Lead Balloon Productions Purchases Iconic Kalamazoo State Theatre

The curtain is going up on a new chapter for The State Theatre in Kalamazoo. The iconic venue has been purchased by Lead Balloon Productions, helmed by Dan and Holly Carmichael, who plan to invest in preserving the history while updating the venue to meet modern expectations.

The Carmichaels are the third owners in the nearly century-long history of The State Theatre. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

“Everyone feels shared ownership of this jewel,” states Dan Carmichael in the announcement. “When you walk into The State, it feels like stepping into another world. We want to keep that sense of wonder alive. We know what this place means to Kalamazoo and beyond – to both patrons and artists. We are committed to honoring its past while creating a space for incredible new experiences.”

The 1,524-seat theater has been a fixture of downtown Kalamazoo since 1927, drawing crowds from across the Midwest. Today, The State Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of only 16 remaining U.S. theaters designed by renowned architect John Eberson. The venue is also a member of the League of Historic American Theatres. 

The Carmichaels’ vision for the theater is rooted in priorities of preserving the building’s historic architecture, ensuring safety and accessibility for all, enhancing usability and flow for guests and performers, and carefully integrating modern technology to support the next century of arts and entertainment in the city.

“As we prepare to mark the 100th birthday of The State, we are investing in the continuing work to maintain and restore the theatre,” notes Holly Carmichael. “We have engaged an architect and craftspeople who will help our work be true to the original design while simultaneously making key upgrades to enhance accessibility and add new amenities. We are so humbled and excited to be the next stewards of this incredible space and usher in a new century of the performing arts.”

With a record of producing comedy and events, the Carmichaels plan to parlay their passion for live performance and their business experience into reinvigorating The State Theatre, which temporarily paused operations last fall. The Carmichaels are invested in the community, with Holly Carmichael completing degrees at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University and Dan Carmichael playing hockey with the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association. The two had one of their first dates at The State Theatre.

“A great city needs a great downtown – and The State Theatre has long been a cornerstone of what makes Kalamazoo a great city,” states Mayor David Anderson. “Kalamazoo is ready to partner with the Carmichaels to help them achieve their vision and ensure The State can thrive for another century. They are joining a collaborative community of highly engaged leaders who committed to the arts and to reinvigorating our downtown.”

Commissioned by Col. William Butterfield in 1927, The State Theatre traces its roots to the vaudevillian tradition, which featured a diverse lineup of performances, including opera, dramas, big bands, ballet, dance reviews, stage shows and movies. In 1964, the theatre underwent renovations to ensure its continued operation. In 1986, Roger Hinman, president and CEO of Kalamazoo-based Hinman Company, purchased the building and initiated further renovations, saving the theater from being razed and solidifying the venue’s place in Kalamazoo’s history.

State Theatre audiences have enjoyed stand-up comedy, films, opera, stage shows, theatrical presentations and live performances by acclaimed artists from Joan Baez and BB King to Black Sabbath and Pearl Jam to Ben Folds and Chapelle Roan.

The Carmichaels are fielding inquiries from booking agents and starting to work on their inaugural season, but don’t have an exact date. They have partnered with Wilson Butler Architects of Boston to support their restoration efforts.

“We are honored to help reimagine The State Theatre for the future while respecting its extraordinary past,” states Rebecca Durante, principal at Wilson Butler Architects. “Our work will focus on respecting the theatre’s historic character while ensuring it thrives as a cultural hub for generations to come.”