Amid Layoffs And Cancelled Shows, Kalamazoo State Theatre Announces Closure

After a troublesome year including a reduced show load, canceled renovations, and massive staff layoffs, one of Kalamazoo's oldest venues is announcing that they will be closing their doors, at least temporarily, at the end of the month.

In a post made to social media earlier today, The owners of the Kalamazoo State Theatre, The Hinman Company, announced that they intend to temporarily close the venue until they can find a new owner.

While some may be surprised to hear that one of South West Michigan's most iconic venues plans to shutter their doors temporarily later this month, those close to the venue say they're not surprised. In April, the Hinman Corporation laid off nearly 1/4 of the staff of the venue

Almost all of the spring layoffs were staff who had only recently been hired, including a father with a newborn child, who announced the arrival of his son earlier via the venue's marquee.

After layoffs, scheduled repairs and renovations for the summer were canceled, and with the lack of a booking manager after the layoffs, the venue struggled to make the momentum it needed to sustain itself in the eyes of the megacorporation that currently own and manages it.

While they did manage to book a few quality shows in the back half of the year, they struggled to sell enough tickets. Had the company sold the State Theatre earlier, or hired someone more qualified outside of the family to run it, maybe this incredible venue could have stayed open longer.

Some of the world's most influential artists and comedians have made their way to Kalamazoo thanks to this theatre including Duke Ellington, REO Speedwagon, Al Green, Slayer, Rascal Flatts, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and even more recently one of the hottest artists on the planet Chapell Roan played the theatre.

The message they left for those who have loyally attended shows at the venue for years on social media, was heartbreaking.

If you have tickets to any upcoming events, they say to go back to the point of sale to get a refund, because any shows after 11/23 including the upcoming and just recently announced Samantha Fish show, will be refunded there. The box office will only be open until December 5th for any other needs.

To say I'm disappointed to hear this announcement is an understatement, but I'm not surprised in the least. A press release states the owners hope to find a suitable non-profit to help keep the business open after nearly 100 years in operation, but it's too soon to tell what may happen to this beautiful diamond in the middle of downtown Kalamazoo.