7-17-2024 4:28am

Boyertown's Historic State Theatre Honored with National Award for Renovation Excellence

Lesley Misko Editor

[Editor's Note-- The following press release is shared by the Historic State Theater.]

The League of American Historic Theaters (LHAT) proudly presented the Historic State Theatre with the prestigious Joe Rosenberg Honorary Award for Outstanding Individual Contribution at their annual conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this past week. The accolade was awarded to Ken Shaw, a dedicated Board Member of the Historic State Theatre, in recognition of his exceptional leadership and commitment to the theater's recent seating renovation project.

Ken Shaw's tireless efforts were instrumental in the transformation of the Historic State Theatre’s seating, a project that spanned over a year and seven months. Demonstrating an extraordinary level of dedication, Ken volunteered more than 500 hours to meticulously manage the renovation. His hands-on involvement included the painstaking process of removing each seat, preparing them for shot blasting, reupholstering, powder coating, and reinstalling each seat with new components.

Ken's remarkable efforts were further supported by his wife, Shannon Shaw, who also dedicated her time to the project. Together, the Shaws contributed over 1000 hours of volunteer work, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing the theater's experience. Their collaborative effort ensured the successful completion of the renovation while the theater continued its day-to-day operations.

The renovation project was undertaken to preserve the historical integrity of the theater's seating while simultaneously enhancing their comfort and visual appeal. One of the notable improvements included the addition of cupholders, providing a modern upgrade that significantly enhances the audience experience. Throughout the project, the theater continued to operate, a testament to the careful planning and execution managed by Ken, and Shannon.

The Joe Rosenberg Honorary Award, named in honor of a pioneering advocate for historic theaters, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and enhancement of historic theater properties. Ken and Shannon Shaw’s dedication to the Historic State Theatre exemplifies the spirit of this prestigious award.

The Historic State Theatre and its Board Members express their heartfelt gratitude to Ken and Shannon Shaw for their remarkable contributions and to the League of American Historic Theaters for this esteemed recognition. The theater continues to celebrate its rich history while embracing modern upgrades, ensuring a vibrant future for generations to come.

For more information about the Historic State Theatre and ongoing projects, please contact:

Shannon Shaw / www.BoyertownStateTheatre.com

About The League of American Historic Theaters (LHAT):
The League of American Historic Theaters (LHAT) is a national organization dedicated to supporting the preservation and enhancement of historic theaters. LHAT provides resources, advocacy, and professional development to theater professionals and historic theater enthusiasts across the country.

About the Historic State Theatre:
The Historic State Theatre is a cornerstone of cultural heritage, dedicated to preserving its historical charm while offering an exceptional experience for its patrons. Through thoughtful renovations and community engagement, the theater remains a beloved landmark and a hub for first run movies, birthday parties, and community entertainment.