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IT'S SHOWTIME
Lights... Camera... Action! 

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Strut Performing Arts was created out of the pure need to share our deep and abiding love of dance. After performing on stage for 30 plus years, we have decided to turn our love for movement toward helping other dancers of all ages find the best artiste within themselves.  It is out of this desire, and the determination of our incredible faculty, that Strut Performing Arts has flourished into a place where dancers of all ages with a creative passion have the opportunity to develop their talents, perfect dance technique, learn performance & stage etiquette in various genres of dance.

 

Growing up in a household encompassed by music, movement, theatre and artistic history, we were compelled to venture down this path of iconic artists (whether it musically or stage presence), who inspired our passion and daily lives from those moments forward.  Therefore, each time Strut Performing Arts hits the stage, we take an exciting musical journey into the past… to remember the great moments in all our lives and pay homage to the artists, musicians, movements, style, and music of decades past and present that shaped those moments.  From the historic entertainers of the 1940’s to the iconic artists of today, from Broadway hits to movie sensations, and holiday classics that bring warmth and joy to the Winter season - we aspire to connect with each and every one of our audience members! We aim to please - the ultimate feel-good, pick-me up productions – always an electrifying extravaganza, packed with fun, energy, nostalgia & incredible talent that will have you stepping out & humming all the way out of the theatre.  Each SPA Show is unique and will be remembered for years to come!

 

Whatever the expectation, Strut Performing Arts, and its gifted performers will astonish and impress even the most discerning spectator…because that’s what we do!   We pride ourselves on being out of the ordinary. We push ourselves and our students to bring more to dance, more to the production and more to our audiences.  The reward is apparent… our shows are unlike any other.

 

We are forever grateful to our parents who instilled music into our souls, initiated such melodic sensations and allowed us to express ourselves musically through creative movement; never once judging us but nurturing our dreams! Music literally influences who we are as individuals and serves as “life’s markers”.  At each turn, music evolves and takes us on a journey… we feel alive at the sound of music! Some of our biggest moments in life are surrounded by a particular song - So, thank you Dad and Mom for turning up the music, and sharing late night dances in the living room and enduring those “stage productions” in the backyard!

Like our father always said…

“The really great music never sounds old or goes out of style…

It’s timeless and so are the memories.”

Event Calendar & Tickets 

Visit The State Theatre to view all featured Motion Pictures, Live Events & Concerts!

Click on the link below to view a full schedule of the current events being hosted by The State Theatre.

 

During Strut Performing Art's Winter / Summer Show performances, you may purchase your tickets directly through this link! 

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The Historic State Theatre

The State Theatre was gifted to the city of Modesto on Christmas Day of 1934 and has continued to bring entertainment to the Central Valley ever since. From independent and classic films, to concerts & comedy shows, it’s beautiful art deco style brings life to downtown, keeping the heart of Modesto full of excitement all year round. 

 

The State Theatre sits at the center of Modesto’s revitalized downtown with its mix of office and retail space, restaurants, art galleries, civic centers, clubs, and other sites of cultural and historic significance. Yesterday and today are gently juxtaposed in downtown Modesto’s unique blend of old and new. Two blocks northeast of The State are both the renowned McHenry Mansion and McHenry Museum & Historical Society — which originally served as the city’s first library and were both named after one of Modesto’s founding families. Three blocks to the southeast is the Gallo Center for the Performing Arts, a multi-million dollar performing arts center that debuted in the fall of 2007. Three blocks to the northwest is Graceada Park, Modesto’s oldest city park, developed in 1907 by designer John McClaren, who also designed San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Two blocks to the southwest is the decade-old McClatchy Park, a small oasis of lawn and roses, dedicated by the McClatchy newspaper family.

 

The State Theatre was a relative latecomer when it was dedicated to the citizens of Modesto in 1934. By the time the theater opened on Christmas Day, Modesto had already been striving for its designation as one of the nation’s top agricultural regions for 64 years. To this day, the area is recognized as being a major contributor to the nation’s breadbasket with products including milk, almonds, chickens, eggs, walnuts, peaches, alfalfa, grapes, tomatoes, dry beans, and apricots.

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Inside... where the magic happens! 

The State, which is host to hundreds of events each year, from fundraisers, concerts and weddings to memorial and church services, graduation ceremonies, new product roll-outs, seminars and more is available to rent for:

  • Private parties

  • Fund-raisers

  • Film premiers & screenings

  • Conferences & corporate meetings

  • Church services & activities

  • Workshops & lectures

  • Weddings & receptions

  • Plays, concerts, live performances

  • Television & video taping

  • Educational events

  • Satellite broadcasts

  • Youth groups

 

Non-profit organizations, corporations, promoters and private parties all rent The State, with its magnificent marquee (can’t you just see your company’s name in lights?), luxurious lobby, plush seating, warm and welcoming ambience and state-of-the-art facilities that include a $20,000 movie screen, 35mm, digital and DVD projection equipment, a Meyer sound system, theatrical lighting and modern and fully-equipped Green Room. You can hold a reception in the lobby and usher your guests into the auditorium for a film, training session or to enjoy live music. Throw an anniversary or birthday party and invite 550 of your closest friends, or rent the historic State for a political, social or educational program.

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Exciting additions at The State... 

The Jewel: 

Featuring state of the art Dolby digital surround sound and 4K digital cinema projection, The Jewel is a charming space to enjoy a film, with ADA accessibility and tiered upholstered seating.

 

Funded through a major gift by local philanthropists, John and June Rogers, The Jewel will enable The State to continue our robust calendar of musical, comedy, and educational events.  This second screen ensures that we are able to continue showing art, independent and classic films, as the valley’s only Historic Art House Theatre.

In addition to providing a premium theatrical experience, The Jewel is available to rent as an excellent venue for private screenings, lectures, business meetings, and e-sports video gaming.

The Jewel is located next door to The State Theatre. 1303 J St. Modesto, CA 95354

 

The Intermission:

Located on the corner of 13th & J, adjacent to The Jewel and the historic State Theatre, Intermission by the State will be a special place for the community to enjoy a much needed break from the day. 

Intermission will be a multi-use, show-stoppingly beautiful, community space that offers a lot of collaborative opportunities.  Our plans include state-of-the-art sound and technology, indoor/outdoor seating, a large bar, and a catering kitchen that will appeal to the best chefs and bakers in our area and provide a welcoming space to gather before and after films at the State.  

 

Additionally, our plans include an expansion of the iconic neon lighting to wrap around Intermission, so the whole corner will be well lit and just as magical at night as the State Theatre has been for more than 85 years! 

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