American Repertory Theater of WNY

08/28/2025

American Repertory Theater of WNY is teaming up with Elmwood Avenue's mystic connection shop, Inspiration Point, this Fall to present a series of interactive programs that will connect, energize and build positive vibing. Details to follow. Stay tuned!

In the meantime swing into this local grass-roots biz and say hello to founder, Isabelle Fritz, pick up some sage, rose quartz, and support your Elmwood neighborhood business.

About Us Continuing the legacy of 25 years, Inspiration Point is now reopen in Elmwood Village, Buffalo NY! Come check out our collection of crystals, spiritual books, Tarot decks, incense, candles, and so much more! Inspiration Point offers Products that help you to be aligned and to express your t...

08/15/2025

American Repertory Theater of WNY is saddened by the tragic loss of Hugh Davis. The company has nothing but positive memories of Hugh Davis performing on our stage. He was instrumental in building ART/WNY from the ground up (acting in the company’s very first play, “Axeman’s Jazz”) and was part of some of the most successful productions to date. His talent on stage will be missed.

The company prays that his soul can find some peace, and also sends prayers to all those who were part of this unfortunate event to find healing as well.

RIP Hugh Davis

08/05/2025

"The Gods of Paderewski Drive" production tickets are now on sale! Visit the link below for your online purchase to the regional premeire of this kitchen-table dramedy written by Buffalo's Native Son, Tom Dudzick. Featuring an amazing ensemble including Danette Pawlowski, Alyssa Walsh, Dan Morris, Steve Jackiel and making her Buffalo stage debut, Anne Lauger. Directed by Matthew LaChiusa. Stage Manager, Sheri Sante.
Show performances are Oct 9th through Oct 23rd. Thurs & Fri @ 7:30 pm/Saturdays at 5 pm. Tickets $28 (plus service fee) Online, $35 at the door, $20 Industry Rate. Online tickets can be purchased through the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1554295663169?aff=oddtdtcreator

Season Ticket deals can also be had by making a donation to ART/WNY's ongoing fund-drive "Theater with a Purpose". For more information please visit https://www.pledge.to/theater-with-a-purpose

The 2025-26 Season is full jacked with a lineup of diverse writers and works including "Concrete Christmas" (featuring local writers Camilia Maxwell, Donna Hoke, Michael Fanelli, and more), Dan O'Brien's pointy stick to the eye dramedy "An Irish Play" and an original musical, written by 716 playwright John Snodgrass, combining a Greek classic and techno-music entitled "Helen of Egypt".

Join us for a thrilling adventure into the supernatural world of Paderewski Drive, where mysteries unravel and secrets are revealed!

07/29/2025

As a theater company that produces original, or non-status quo works, the creative process an ensemble, director, designer, faces is far more challenging than what a production team of a more “familiar” or “recognizable” presentation faces. For starters, the former has to start from scratch. There aren’t resources like YouTube, published critiques or critical analysis to draw upon. The actors, director, designers all have to build the production together then only able to draw upon their own creativity & vision to get the piece from page to stage. Sure, if the playwright is local, it helps, but it also can be an obstacle.

To then compare that quality of effort to a theater that produces a well-known (and well worn) piece, who’s only challenge is to repeat previous versions without changes, is completely unbalanced. We see it at the local level and it is now time for the discussion in how “theater creativity” is judged at all levels.

Great read:

https://www.onstageblog.com/broadway/2025/7/25/should-the-tonys-split-acting-awards-for-revivals-vs-original-productions?fbclid=IwY2xjawL0_JdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnk0ssP1joLVxkyhlZn_T2Jq_55e9YEaJ-zo5WbotThR_Yjbzb6icyVpPhxf_aem_vHq4JlrPJEU8lAX_DeSr2A

“In a year like 2025, where the difference between those two artistic tracks was on full display, it became even more clear how overdue this conversation really is.”

07/28/2025

***Audition Notice***
July 29th, 7:30 pm -9:30 pm
545 Elmwood Avenue

An Irish Play by Dan O'Brien (Comedy/Drama)

Character: Joachim Samson - Joachim is a "25-35 year African-American" who just recently married into the Irish culture and seeks to find some work in the local Cork theater community. This role is pivotal in the narratives arch reflecting theater values in different cultures.

Sides will be available at auditions.

Show Production Dates: March 12th to March 28th, 2026. Paid opportunity.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive casting and encourage all People of Color actors identifying as a "He/Him/They" to audition for this role.

07/17/2025

Saul Elkin
April 8, 1932 – July 14, 2025
RIP

07/07/2025

**** Casting Notice ****
An Irish Play by Dan O'Brien (Comedy/Drama)

Synopsis: Amateur actors in Cork City, Ireland, convene at their local pub-theater for the first read-through of a new "Irish play." Over the course of the evening the newly assembled cast debates (in typically Irish fashion) the play's deficiencies and merits, who will play which part, and whether or not to do the play at all.

Character: Joachim Samson - Joachim is a "25-35 year African-American" who just recently married into the Irish culture and seeks to find some work in the local Cork theater community. This role is pivotal in the narratives arch reflecting theater values in different cultures.

Show Production Dates: March 12th to March 28th, 2026. Paid opportunity. Please text 716 - 339 -2999 for more information on the audition date and time.

We are committed to diverse and inclusive casting and encourage all People of Color actors identifying as a "He/Him/They" to submit for this role.

07/01/2025

American Repertory Theater of WNY is kicking off the 2025-26 season with a special fundraiser/subscription drive that assists in delivering theater with a purpose.

ART/WNY is a grass-roots company that relies on the community for a majority of financial support. In turn this support goes directly towards continuing the artistic mission of supporting unknown or unseen local talent. Please know that every dollar counts as your contribution helps fund the creative efforts of 716 actors, designers, writers and production teams throughout the season.

ART/WNY receives no public money handouts for lobby & building renovations. No corporate sponsorship to cover administrative salaries or "operating costs". No rent- free arrangements to ease expenses. Nope. And this is why ART relies on the community for support as 100% of your donation will go right back into the creative efforts of the company and the folks who work there.

That’s your hard-earned dollar truly (and directly) supporting the Arts.

As a way of saying thank you ART/WNY would like to offer the following for your generosity:

$25 - $60 - 2 tickets to a ART production snd an invite to attend the annual Mardi Gras Shindig
Above $60 - 4 tickets a ART production & an invite to attend the annual Mardi Gras Shindig & the Crock Pot Cookoff
Above $100 - 2 season tickets & an invite to attend the annual Mardi Gras Shindig & the Crock Pot Cookoff
Above $200 - 4 season tickets & an invite to attend the annual Mardi Gras Shindig, the Crock Pot Cookoff, and all special events

Thank you.

Welcome to "Theater with a Purpose," a dedicated fundraiser in support of the American Repertory Theater of Western New York (ART/WNY). This esteemed nonprofit organization has long been a beacon of artistic innovation and community engagement, driven by its mission to produce both classic and conte...

06/25/2025

American Repertory Theater of WNY is proud to announce the May 2026 "Helen of Egypt" production team and cast.

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director: Mariangela Mercurio
Book/Music Director: John Snodgrass
Choreographer: Suzanne Hibbard
Stage Manager: Ann Perno
Production Manager: Matthew LaChiusa

CAST
Helen, Queen of Sparta: Gabrielle Nunzio
Thea/ Princess of Egypt: Emrald Ja'ceil
Menelaus, King of Sparta: Charles McGregor
Theo/King of Egypt: PK Folson
Gatekeeper / Chorus: Danette Pawlowski
Messenger/Ensemble: Kaylie Horiwitz
Teucer/Veteran of Troy: Andrew Zuccari

Ensemble: Molly Conrad; Isabella Ruof; Summer Faye Harris

Production Dates May 8th through May 23rrd, 2026
Thurs & Fridays at 7:30 pm/Saturdays at 5:00 pm

06/25/2025

Opening this Thursday - Online tickets info in the post below. You can also purchase tickets at the door.

06/18/2025

Vincent O’Neill
1950-2025
RIP