Second Generation Theatre Finds Permanent Home In Historic South Buffalo Shea's Seneca Building

Schneider Development announced its plans to overhaul the currently vacant and underutilizEd Shea's Seneca property located at 2178 Seneca Street at the intersection of Cazenovia Street. The historic structure was originally built in 1929 by famed regional cinema purveyor Michael Shea, who built many iconic movies houses throughout the region, including Shea's Buffalo in downtown, the Northpark Theatre in North Buffalo, and a handful of others that have been demolished over the years.

Upon completion, the project will feature 25 apartments, a 130-seat theatre and classroom space for local non-profit performance arts organization Second Generation Theatre Company, and banquet and special events space run by William and Molly Koessler.

Second Generation Theatre Company plans to use 5,000 square feet of space for producing its own plays and musicals, as well as partnering with other for local professionals and to establish an educational theatre program for the community and an after-school outreach program for city youth. Second Generation Theatre will be undertaking a fundraising campaign to facilitate the move, seeking funding from a variety of sources.

"We were looking for a permanent home where we can continue to build our brand and further expand our production capabilities," said Kristin Bentley, Executive Director of Second Generation Theatre Company. "The building's rich history as a prominent community entertainment venue is a nice tie in to our work and mission."

Since its inception in 2013, Second Generation Theatre or SGT has been wowing audiences and critics alike with its polished productions. The Buffalo News reviewed each of SGT's first three productions with four out of four stars. Into The Woods, the company's premiere show in 2013 garnered 10 Artvoice Theatre Award nominations. The company founders seek to continue the tradition of quality theatre right here in Buffalo, NY with a key focus on a younger generation of theatre patrons.

Second Generation Theatre is recognized as a nonprofit theatre with 501(c)3 status. The company produced three seasons at the New Phoenix Theatre on the Park before transferring to the Lancaster Opera House, where their current production of the dark comedy CRIMES OF THE HEART by Beth Henley is running through November 20th. Second Generation Theatre will finish off their fifth season with their June production of THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at the Lancaster Opera House before transferring to their permanent Seneca Street home in early 2018.

For more information and photos, visit www.secondgenerationtheatre.com

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