Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts

10/26/2025

The Haunted Uptown, an improvised ghost tour, will bring South Utica's historic theater to life on Friday.

10/26/2025

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Haunted Uptown on Friday night. It was a spontaneous production by a group of people who love the Uptown’s history and Halloween. We didn’t expect the incredible turnout, and to all the new faces who stopped in, we promise Uptown shows aren’t usually as chaotic but they are always as welcoming, unique, and brought to you by creative people who love what they do. See you again soon!

10/25/2025

Welcome to the Uptown! Get comfortable! Be yourself. Make friends. Spill popcorn literally everywhere. That’s why we’re here.

10/21/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Haunted Uptown: An Improvised Ghost Tour Brings South Utica’s Historic Theatre to Life this Friday

UTICA, NY — Step inside The Haunted Uptown, an improvised ghost walk through South Utica’s most storied stage. Meet the restless spirits of actors, ushers, and audiences past — and help them find their final laugh.

These are the Uptown’s “resident” spirits: eccentric personalities who once lived and worked in the theatre and now find themselves trapped in a loop of performance, nostalgia, and unfinished scenes. Some are showbiz divas waiting for one last encore, others are old ushers still guarding their aisles, lovers who met in the balcony, or projectionists who can’t stop running the reels. Every spirit has a story to tell; and sometimes, it takes the audience’s help to find closure or rediscover their laughter.

Through improvisation, comedy, and a touch of theatrical illusion, the cast brings the building’s history to life in unexpected ways. No two tours are the same, and even the performers don’t know exactly what will happen until it does. The result is an experience that’s equal parts ghost story, live theatre, and community celebration, a playful haunting that captures both the magic and the melancholy of a space filled with memories.

“The Uptown is a theatre with a soul,” says UTCA director Devin Mahoney. “When you walk through it, you can feel the echoes of everyone who’s ever laughed, cried, or performed here. This show lets those echoes speak. And it turns out they’re funny, weird, and wonderfully human.”

Performances will lead audiences through areas of the theatre rarely seen by the public, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a century-old building that’s still very much alive. The show is designed for all audiences who enjoy a little mystery mixed with a lot of humor, perfect for anyone looking for a creative, unconventional way to celebrate the Halloween season.

Show Date: Friday, October 24 – 8:00 PM / 8:20 PM / 8:40 PM
Location: Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts, 2014 Genesee Street, Utica, NY
Tickets: Available at uptownutica.org
or at the door while supplies last

About the Venue:

Built in 1926, the Uptown Theatre has stood for nearly a century as a cultural landmark in South Utica. Operated by the nonprofit Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts (UTCA), the building is currently undergoing a multi-year restoration and revitalization to bring new life to one of the city’s most iconic spaces. UTCA produces live comedy, classes, and community events year-round, with a mission to make creative expression accessible to everyone.

10/18/2025

10/11/2025

Please take a moment to provide your input regarding our New York Forward application for the Uptown District!
http://bit.ly/4pKLSe1

10/11/2025

We love you, Utica.

10/11/2025

10/10/2025

Tonight (Friday 10/10) UPTOWN IMPROV FESTIVAL shows include: The Josh & Tamra Show NYC-based duo who have been touring their puppet improv comedy show and headlining improv comedy festivals for 25 years, and The Teacher Show, an all-star performance with all of the workshop instructors from the festival:
Nnamdi Ngwe (LA), writer and performer for The Amber Ruffin Show, A Black Lady Sketch Show, and Emmy-winning Tab Time, and member of acclaimed troupe 3Peat (Comedy Central’s The Blackening)
Billy Soco (NYC), Artistic Director at Magnet Theater’s Megawatt and performer with Baby Wants Candy, Shamilton, North Coast, and The Story Pirates
Brian James O’Connell (LA), co-creator and director of the cult horror-comedy film Bloodsucking Bastards and co-founder of The Pack Theatre
Holly Mandel (NYC/LA), former Groundlings Main Company member and founder of Improvolution, NYC’s first woman-owned improv school
Patrick Rowland (LA), writer for The Amber Ruffin Show, creator of The Patrick Rowland Sketch Show
TICKETS UPTOWNIMPROVFESTIVAL.COM