Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts

06/19/2025

Friday JULY 11, Running + Comedy. Tommy McClellan-Willard started running and doing stand up when he was 12 years old. Since then he’s made multiple appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and his debut stand up album was #1 on Amazon. As an athlete, Tommy placed 2nd at the 2024 USA Winter Triathlon National Championship and qualified on team USA in the elite/professional division for the 2025 Winter Triathlon World Championship. He has his own show, The Laugh & Run Podcast, that interviews prominent figures in the running and comedy industry with a focus of bringing people together through laughter and running. 🏃

Tix uptownutica.org.

06/18/2025

Friday: We welcome teen improv ensemble Iced Grandpa back to the stage as part of our Friday Night Improv lineup. The JUNE 20 show has so many teams and so much excitement we are getting an early start! Show at 7pm. Doors and bar at 6:30. Discount tickets online. UptownUtica.org.

06/06/2025

Today's member spotlight is the creative Gavin Law!

Gavin’s story is one of passion, creativity, and a deep connection to the community. His journey began in 2001 with VHS tapes, where he immersed himself in the world of video production. He honed his skills by diving into all aspects of the craft—working on ‘American High’ movies featuring actors such as Charlie Day and Chloe Fineman, shorts, YouTube skits, TV shows, wedding videos as Gavin Law Films, Elopement Photography with ‘Forever Wild Vows’, freelancing for production companies such as ‘MPW Marketing’, creating and hosting ‘On The Couch with Gavin’, a popular community talk show, and even teaching video production at ‘BOCES’ and ‘MUNSON’.

Over time, Gavin discovered a passion for helping businesses tell their stories through powerful, engaging video content.

Today, Gavin is the founder of 'Upstate Film Co.', a thriving video media production agency that collaborates with businesses such as ‘The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce’ ‘Danfoss’ and ‘Mohawk Valley Edge’ just to name a few, to produce content that drives customer engagement and business growth.

At its core, Gavin’s work is all about storytelling. High-quality video and photo content isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about building trust, standing out in crowded markets, and driving more customers to your business. Whether it’s a promotional film, a brand story, or social media content, Gavin’s team creates video and photos that resonate with your audience and amplify your message.

For fun, you’ll find Gavin teaching improv at the Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts and performing improv every Friday night. He’s also a woodworker, and an avid camper, spending time in the woods with his wife and dog, Rondi.

If you’re looking to grow your business through compelling video and photo content, Upstate Film Co. would love to help you drive engagement, boost sales, and build brand awareness.

Join us in congratulating Gavin on today's member spotlight!

06/01/2025

June 7- it’s the 5th annual Pride Drag Show at the Uptown! Here’s a look back at some moments from previous years. If you’re planning to join us on Saturday make sure you get your tickets early because last year we were at capacity! 🌈 Uptownutica.org.

hosts with performances by

05/31/2025

June 21: comics from across NYS, all in one amazing line up at the Uptown! hosts with ➡️Tickets on sale now at uptownutica.org.

05/22/2025

BECOME A 2025 UPTOWN IMPROV FESTIVAL SPONSOR!!!

The 2025 Uptown Improv Festival brings a weekend of world-class comedy to Utica, featuring acclaimed performers and drawing fans from across the country. Alongside unforgettable shows, workshops led by industry-leading instructors offer unique opportunities for local and visiting students.

Partner with us to support the arts, reach new audiences, and celebrate a vibrant Utica!

https://www.utcany.org/2025-uptown-improv-festival

05/22/2025

The Mohawk Valley and Central New York are popular locations for movie productions — and they’re always looking for local actors to fill big and small roles. With this one afternoon workshop, you’ll learn how to find these acting opportunities, submit for casting, and land the role! Acting coach and manager Chase Manley will share her expertise and get you audition-ready. Your enrollment also includes a headshot mini-session. Workshop takes place at the Uptown Sun. June 21, 11a-2pm. Sign up now at uptownutica.org.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Chase Clifford Manley’s experiences include the First All Children’s Theatre in New York, the Tisch School of The Arts at NYU, appearances in TV and film, behind the scenes credits at NBC, FX and Sony/GSN. Currently, Chase is a Professor at The S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University where she is teaching coursework in filmmaking and production. Alongside teaching, she continues to coach actors of all ages under her company, Chasin’ Butterflies.

05/08/2025

May 17 - is back for Psychic Stand Up. Here she is from her show last year, offering tarot readings to a packed house. She returns to the Uptown for more future-focused funny moments, along with and host . Don’t miss this truly one of a kind, hilarious experience. Tickets at uptownutica.org.

04/18/2025

04/16/2025

Karen’s back at the Uptown for the first time since her sold-out show last year. We missed her! Nationally-touring comedian and tarot master Karen Rontowski brings your future into focus (and makes jokes about it) with live tarot-card readings for members of the audience. A night of comedy featuring performances by Will Phillips, Bob Beach, and Brandon Ciotti. Tickets at uptownutica.org

03/23/2025

A little before after. 💫

✅ walls repaired
✅ historic plaster details reconstructed
✅ new lights
✅ new boiler system
✅ sound booth built
✅ entry corridors rebuilt
✅ removal of old and/or hazardous stuff
✅ accessibility updates
✅ safety updates
✅ paint

Next up: seats, flooring, a/v, and more. Keep your good vibes and generous donations coming. We are putting them into every bit of this project. www.uptownutica.org

03/07/2025

See you tonight! Friday Night Improv in the Uptown Studio. Doors and bar at 7:30. Show at 8. Followed by open to all improv jam. Discount tix online at uptownutica.org.