At Golden Valley Bank, we believe that strong communities are built on more than just financial transactions. They’re built on shared experiences, cultural landmarks, and organizations that bring people together. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the State Theater Arts Guild (STAGE) and their stewardship of the historic Oroville State Theater.
Crystal Ward and Cindy Daniluke
A Theater with a Story Worth Preserving
The Oroville State Theater isn’t just a building. With its glowing marquee and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, this nearly 100 year old venue has been a gathering place for generations. Built in 1928 and designed by architect Timothy Pflueger, the theater opened with silent movies, vaudeville acts, and a majestic Wurlitzer organ that still stands today.
When the City of Oroville could no longer afford to manage the building, STAGE stepped forward, taking full ownership in 2021 for just $1. But that dollar came with tremendous responsibility: maintaining a historic structure, paying the bills, and keeping the cultural heartbeat of downtown Oroville alive. Since then, STAGE has raised or invested approximately $3 million into restorations, transforming the space into a modern, marketable venue while honoring its original character.
Our 20 Years of Community, Leadership & Giving Grant
We awarded STAGE a $20,000 grant in September. But we didn’t stop there. We’re challenging the community to match this contribution because we believe that when we all invest together, the impact multiplies.
Why This Matters
As our Oroville Banking Manager Crystal Ward explains, “With this support, STAGE can grow its youth Improv Camps and bring live performances to local schools, where many students are experiencing theater for the first time. These moments spark creativity, build confidence, and give kids a place where they feel seen and heard.”
The grant also helps preserve the Historic Oroville State Theater itself, which hosts everything from school graduations to weddings, Saturday matinees of classic films, and art shows designed to spread creativity across Butte County. With nearly 60 events per year and 600 seats to fill, the theater serves as a cultural hub and gathering place for our entire region.
This isn’t just an investment in performances. It’s an investment in youth, in cultural preservation, and in the pride of our community. The ripple effect will be felt for years to come, contributing to downtown revitalization and ensuring that future generations have access to the arts.
Banking on Community
We strive to be more than just a bank, but a true community partner that helps make it possible for nonprofits and organizations to do their important work.
STAGE’s role extends beyond the theater walls. They serve as the backbone nonprofit for the Kennedy Center’s Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child initiative in Butte County, bringing arts education to students throughout our region. They’re even working to become the official local arts partner designated by the Butte County Board of Supervisors, which could open doors to California Arts Council grants and expand their reach even further.
Join Us in Supporting the Arts
As the theater approaches its centennial in 2028, now is the perfect time to ensure it stands ready to tell new stories for the next hundred years.
Every concert, film, recital, and exhibit is another chance to show what makes Oroville special. The State Theater is more than a building. It’s proof that when a community comes together, remarkable things happen.
To learn more about STAGE and upcoming events, visit stageoroville.org and orovillestatetheater.com
At Golden Valley Bank, we’re proud to call Oroville home and proud to support organizations like STAGE that make our community a better place to live, work, and grow.
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