The State Theatre raised its dark green curtains last night, ending a five-year reconstruction period and beginning a new era in its storied 68-year history.

When the curtain was raised, the theatre treated the small audience to a showing of another historical classic -- Bugs Bunny cartoons.

"Now that's the way to start a movie night," Roy Love, the secretary of the board of directors for the theatre, said of the Warner Bros. shorts.

The show, which was a run-through in preparation for the theatre's grand opening this Thursday, continued with a video chronicling the theatre's history since its opening in 1938 and its transformation since 2001 into the new look it has now.

The run-through was designed to ensure that any possible sound, lighting and projector issues would be rectified before the grand opening. The audience was also fortunate that the restrooms, which were out of order Sunday, were fixed before doors opened last night.

Restroom issues aside, the enhanced sound quality of the venue was highlighted through musical performances by traditional rock and roll act Professor Louie and the Crowmatix and an acoustic performance by local duo Ted and Molly.

The intimate, energetic performances went over well with the crowd, and the acoustics of the venue were considered a success.

"I think the sound's great," Love said. "That's going to be the quality of the performance we're going to have."

Jim Bowersox, a sound engineer at the show, said the improvements of the sound in the theatre could be beneficial to bringing in better acts.

"Acoustically, it's great," Bowersox said. "Sometimes bands come in and something's missing; sometimes it's the sound. I really think they did a great job."

The environment of the theatre was also notably improved, John Gibson, of State College, said.

"I think it's very nice, well done," Gibson said. "I was afraid it'd be overdone. It was very homey, not too big. I think it'll be good for drama."

Love said the overall improvement of the theatre could help attract performers who would appeal to students. He said the addition of the theatre to State College's arts scene would complement larger venues like the Bryce Jordan Center and Eisenhower Auditorium.

"I think it'll bring in local talent touring," he said. "Bands that wouldn't otherwise come to State College will be coming. As our programming progresses, it will appeal more to students with indie bands and also indie films that have never been shown in State College."

Joe Apfelbaum, the programming manager for The State Theatre, said the performances at the venue would be eclectic. In addition to indie bands and films, the theatre will showcase a wide variety of music genres including blues, bluegrass and jazz. Performing arts and classic cinema will also be featured, taking advantage of one of the largest projection screens in the county.

Kyle Wall (sophomore-marketing and journalism), a member of local band The Minor White, was optimistic about the improvements to the local arts scene.

"Someone gave us a tour a couple weeks ago and told us about all the bands coming through April," Wall said. "I'm sure they're going to start bringing in indie-rock bands."