Lights, Camera, Renovation! Jared Doe takes on The State Theater of Havre de Grace

MADISON FETHERSTON, Reporter

  Originally known as The Bijou Dream Motion Picture Parlor in the early twentieth century, the theater currently undergoes restoration with the goal to present the public with a wide variety of entertainment. Having been home to a number of owners and businesses, Jared Noe currently represents The State Theater of Havre de Grace.   

     As a graduate of Towson with a major in Electronic Media and Film and a minor in theater production, Noe was dedicated to his field with “an optimistic view of the future.” Previously based in Bel Air, Noe’s company was in search of a unique venue to make their own. A place fit for the dynamic energy that would serve as a music venue, recording studio and welcoming ground for the performing arts.  

     With a past of working in the film industry, Jared Noe welcomes all walks of life. Noe began restoring the historical theater a year and a half ago presented with both challenges and opportunities. The renovation mainly consists of modernizing the theater while respecting the original architecture.

     Surrounded by artists, small businesses and a community of support, the theater has high hopes. “The great thing about our theater is that there is no one focus!”, owner Jared Noe exclaimed about the unique goal of the theater. Previously having worked on documentaries, Bollywood films and live entertainment, Noe didn’t want to narrow the crowd he would cater to via his theater. 

     Doe credits the community as they have been “a great help so far.” The theater’s first comedy show, was held in a tent affectionately nicknamed “The State Theater East” by Kassie Boyer the counsel women of Havre de Grace. Seventy five people attended this event, and the community support has only “added to the beauty of the State Theater.”

   The theater was a revolving door for a variety of owners, even a church in it’s past. In 1982, the theater was invested in by the Havre de Grace Development Corps, upgraded and renamed The Lafayette. The business later faltered and in the early 1990s was adopted as the temporary Evangelistic Church of Deliverance and remained a place of worship until the early 2000s. For 20 years the theater was a ghost town. 

     Noe understood the project he was taking on when considering ownership. He enjoyed the artistic community that the theater was centered in. When discussing the community the new owner of The State Theater of Havre de Grace expressed great enthusiasm with the future, “It’s not for young, it’s not for old… its for everyone, its for an entire community” 

     With a historical name and reserved architecture, The State Theater of Havre de Grace honors the buildings past lives. As for the future, the theater hopes to soon opens it doors and expose the community to a new taste of live entertainment.