laughter, music, and connection, The State helps make downtown Ithaca a more vibrant, creative, and fun place to live, visit, and celebrate. We take our role seriously, but never forget that we’re in the business of joy.

Nearly a Century of Stories on Stage

Since opening its doors on December 6, 1928, The State Theatre of Ithaca has been one of the Finger Lakes region’s most important performing arts venues. Originally built in 1915 as a Studebaker garage and showroom, the building was transformed into a grand atmospheric cinema and vaudeville palace by theatre architect Victor Rigaumont. With Moorish, Renaissance Revival, and Collegiate Gothic design influences, The State quickly became a source of pride for the community and remains the last surviving historic performing arts theatre in Tompkins County.

Over the decades, The State has evolved with the times – from vaudeville and cinema to concerts, comedy, dance, community events, and national touring performances. Like many downtown theatres, it faced serious challenges as entertainment habits changed, and at one point the building was nearly lost to demolition. Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, IPAC, Historic Ithaca, the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance, and countless community supporters, the theatre was saved, restored, and returned to its role as a vibrant gathering place for Ithaca and the surrounding region.

In 2009, The State Theatre of Ithaca, Inc. became the not-for-profit steward of this beloved landmark, continuing the work of preserving the building while improving the experience for artists, audiences, and the community. Major investments have included stage and rigging upgrades, plaster restoration, digital projection, backstage improvements, restroom renovations, accessibility upgrades, energy-efficiency projects, lobby and entrance improvements, and restoration of historic details throughout the theatre. Today, The State stands as both an architectural treasure and a living symbol of Ithaca’s community spirit, proving that when a community believes in the arts, history can keep making memories for generations to come.

Find Your Place in The Finger Lakes.

The Finger Lakes region offers an exceptional quality of life, combining natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a strong sense of place. Ithaca sits in a central location within the region, making it an ideal home base for exploring the area’s lakes, wineries, waterfalls, small towns, and year-round attractions. With farm-to-table dining, outdoor recreation, and a thriving arts and culture scene, it’s a wonderful place to build both a career and a life. Ithaca, in particular, offers the energy and creativity of a college town with the warmth, accessibility, and balance of a smaller community.

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Set in the heart of New York’s Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is surrounded by the kind of scenery, culture, and adventure that turns a show night into a full getaway. Explore 11 sparkling lakes, more than 120 wineries and vineyards, four distinct wine trails, and a landscape packed with gorges, waterfalls, hiking trails, state parks, farm-to-table dining, and small-town charm. Add in the energy of Cornell University, Ithaca College, and nearby Tompkins Cortland Community College—bringing more than 30,000 students into the community each fall—and you’ve got a destination that’s equal parts wine country, college town, outdoor playground, and arts-loving escape. Come for the concert, stay for the waterfalls, the wine, the views, and the full Finger Lakes experience.