Kalamazoo State Theatre to Pause Operations, Pursue New Ownership and Operational Structure to Sustain the Next 100 Years
KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo State Theatre will pause operations effective Nov. 24. This closure, intended to be temporary, will be used to gather interest and identify a new organization, likely a non-profit, to resume operations at the iconic performance venue.
The Kalamazoo State Theatre opened on July 14, 1927, as part of the W.S. Butterfield chain of theatres and was designed by renowned architect John Eberson with an “atmospheric” interior reminiscent of a Mediterranean courtyard under a starry sky. The theatre is one of 18 Eberson atmospheric theatres still in operation nationwide.
“We are committed to preserving the cultural and architectural importance of the Kalamazoo State Theatre and ensuring its potential to continue to thrive in the hands of a yet-to-be-identified organization dedicated to entertainment and the arts,” Roger Hinman, owner of the theatre, said.
Hinman intends to transition ownership of the business and the real estate to the next steward of the Kalamazoo State Theatre.
“We bought the theatre in 1985 to protect it from being torn down and forgotten,” Hinman said. “Our goal is to identify and entrust a like-minded organization with caring for and loving the Kalamazoo State Theatre as we have for the past 40 years. By pursuing a transition in ownership now, we are providing an opportunity for the theatre’s next steward to take shape, sustain this unique and irreplaceable destination, and, hopefully, celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.”
The Kalamazoo State Theatre’s last event will be Saturday, Nov. 23, with a performance by Almost Queen and special guest Lisa Can’t Sing. Tickets for all shows scheduled after that date will be refunded at the point of purchase.
Current Kalamazoo State Theatre Executive Director Stephanie Hinman will stay on through 2025 to represent the Hinman family’s desire to find the right organization to carry the Kalamazoo State Theatre forward and assist in the transition of the property and operation.
“This venue is more than just a building and a business. It is a historic community asset, a recognized treasure, and a huge responsibility. Ensuring we find the right people and group to move the Kalamazoo State Theatre forward with the vision to preserve and keep it alive through continued use is a top priority and focus,” Stephanie Hinman said.
“This place matters. We love this place. We want what is best for not only the building but the community as well.
“We are grateful for the time we have had to host concerts, comedy shows, community rentals, proms, weddings, and life celebrations. We thank the artists who graced our stage, the fans who supported our business, and the amazing staff who made it all happen,” she added.
Noteworthy performers at the Kalamazoo State Theatre include Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Dave Matthews Band, Tim Allen, B. B. King, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Britney Spears, George Carlin, Buddy Guy, Rodriguez, Anthony Hamilton, Richard Marx, REO Speedwagon, Dave Chappelle, Primus, Ludacris, Ben Folds, John Mulaney, Snarky Puppy, Chappell Roan, and many others.
Updates will be provided as a specific organization is selected to take ownership of the Kalamazoo State Theatre and transition details are solidified.
Refunds to events scheduled after Nov. 23 should be sought at the original point of purchase. The Kalamazoo State Theatre box office will only be able to process refunds for tickets purchased directly from the theatre box office, which will remain open through Dec. 5. Please visit our website for extended box office hours.
Tickets for the Kalamazoo State Theatre’s final show featuring Almost Queen with special guest Lisa Can’t Sing on Nov. 23 can be purchased at https://www.kazoostate.com/event/almostqueen/.
How to Expedite Your Entry Into the Theatre Expand
We recommend getting to the venue an hour before the doors open for an event to avoid long lines and late entry to the event.
If you have a Skip The Line Pass, please find the stanchion with “Skip The Line” to enter the venue.
Please make sure your bag meets our requirements listed in our Bag Policy. Any bags outside the required dimensions will not be admitted.
Due to heightened security, everyone is subject to the security processes listed under our general rules. This includes undergoing an electronic security screening and/or purse searches, pat downs, and wanding. Arriving early will also give you the extra time needed for any wrist banding at the door, finding your seats, and concession purchases.
What size bag or purse can I bring into the venue? Expand
Due to heightened security measures, Kalamazoo State Theatre has implemented the following policy regarding purses/bags allowed in the venue:
- No backpacks of any sort will be allowed in the venue.
- No purses/bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches will be allowed into the venue.
- Any and all bags larger than the above dimensions will have to be returned to your vehicle. Please note that they will not be held by security or the venue.
- If your purse does not meet the above requirements, you are allowed to bring a clear plastic bag, no larger than 1 gallon, into the venue with your belongings.
- The only exception to the above will be permanently affixed bags on wheelchairs and/or scooters, which will be searched thoroughly.
Thank you for understanding. Your safety is our first concern. What is your mask/ COVID-19 vaccine policy? Expand
Due to the declining number of COVID-19 cases, and the resulting drop in hospitalization and severe disease, our venue COVID Safety policy has been updated. Unless otherwise specified by the artist or traveling tour, beginning April 1, 2022, proof of vaccination or a negative test will no longer be needed to attend an event at the Kalamazoo State Theatre.
Please note that some individual artists may still require stricter policies including proof of full COVID-19 vaccination and booster or a negative test for entry, along with masks. Please check our website or social postings for the most up to date event information a few days in advance of the performance for any artist-requested changes.
To minimize risks for everyone, we ask that you please be mindful of the following:
- Please leave all large bags, backpacks and purses at home, your hotel, or in your vehicle. No purses/bags over the dimensions of 8 inches by 5 inches by 2 inches will be allowed into the venue.
- Refrain from entering the venue if you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19.
- Practice good respiratory etiquette (e.g. cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing)
- Wash hands thoroughly and/or use sanitization stations that have been installed throughout the venue.
- Our cleaning procedures emphasize repeated sanitizing of all high traffic touch points in the theatre.
- The venue has increased airflow and filtration to our mechanical system
Are cameras, video, or recording devices allowed? Expand
The policy for each event is determined by the artist. Generally, none of these are allowed inside the venue. To find out for your specific event, please call the box office on the day of the show within four hours of showtime for more information.
Ticketmaster QR Digital Ticketing Expand
Q: What are the benefits of QR Digital Tickets?
A: A QR Digital Ticket or mobile ticket is a convenient and flexible way to receive and manage tickets while increasing protection against paper ticket fraud. It’s our effort to make your Kalamazoo State Theatre experience the very best. Digital tickets provide:
- Quick and easy entry using your mobile phone or smart device
- Instant access to all your tickets through the Ticketmaster app
- The ability to manage, send or sell your tickets any time
- Reduced risk of lost or forgotten tickets
- An easy way to go green by printing less paper
Q: How much does the Ticketmaster app cost?
A: The app and mobile ticketing are FREE.
Q: How do I access my tickets on my smartphone?
A: Download the Ticketmaster app from the iTunes App Store or the Google Play Store. Go to “Tickets” or “Manage Tickets.” Browse for the specific event you’re looking for and tap to see your tickets. When you get to KST, present your smartphone to the ushers at the door to scan. If you have guests and multiple tickets on your phone, swipe to navigate between them.
Q: Can I print my ticket at home?
A: No. With QR Digital Tickets, all tickets are fully digital and only accessible on your mobile device. Your phone is your ticket.
Q: Can I use a screenshot of my ticket?
A: No. A mobile ticket must be provided either within the app, the mobile website or within your phone’s wallet to gain entry.
Q: What happens if my ticket doesn’t scan properly?
A: We recommend turning your screen brightness to the highest setting. If that doesn’t work, your ticket can be validated by having the ticket taker manually enter your ticket number directly into the scanner.
Q: What if I lose connectivity/can’t connect to my account at the Kalamazoo State Theatre?
A: Ticketmaster’s app includes an offline mode that helps to save tickets after you view them. Once the tickets have been added to your account, you will be able to access them regardless of internet connectivity. To ensure seamless entry, we highly recommend adding your tickets to your phone’s digital wallet before arriving at the event. If you have an iPhone, you can store your tickets in your Apple Wallet. If you are an Android user, you can save your tickets to your phone through Google Pay.
Q: When should I view my ticket?
A: We recommend that you view and add your tickets to your phone’s wallet at least 48 hours before the event.
Q: What if my phone breaks, dies or is lost/stolen before I arrive?
A: Simply come to the box office, present your ID, and we can issue you a printed ticket.
Q: Can I have multiple tickets on a single phone?
A: Yes. However, we recommend transferring any tickets you’re holding in advance. You can easily transfer each member their own ticket in advance, allowing everyone to enter on their own.
Q: How do I send a ticket?
A: It’s easy! Using the Ticketmaster app, sign in to your account.
- Select My Events, then tap the event you’d like to transfer tickets for
- Tap Transfer, select the ticket(s) you’d like to send, and enter the recipients info
- You’re all set! Ticketmaster will send an email to your recipient to accept their tickets right in their account
- Sending multiple tickets? Simply complete the steps above for each ticket
Q: Does the person I send the the tickets to need a Ticketmaster account?
A: Yes. If they don’t have one already, they can easily create one in just a few minutes when they accept their tickets.
Q: What if I forward tickets to the wrong person, can I recall the tickets?
A: Yes. You can reclaim tickets as long as they haven’t already been accepted by the recipient. We recommend double-checking the email just to be safe.
Q: Can ticket holders transfer tickets after the event has started?
A: Yes. However, you may not sell tickets after the event has begun.
Q: How do I sell a ticket?
A: Selling tickets is super easy and safe with Ticketmaster and can be done in just a few steps:
- In your app, tap My Events to view your tickets
- Select the tickets you’d like to sell and enter your asking price
- Next, select your payment methods
- Tap Sell Tickets and you’re all set. Your tickets will be listed and you’ll be notified as soon as they sell
Q: Is my personal information secure?
A: Yes! Our venue is PCI compliant, giving you the highest available security to ensure that your credit card and account password are well-protected.
What is the refund/return/exchange policy? Expand
The only time we offer a refund is in the case of a postponed or cancelled show with your ticket return. For normal scheduled events and shows, the venue has a no refund, no exchange policy on tickets. We recommend that you not obtain tickets from unauthorized sources, as they may be stolen or counterfeit, and if so are void. For more details, visit our Ticket Info page.
If you have lost an item while attending an event at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, please send us an email at info@kazoostate.com.
Below is our Lost & Found policy, outlining how long we will keep items in our possession.
Debit/Credit Cards: Items will remain in a secured location for 3 weeks. Items will be shredded if not claimed after 3 weeks.
Licenses: Items will remain in a secured location for 2-7 days. If not claimed, we will mail the license to the address on the ID.
Keys/Valuables: Items will remain in a secured location for 3 months. If not claimed, we will throw away or donate the items.
Phones: Items will remain in a secured location for 3 months. If not claimed, the items will be recycled.
Clothing/Miscellaneous: Items will remain in the general Lost & Found for approximately 3 months. If items are not claimed, they will be donated to a second hand store.
Can I bring my small child or infant? Expand
There are age restrictions for some events. While we do not entirely prohibit small children or infants from the venue, we do ask you to please consider high volume levels and the environment of the show you are attending. Please contact our box office at 269-345-6500 prior to purchasing tickets to any event for more detailed information about the show you would like to attend.
Is a ticket required for small children or infants? Expand
Yes. A ticket is required for each individual entering the venue.
What time should I arrive before a show or event? Expand
We recommend getting to the venue an hour before the doors open for an event to avoid long lines. Due to heightened security, everyone is subject to the security processes listed under our general rules. This includes undergoing an electronic security screening and/or purse searches, pat downs, and wanding. Arriving early will also give you the extra time needed for any wrist banding at the door, finding your seats, and concession purchases.
What are Box Office hours? Expand
The box office is open every Friday from 10AM-6PM. Hours may vary on event days and will be posted on the Kalamazoo State Theatre homepage under Box Office Hours.
What is the difference between General Admission (GA) and Reserved Seating? Expand
General Admission (GA) refers to seating or standing areas that are not assigned or reserved, and are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. Your General Admission ticket will list a section, row, and seat number, but this is provided for administrative purposes only and does not correspond with an actual seat.
Reserved Seating refers to shows where you will be assigned a certain seat. When purchasing tickets for an event with Reserved Seating, you will be given a ticket that lists your section, row, and seat number.
Can I buy tickets online from other sites? Expand
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster online at ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available in-person-only at the Kalamazoo State Theatre Box Office. Please be advised that The Kalamazoo State Theatre cannot guarantee the authenticity of tickets obtained through any other sources or resale ticketing sites. Counterfeit and other invalid tickets will not be honored **BUYER BEWARE** Should you opt to purchase tickets from a source other than those directly purchased from The Theatre.
Does the theatre provide accessible seating? Expand
In effort to serve patrons to the best of our ability, notice of assisted needs should be communicated upon ticket purchase, and for all events. Admittance for parties with ADA seating are welcome to enter the venue 15 minutes prior to posted door times. Since The Kalamazoo State Theatre is a historical building, there is no elevator to the upstairs (mezzanine and balcony). Seating for barrier free patrons and companions is located on the main level in orchestra center in rows AA, M, and N. Click here to view our Seating Chart. Our ADA space is approximately 44″ wide by 40″ deep. Companion seating adjacent to the wheelchair space is provided by folding chairs that can interlock together or be taken apart to accommodate space required.
What can I bring into the theatre with me? Expand
Upon entrance to our venue, all persons and bags are subject to search. Sharp objects, weapons and illegal contraband are not permitted into the venue.
For a full list of prohibited items, visit our Guest Code of Conduct Page.
Any additional items that Theatre management determines could potentially distract from the audience’s safety and enjoyment, are prohibited items which will not be allowed inside the venue. The Theatre reserves the right to eject or bar entry to patrons who have such prohibited items in their possession.
Bag Policy
- No backpacks of any sort will be allowed in the venue.
- No purses/bags over the dimensions of 8 inches by 5 inches by 2 inches will be allowed into the venue.
- Any and all bags larger than the above dimensions will have to be returned to your vehicle. Please note that they will not be held by security or the venue.
- If your purse does not meet the above requirements, you are allowed to bring a clear plastic bag, no larger than 1 gallon, into the venue with your belongings.
- The only exceptions to the above will be permanently affixed bags on wheelchairs and/or scooters, which will be searched thoroughly.
- Thank you for understanding. Your safety is our first concern.
What type of concessions and items are available for purchase in the venue? Expand
The State Theatre offers multiple full-service concessions throughout the venue both before and during our shows, serving a variety of items including draft and bottled domestic beer, imported brews, local microbrews, wine, and liquor. Also available for purchase are water, soft drinks, popcorn, and a wide selection of candy.
All concession purchases may be enjoyed in the theatre during shows; Outside items not allowed.
Security/Guest Service Issues Expand
The Kalamazoo State Theatre Security and staff is committed to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere and is on hand for your safety and protection. If you require assistance or have concerns of any kind, please seek out the nearest Security Officer or Usher.
Are there wheelchairs available? Expand
We currently do not have wheelchairs available
Kalamazoo State Theatre’s main parking lot is located just south of the theatre at the intersection of South Burdick & Cedar St. This is an automated gate and accepts card only. For more information on parking, click here.
We suggest that you arrive early in order to avoid the line and to pass through security. Due to heightened security measures all patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding. The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags or purses over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches , and other items that may challenge public safety.
How many seats does the theatre hold? Expand Reserved seating: 1524
General admission: 1569 What do I do if I have an issue at an event? Expand
Bring any issue you have to the house manager. Our house manager is onsite for every event.
Yes, we do! We recycle glass, metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard. Please keep an eye out for our recycling receptacles strategically placed in the theatre lobbies, or feel free to ask our bartenders and ushers for assistance.
For safety and as a courtesy to other patrons, please do not sit, stand or dance in the aisles. Aisles should be kept clear at all times. We ask that you comply with these policies. Any patron not in compliance is subject to ejection.
Do you have a coat check? Expand
No, not at this time.
