Shea's Performing Arts Center President Anthony Conte to Retire

Anthony C. Conte announced today that he will retire as President of Shea's Performing Arts Center, effective at the end of the 2015-16 Season. Mr. Conte will, however, remain employed by Shea's after his retirement as a part-time consultant working on special projects.

President of the regional performing arts center, since March 2001, Mr. Conte is responsible for the successful operation and growth of Shea's Performing Arts Center which includes Shea's Buffalo Theatre, presenting Touring Broadway productions with Co-Presenter Albert Nocciolino, family productions, dance programs, concerts, and an education program; Shea's Smith Theatre, a 230-seat theatre presenting off-Broadway musicals and musical comedies as well as the 710 Main Theatre (formerly Studio Arena), a 625-seat theatre presenting dramatic plays.

Albert Nocciolino, Co-Presenter of the M&T Bank Shea's Broadway Series said," Through Tony's extraordinary leadership as well as his commitment , Shea's has become one of the top one-week touring Broadway subscription markets in the country and has been restored to its original glory providing an exceptional experience for its patrons."

During Mr. Conte's tenure, he has supervised many restoration projects for Shea's Buffalo Theatre, which will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary this January. With a few minor projects left to complete, Conte expects the restoration to be complete by early spring 2016.

On behalf of the Shea's Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board Gregg Stalker said "It has been a pleasure working with Tony over the years. His leadership at Shea's, mentorship to staff, and contributions to the City are immeasurable. We look forward to continuing to work with him on a consulting basis. "

Prior to joining Shea's in 2001 Mr. Conte served in various volunteer roles at Shea's including as a Board Member, Development Committee member, Corporate Council Chairperson, and Marketing Committee Chairperson.

Mr. Conte is a graduate of The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business with a B.S. in Finance (and an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes!) and of SUNY at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Business where he earned an MBA. His business affiliations are many and include the current President of the Theatre District Association, membership on the Road Labor and Legislative Committees of The Broadway League and as a member of the Advisory Council of the Wehle School of Business at Canisius College. He has been awarded the Business First Western New York Most Influential Business Leaders in 2014, 2013 and 2012, The Buffalo News' 2012 Outstanding Citizen, and the Leadership Buffalo Community Impact Award, 2011, among other awards.

He resides in Amherst and recently celebrated his 46th wedding anniversary to his wife Linda. He has three children and eight grandchildren and said in his retirement, he plans to "travel and spend more time with his wife and grandchildren."

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