The theatre was built on the old Market Square in Pretoria for use by PACT (Performing Arts Council of Transvaal).

[2] The first words on the new stage were spoken by veteran actor Siegfried Mynhardt.

In 1999, the National Arts Council of South Africa made a five-year agreement with Spoornet to name the theatre the Spoornet State Theater, through which it not only supported the theatre financially but also promoted the arts and key performers while exposing passengers to their work.

[3] In 2000, the province of Gauteng decided to close the State Theatre over financial mismanagement.

Today, there are six theatres, with the Momentum and Rendezvous adding to the total.