Shea's Performing Arts Center | Buffalo

Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York, is a major cultural hub and historic landmark that includes three distinct theaters. It’s renowned for its architectural beauty, Broadway-caliber productions, and deep ties to Buffalo’s artistic legacy. Here’s a detailed look:

1. History & Architecture

Opened: January 16, 1926

Founder: Michael Shea, a prominent movie theater mogul

Architectural Style: Spanish and French Baroque and Rococo

Interior Design: Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany studios

Historic Designation: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975

Originally a "movie palace" designed for silent films and vaudeville, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre was among the most ornate theaters of its time, featuring:

Crystal chandeliers from Czechoslovakia

Ornate plasterwork, murals, and a grand proscenium arch

Hand-painted ceilings and marble columns

It was one of the first theaters in the U.S. built exclusively to showcase motion pictures with sound.

2. Restoration

In the 1970s, the theater had fallen into disrepair. A group of preservationists formed the Shea's O'Connell Preservation Guild to save it. Over decades, it has been restored to its original splendor, including:

Restoration of its rare Mighty Wurlitzer organ

Reinstatement of period-accurate paint schemes and furnishings

Extensive refurbishment of seats, carpets, and lighting

The restoration is considered one of the most ambitious and successful theater preservation projects in the U.S.

3. Venues Within Shea’s PAC

Shea’s PAC operates three theaters:

a. Shea’s Buffalo Theatre

Capacity: 3,019 seats

Primary use: Major touring Broadway shows, concerts, film screenings

Unique Feature: A fully restored Wurlitzer pipe organ used for special performances

b. Shea’s 710 Theatre

Formerly: Studio Arena Theatre

Capacity: 625 seats

Stage Type: Thrust stage

Use: Professional regional theater, local productions, national tours

Focus: Contemporary plays and innovative performances

c. Shea’s Smith Theatre

Capacity: 237 seats

Type: Black box theater (flexible space)

Use: Comedy, community theater, educational programming

Ideal for: Emerging artists, smaller touring acts, and local theater groups

4. Programming

Shea’s is the presenting partner for Broadway in Buffalo, regularly hosting national touring productions. Past and upcoming shows include:

Hamilton

The Lion King

Wicked

Back to the Future: The Musical

Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations

They also host:

Children's performances (e.g., Paw Patrol Live)

Film screenings with live orchestration

Educational and outreach programs for schools

5. Community & Education

Shea’s has strong community engagement through:

Arts in Education programs

Summer Theater Camps for youth

Career Pathways events that expose students to behind-the-scenes theater work

Accessibility programs, including ASL-interpreted and sensory-friendly performances

6. Location & Visitor Information

Address: 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Nearby Attractions: Buffalo Theatre District, local restaurants, historic architecture

Accessibility: ADA-compliant seating, listening devices, elevators

Transportation: Located near NFTA Metro Rail and parking ramps

7. Fun Facts

The marquee is one of the most photographed landmarks in Buffalo.

The Wurlitzer organ is one of the few of its kind still operational in the U.S.

Shea’s has hosted legendary acts including Frank Sinatra and the Rockettes.

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is more than a theater—it’s a symbol of Buffalo’s cultural revival and a beloved venue for both residents and visitors seeking world-class entertainment in a historic setting.