New look for reconstructed theater

SANDUSKY — Sandusky's historic theater is gearing up to conclude its three-year intermission. The Sandusky State Theatre, located at 107 Columbus Ave. in Sandusky, is set to return in spring 2024 and has released new branding to signify its rebirth. The Sandusky State Theatre's new logo, which was recently unveiled. Provided/SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE "We wanted to respect the historic nature of the theater, so we wanted to integrate the little things," theater director Chris Parthemore said. "But we wanted it to be bold, forward-looking and different from what we had before." Sandusky's historic theater has been out of commission since June 2020 when a storm ravaged the building, leaving crumbles in its wake. The $35 million dollar project to reform the structure features a combination of restoration and upgrades. New branding and a fresh website are two such features of the state theater comeback. A floral design seen on plasterwork on the Sandusky State Theatre's mezzanine was the inspiration behind its new logo. Register photo/JAMES MATHESON The dark green coloring — seen on both the theater's logo and web page — are meant to represent what those involved witnessed after the storm upended the iconic downtown Sandusky structure. "You see that dark sage sort of color," Parthemore said. "Anyone that's been on Lake Erie and seen these storms, it's quite beautiful afterwards. We wanted to catch that and tell that story with the rebirth of the theater." Other symbols in the new logo exist, playing on shapes and visuals seen throughout the building. Each is an homage to the original architecture inside the theater. "At the top of the logo, you see 'The' is arched. That represents the original architecture that we have all throughout the building, the windows, the doorways," Parthemore said. "Everything is a perfect arch." Parthemore continued to say that the large emblem in the middle of the logo comes from plasterwork featured on the front of the mezzanine. Local theatergoers should not fear losing elements of the state theater they know and love. "The theater has had such a big impact on the community for almost 95 years now," Parthemore said. "With our 100-year anniversary coming up, we wanted to be respectful of that first 100 years and lean into the history. The auditorium will look a lot more like 1928 than 2018 when it's finished." Parthemore said that many of the theater's previous programming will also return this spring. The Firelands Symphony Orchestra and Caryl Crane Youth Theatre will each return to their home in Sandusky while performances sponsored by the Lange Trust will continue to perform as well. Parthemore also confirmed the return of monthly jazz and comedy shows. "You're also going to see us do a lot more large-scale concerts, more Broadway national tours and things like that," Parthemore said. This newfound ability to host such large-scale performances in the 1,500-seat auditorium are the result of renovations and development to the stage itself. An additional 20 feet of depth is being added to the stage. Sandusky State Theatre director Chris Parthemore stands inside the theater amid renovations on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Register photo/JAMES MATHESON "We're adding about 40% more depth to the stage from before. And the stage house looks huge back there," Parthemore said. "When we bring in a national Broadway show, they're going to be telling us 'well done.'" Parthemore said he and other theater employees are as optimistic as they can be about the rebuilding process. More announcements regarding construction and programming are set to be announced later this week. "We have to focus on rebuilding the business side, rebuilding the structure and getting that all done in time so we can get rolling and get this thing going for the community," Parthemore said. People can see renovation updates on the theater's new website at sanduskystate.com or its Facebook page. To schedule a tour of the construction site call 419-626-1950 or email sconner@sanduskystate.com.