Shea’s Performing Arts Center started out in 1926 as a movie theater built by Michael Shea. Today, we are a campus comprised of three theaters here in the Buffalo Theatre District, intent on bringing the best of live performance through touring productions and local collaborations to Western New York.
Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, the historic crown jewel of Shea's PAC, opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre”. It is used today as a touring Broadway house, and is one of the top theaters nationwide.
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The former Studio Arena, now Shea’s 710 Theatre is the latest space to be added our campus. Housing 625 seats and offering Broadway productions and plays produced by local and international theatre companies.
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Once a Swiss Chalet, now a 237 seat “black box” theatre, Shea’s Smith Theatre has played host to Off-Broadway productions, comedy and collaborative productions with local theatre companies since 2000.
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To restore and maintain Shea’s Buffalo Theatre for present and future generations to enjoy as a working historic theatre providing a wide variety of live performing arts experiences for our patrons and innovative and effective educational experiences fostering an appreciation of live theatre by area youth.
When Shea’s Buffalo Theatre was made a National Historic Site in 1975, restoration began in earnest to return the theater to its original appearance as it was when “The Wonder Theatre” opened in January 1926. From hand-stenciling over 7,000 square feet of walls to repairing the Mighty Wurlitzer organ, we continue with our restoration efforts to this day.
And you can help too! From volunteering your time, to attending our Encore Events, becoming a Sponsor or making a donation, there are many ways to show your support. Have you ever wanted to see your name in lights at Shea’s? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to take a tour of our historic theater? We also offer internships for college students wanting to get involved, as well as master classes and workshops for younger students.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center is committed to keeping true to the history of Shea’s Buffalo Theatre and to the future of our community, making it possible that we might continue to bring the best of Broadway theatre and beyond to Buffalo, NY.
