From Silent Films to Salsa Nights: How Springfield's Historic State Theater Is Rocking Again

 SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – What began as a silent film palace in 1927 is now roaring back to life with live music, movie nights, comedy shows, and even salsa dancing.

The State Theater, an iconic entertainment hub in downtown Springfield, has been lovingly restored and reinvented by a group of local friends who refused to let it fade into history. Once one of 15 movie theaters in the city, the State had sat nearly dormant for years—until now.

“We are the living room for the community,” said co-owner Rod Hatfield. “This is a space that belongs to everyone, and we’ve worked hard to make it approachable and accessible.”

A Revival Rooted in Passion

The theater, originally designed for silent films, retains its grand 1920s charm—from the ornate ceiling arches to the vintage marquee out front. Behind the scenes, however, modern upgrades like a state-of-the-art sound system have been seamlessly integrated to support today’s performances.

"This was built as Springfield's very first cinematic palace," explained co-founder Andrew, who led a tour of the space. “We do everything from burlesque shows and trivia nights to free movie Mondays and live bands.”

On any given night, you might hear the powerful acoustics resonate with local rock, or find couples learning new steps during salsa lessons. Upstairs in the historic projection room, relics of the theater’s past remain—a silent homage to Springfield’s entertainment legacy.

A Community Effort

The building’s transformation is thanks to a four-man team who invested time, money, and heart into its rebirth. Their mission? Make downtown Springfield a destination for culture, community, and connection.

Nick, one of the co-owners and a Springfield native, emphasized the personal stakes behind the project.

“I have many memories here,” he said. “We wanted to create the kind of community we want to live in—a vibrant, welcoming place with music, food, art, and joy.”

Bartley, who installed and operates the new sound system, noted how the theater’s architecture naturally amplifies sound—an old-world design blending effortlessly with modern technology.

“The arches act as a natural amplifier,” he explained. “Even before speakers existed, this building was engineered for incredible acoustics.”

A Growing Downtown Destination

Across the street, you’ll find High Hat Social, a restaurant launched by the same team behind the theater’s revitalization. Together, the venue and eatery are transforming the block into a bustling cultural corner of downtown Springfield.

“We love Springfield, Ohio,” Andrew said. “This is our hometown, and we believe in it. We wanted to give people more reasons to come downtown and stay a while.”

With upcoming events ranging from intimate concerts to community movie nights, the State Theater is firmly reestablishing itself as a vital part of the Miami Valley’s cultural scene.

Want to Visit?

Whether you’re from Dayton, Columbus, or right around the corner in Springfield, the State Theater welcomes everyone to experience its one-of-a-kind atmosphere. To stay updated, sign up for the newsletter at springfieldstatetheater.com or email [email protected] to inquire about private rentals or upcoming events.

“This was always meant to be shared,” Andrew said. “It’s not just a theater. It’s a symbol of what happens when a community comes together to dream big—and then make it real.”