Local theater left out of performing arts grant

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Nearly four years after the pandemic, theaters in Upstate New York are still facing financial struggles. However, $5 million worth of state funds were awarded to 13 historic theaters in Upstate New York as a part of Alive Downtown grants on Thursday.

Home Made Theater in Saratoga Springs, however, did not receive any funding. The theater recently was forced to cut all of their paid staff in order to stay open. The theater is now operating through volunteer work. It has also cut ties with the Spa Little Theater, which used to house their performances.

The Home Made Theater now operates out of a small warehouse in Wilton Mall. Rick Wissler, the president of the Board of Directors, said the theater is looking for donations and volunteers to help them operate and search for a new stage.

"For right now we are an itinerant theater troupe without a home, but not without hope and the absolute confidence that we will be able to continue as a theater and contribute to the quality of life of Saratoga Springs," Wissler said.

Theaters receiving funding:

• Bardavon 1896 Opera House: $191,200
• Clemens Center: $120,600
• PPAC/Palace Theatre: $300,000
• Proctors Collaborative: $968,000
• The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts: $95,900
• Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre: $900,000
• Shea's Performing Arts Center: $1,197,700
• The Smith Center for the Arts: $103,000
• Stanley Theatre: $120,600
• State Theatre of Ithaca: $103,000
• Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre: $300,000
• Troy Savings Bank Music Hall: $300,000
• Ulster Performing Arts Center: $300,000

Wissler and other board members said it was devastating that they did not receive any funding from the state, as they have been a big part of the performing arts scene for nearly four decades and are on the brink of closure.

"It's heartbreaking, we have been around for four decades," Wissler said. "We have not been around for 150 years, but we have been around for four decades."

Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy said the grants were more than just keeping theaters open.

"For every dollar, every dollar we send seven dollars into economic activity," Fahy said. "If that's not transformative, I don't know what is."

Kevin Johnson, the Executive Director at the Palace Theater, offered words of advice to smaller local theaters struggling to keep their doors open.

"I focus on the individuals that have expressed their want and need to help, and we work with those individuals," Johnson said.