Buffalo – Members of the NYS Legislature’s WNY Delegation gathered today at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre to announce a historic state investment of $1.2 million in the renowned theater and architectural marvel.

While Shea’s Buffalo has previously been a recipient of grant funding courtesy of New York State, this investment marks the first time that Shea’s has received operational funding as part of the state budget process.

This year’s state budget allocates $5 million for historic performing arts centers across New York, as part of the “Alive Downtowns!” funding initiative.

Formed in response to the impact of COVID-19 on arts centers, Alive Downtowns! is a coalition of 13 celebrated theaters across New York with an average age of nearly one hundred years. Representatives from the member theaters have been meeting with their New York State legislators and the Governor’s office to highlight the role their theaters play in making their city more lively and economically viable.

The 13 member theaters of the Alive Downtowns! Coalition include:

• The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts (Jamestown)
• Shea’s Buffalo Theatre (Buffalo)
• Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre (Rochester)
• The Smith Center for the Arts (Geneva)
• Clemens Center (Elmira)
• State Theatre of Ithaca
• Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre
• Stanley Theatre (Utica)
• Proctors Collaborative (Schenectady, Albany, Saratoga)
• The Bardavon 1896 Opera House (Poughkeepsie)
• Ulster Performing Arts Center (Kingston)
• Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Maintaining a historic theater is an expensive proposition. This significant investment for operational costs may be allocated toward programmatic or overall theater expenses.

The funding also supports the original vision of Michael Shea, founder of Shea’s Buffalo, in realizing a dream in which entertainment and theater be accessible and enjoyed by the entirety of the city and surrounding region.

When Shea’s Buffalo Theatre opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre,” it was a marvel of its time both technologically and architecturally.

Initially, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre primarily showcased silent films and hosted vaudeville acts, attracting large audiences. In the 1930s, the theater adapted to the advent of “talkies” and continued to be a popular movie house. However, as the mid-20th century brought about the rise of television, it also presented theaters like Shea’s with financial challenges.

In 1975, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre narrowly escaped demolition when a group of concerned citizens formed The Friends of Buffalo Theatre, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and restoring it. Through the efforts of this group, Shea’s underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 1977 as Shea’s Performing Arts Center, now hosting a wide range of live performances including Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and more.

The Friends of Buffalo Theatre worked to bring about a preliminary restoration and was responsible for getting Shea’s listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Over the past 20 years, there has been over $30 million in restoration completed, mainly by volunteers.

Today, Shea’s Performing Arts Center stands as a vibrant cultural hub in Western New York. It continues to bring world-class entertainment to the region, attracting acclaimed Broadway productions and touring acts, and the theatre’s impact extends far beyond the stage.

Shea’s has become an integral facet of the Buffalo tourism economy and is an anchor institution for the city’s downtown corridor. Its presence has contributed to the economic growth of the area, attracting visitors, stimulating neighboring businesses, and fostering a vibrant arts and culture scene.

As part of the 2023-24 budget process, this historic investment in Shea’s Buffalo and in other remarkable theaters across the state will greatly support the maintenance of these extraordinary institutions for future generations of theatergoers.

For more information about Shea’s Performing Arts Center, visit https://www.sheas.org/.

For more information on the Alive Downtowns! Coalition, visit https://afairgame.net/alive-downtowns/.

 Robert Brunschmid, Shea’s Performing Arts Center Vice President of Operations, said, “Often referred to as a crown jewel, Shea’s Buffalo is an anchor arts institution that brings almost 300,000 people to our city each year to experience the wonder of live entertainment. From Broadway musicals to world-class entertainers, the programming that happens on our stage is the heartbeat of downtown. This strategic investment from New York state will help Shea’s to continue its legacy of bringing our community together for shared experiences and help Buffalo to thrive for generations.”

State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, “The money secured in this year's budget will not only provide these extraordinary theaters with much needed operational support, but it will ensure that the programming they provide to our greater community remains consistent and accessible. I'm thrilled to join my colleagues in delivering this win for Shea's and the Alive Downtown! coalition, and I applaud their continued commitment to strengthening cities across New York.”

State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “Across Upstate New York, our cultural institutions boost our local economies, create jobs, and uplift our communities. As we continue the work to help our economy recover from the pandemic, we made great progress in this year's state budget with a $5 million fund to support Upstate theaters like Shea's Performing Arts Center. Historic theaters like Shea's are invaluable assets and supporting them creates a ripple effect for our downtowns. I am proud to join my colleagues to celebrate this significant funding for Shea's.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Congratulations to Shea's Performing Arts Theatre and all of the Alive Downtowns! upstate awardees. This funding is well-deserved and much-needed to aid with their respective operations and growth as regional cultural attractions.”

Assemblymember Jon Rivera said, “The original vision of Michael Shea sought to create havens in which the entertainment on screen or stage had the power to transport the commoner from the travails of daily life. That vision was realized in Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, and since it was built in 1926, it has manifested a legacy far beyond its doors, becoming a local economic anchor and cultural icon. I’m very proud to announce the Assembly Majority’s investment in this historic theater, and 12 others across the state, as New York once again demonstrates its commitment to the arts.”

Assemblyman Bill Conrad said, “Shea’s Buffalo Theatre is an icon of our downtown, and an icon of our performing arts community. I don’t know anyone who is from here who hasn’t been here, to Shea’s. So many of us have made family memories and found inspiration at this theater - and these are the moments that foster an appreciation for the arts and nurture a lasting connection to Buffalo. It's hard to imagine this city without Shea's. I want to congratulate all the cultural hubs across upstate who are benefiting from 'Alive Downtowns!' funding, and I want to acknowledge our colleagues for their support of this initiative, as we continue to reinvigorate post-pandemic our most treasured organizations and historic venues and the audiences they attract.”

Assemblymember Monica Wallace said, “Theaters like Shea's are the cultural heart of many upstate communities. For nearly a century, Shea's magnificent hall has hosted theatrical, musical, comedic, and other performances that have entertained and enlightened local audiences, while its marquee has become one of the most popular icons in Buffalo. I thank Speaker Heastie and all my colleagues who joined us in passing funding to preserve these historic theaters for generations to come.”

Assemblymember Karen McMahon said, “Shea's Performing Arts Center is a local treasure, and its continued success and vibrance adds immeasurably to the quality of life in Buffalo and Western New York. To help beloved and important cultural institutions like Shea's continue the promotion of the arts in our communities, I'm proud to have joined my colleagues in securing historic funding for upstate theaters in the 2023-24 State Budget. The $1.2 million allocation for Shea's is significant, and will help keep the house doors open, the stage lights on, and the curtain ready to go up.”