BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Theater fans hope the show can go on when the pandemic is over.
Shea's Performing Arts Center is sharing the stage with other theaters across the state.
#LightsUPstateNY is a group effort among the following ten theaters in Upstate New York
- Shea's Performing Arts Center – Buffalo
- RBTL's Auditorium Theatre – Rochester
- Smith Center for the Arts – Geneva
- Landmark Theatre– Syracuse
- Stanley Theatre – Utica
- Proctors Collaborative – Schenectady
- Palace Theatre – Albany
- The Bardavon – Poughkeepsie
- State Theatre – Ithaca
- Clemens Center – Elmira
The group hopes state or federal funding can help them re-open.
"There's a lot of work being done behind the scenes and we're hoping that ultimately we'll be able to receive funding that will help us sustain through this, and help make up for funds we've lost," said Michael G. Murphy, President of Shea's Performing Arts Center. "With New York State's help, Shea's has become a major regional asset that is not only a tremendous source of pride for those living in Western New York, but also provides the region with an $80 million annual economic impact. Our downtown neighbors, particularly restaurants and hotels, are dependent on our continued operation. Theatres like Shea's are vital to the health of our community and are struggling to sustain until we can reopen. We are looking to our state leadership to help guarantee the future of Buffalo's iconic historic landmark and assist us on our road to reopening."
#LightsUPstateNY says these theaters lose about $1.5 million every month they are closed.
