Theatres | Shea's Performing Arts Center

SHEA’S BUFFALO

Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, the historic crown jewel of Shea’s PAC, opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre” as the dream of Michael Shea. Originally serving as a movie house under Paramount Pictures with “an acre of seats,” it would later stage vaudeville shows and play host to the likes of the Marx Brothers, Frank Sinatra, and more.

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SHEA’S 710

Shea’s 710 Theatre is the latest space to be added to the Shea’s PAC campus. Housing 625 seats and offering Broadway productions and plays produced by local and international theatre companies, it is considered a “thrust stage,” where the stage projects into the auditorium and audiences can sit on three sides.

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SHEA'S SMITH

Once Laube’s Old Spain, 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. Somewhat of a chameleon space, it also offers ample room for events and special occasions with the adjoining Shea's Bistro & Bar.

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Our History

Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, the historic crown jewel of Shea’s PAC, opened in 1926 under the moniker of “The Wonder Theatre” and was the dream of Michael Shea.

Originally serving as a movie house under Paramount Pictures with “an acre of seats”, it would later stage vaudeville shows and play host to the likes of the Marx Brothers, Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Bob Hope and more in the 1930’s. Later in the 1970’s, to save the theatre from demolition, a group of concerned people formed The Friends of Buffalo Theatre. This not-for-profit organization worked to bring about a preliminary restoration and was responsible for getting Shea’s listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Over the past 20 years, there has been over $30 million in restoration completed, all by volunteers, at Shea’s which allows Buffalo to keep the only surviving Tiffany designed theatre in magnificent condition for our patrons and the community.

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Gift Cards

Give the gift of Shea’s! Gift Cards may be purchased in any denomination at the Shea’s Box Office, online at this link, or by calling (716) 847-0850. You can use our gift cards to purchase tickets to events at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, Shea’s Smith Theatre, and Shea's 710 Theatre. The gift card can also be used for food and beverage purchases at Shea's Bistro and Bar, and during performances at Shea’s bars and concession counters.

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Historic Tours

Experience the original history and living grandeur in one of North America's most beautiful theaters. Tours are available by appointment only, offered on non-show days so we can show you all of Shea's Buffalo Theatre. We also offer educational tours geared towards student groups (grades 3-12), free of charge! Please call (716) 829-1166 to make reservations in advance.

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Become a Donor

By becoming a donor of Shea's Performing Arts Center, you enable us to continue our mission of restoration, educational outreach, and operations in order to provide our community with live performing arts experiences and innovative and effective educational experiences fostering an appreciation of live theatre by area youth.