"It is our pleasure to have the opportunity to have any association with The State Theatre. It is by far the real inclusive community theatre in this town. Your kindness and availability to us as an organization has far surpassed any thing we've ever earned.  You have gone the extra mile in
understanding our cultural differences and embraced us a vital partner. You have graced us by our association with The State Theatre and welcomed our people in numbers. Peer Recovery Art Project's campaign to end stigma and build a more inclusive and therefore healthier community could not have came this far with out your genuine as well as continuous support.  For all these things and so many more we salute you, the wonderful State Theatre."

                                           -John Black, executive director of the Peer Recovery Art Project

"You all really brought it on Saturday! From the firme ranflas parked outside to the folklorico and Danzante groups, to the two sold-out shows totaling 1,000 ticket sales, Modesto knows how to put out the welcome! Many thanks to all who volunteered to make it possible, especially Rubi and friends, the car clubs, and of course Sue (Richardson, State Theatre general
manager) and the great staff at The State Theatre. We enjoyed mixing it up with the crowd, taking pictures and answering questions, and were humbled by your heartfelt response to the film. Gracias y que viva Modesto!
  -Benjamin Bratt, star of La Mission, and Peter Bratt, the film's screenwriter and director

The State Theatre is a MUST for any filmmaker, distributor, or movie lover. The staff and theater are TOP-NOTCH!"

-Jeromy Zajonc, Producer, "Touching Home" starring four-time Oscar nominee Ed Harris

The State Theatre was a relative latecomer when it was dedicated to the citizens of Modesto in 1934. By the time the theater opened on Christmas Day, Modesto had already been striving for its designation as one of the nation's top agricultural regions for 64 years. To this day, the area is recognized as being a major contributor to the nation's bread basket with products including milk, almonds, chickens, eggs, turkeys, walnuts, peaches, alfalfa, grapes, tomatoes, dry beans and apricots.

To commemorate the city's abundance of water and agricultural riches, an arch was built in 1912, displaying the slogan, "Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health." The venerable arch still spans 9th and I streets today and retains its 668 incandescent lights that serve as a beacon for newcomers and a reassuring landmark for longtime residents.

Modesto is also home to "American Graffiti" producer George Lucas, E.&J.Gallo, the world's largest winery, a population that topped 211,000 as of April 2009, and an urban forest of more than 100,000 trees, a distinction that garnered Modesto the title "Tree City, USA."
Within the city limits, there are 75 parks, 44 tennis courts, eight lighted ball fields, 18 group picnic sites and over 15 miles of bike paths. If you're visiting the city for the first time, a great way to find out where to go and what to see is by stopping at the Modesto Convention & Visitors Bureau where driving tours, maps and brochures from local businesses and attractions are available at no charge. You can also pick up the latest on what's happening at Modesto's historic State Theatre. In fact, mention The State and the staff at the CVB (located at 1150 9th Street, Suite C) will call ahead and let us know you're coming!