With partial assistance from Community Foundation , The State Theatre of Ithaca recently completed a renovation project that improved the quality of experience for visitors, particularly those who require greater accessibility. Prior to the summer of 2018, only 5 out of the theatre's 1600 seats, were ADA compliant. This project increased that number to 12 ADA compliant seats, which were installed in strategic locations around the downstairs orchestra section and in areas near the top of the downstairs seating area. The State Theatre consulted with the Finger Lakes Independence Center and received guidance on how to distribute the seats, accounting for ideal sight lines to the stage.

This project included the installation of two extra wide "buddy" seats which can accommodate couples, parents with small children and larger patrons who don't feel comfortable in the regular-sized theatre seats. The State Theatre also added more than 30 new cushioned removable seats to the front orchestra section, which has a newly refinished floor. They will be used for reserved-seated shows, but can be packed away easily for general admission events, creating more space in front of the stage. This entire project, including the new seats and additional work to the theater, cost around $100,000 in total, and were the theatre's biggest upgrades since a major renovation of the primary restroom facilities during the summer of 2015. In an effort to make Ithaca's last remaining historic performing arts theatre more inclusive for all populations, The State Theatre has been exploring ways to improve accessibility for several years and is looking forward to future renovations.