Riverstone Theater Company requests Haverty Grace City Council intervention for State Theater reopening

The Havre de Grace City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the unexpected closure of the State Theater, which has impacted local arts organizations. Riverstone Theater Company, represented by a board member and current production director, expressed urgent concerns about the closure affecting their upcoming show, "Putnam County Spelling Bee," scheduled to open on July 18.

The representative highlighted the extensive preparations made by Riverstone, a nonprofit established in February 2024, which included fundraising for production costs such as sets, props, and marketing. The company has a dedicated cast and production team that has invested considerable effort into the show, making the sudden closure particularly distressing.

The speaker praised the State Theater's management for their professionalism and support of the local arts community, emphasizing the importance of the venue for Riverstone's operations. They urged the city council to consider granting an extension for the theater's closure, noting that their production would accommodate a small audience of around 100 to 200 people.

This appeal underscores the vital role of local theaters in supporting community arts and the potential consequences of their closure on emerging theater companies. The council's response to this request could significantly influence the future of Riverstone Theater Company and similar organizations in Havre de Grace.