Stunning new era begins at Shea's 710 Theatre, as $5 million transformation revealed

Shea’s Performing Arts Center Press Release & Images

Shea’s Performing Arts Center is celebrating the completion of a $5 million renovation project, reimagining Shea’s 710 Theatre. The project enhances accessibility, expands performance opportunities, and creates dynamic new spaces inviting visitors to experience the magic of the performing arts in bold new ways. 

“Every detail of this project was designed to make the community feel welcome, inspired and proud,” said Brian Higgins, president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. “We are thrilled about the renovations at Shea’s 710 Theatre. They not only elevate our space, but also enliven the gateway to Buffalo’s theater district, setting the stage for a broader neighborhood transformation. And this is just the beginning.”

Renovation spotlight

What’s new and improved:

•Lounge and cabaret: A soaring, two-story lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass arches, bar service, and a cabaret stage with full sound and lighting capabilities, and seating up to 100, creates a lively hub with new performance opportunities before, after and beyond productions. A seasonal patio connects the theater directly to Main Street.

•Accessibility: The project introduces fully accessible restrooms, a new sensory room, and Shea’s campus’s first handicap-accessible multipurpose education space.

•A striking new façade: An upgraded marquee, digital signage, bright new paint, and illuminated glass invite the public inside, and reinforce Shea’s 710 as a beacon in the theater district.

•Elevated comfort and experience: Upgraded restrooms, concessions, box office, and coat check, along with energy-efficient building systems, elevate the patron experience. 

The finishes and color palette were selected to complement the Shea’s 710 Theatre house, which underwent a complete renovation in 2022. Design features, including burlesque show posters around the bar and shelves lined with theater script books, provide a nod to the venue’s history. 

The Shea's 710 Theatre exterior at night.

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The transformational project went from conception to completion in just 10 months, which included design in the fall of 2024, followed by a tight, six-month construction schedule between March and September, minimizing performance disruptions and allowing Shea’s to roll out the red carpet to patrons for the Buffalo theater season’s trademark “Curtain Up” celebration.

Shea’s Board of Trustees Chairman Jonathan Dandes added, “These renovations reflect our commitment to preserving Buffalo’s historic theaters while ensuring Shea’s is continuing to grow and thrive as a vibrant cultural community anchor.” 

The remarkable timeline was made possible thanks to a collaborative approach between Shea’s, the visionary architects and design professionals at Carmina Wood Design, and the expert construction management team at Buffalo Construction Consultants.

“This renovation has been a remarkable achievement for all involved – demonstrating what’s possible when passion, vision and commitment come together,” said Bradley Everdyke RA, AIA, Carmina Wood Design senior historic preservation architect. “Over the past 10 months, the team turned challenges into opportunities, delivering spaces that are both welcoming and enduring. The result is a cohesive experience for patrons that honors the cultural significance of Shea’s and the tremendous productions that will be staged here. We are proud of what has been accomplished and look forward to carrying this spirit of collaboration into future work with this incredible team.”

Buffalo Construction Consultants Senior Vice President Peter Dechert said, “What this team has accomplished is remarkable. There were so many milestones and interim deadlines needed to deliver the project on time and maintain Shea’s performances in the evening. Nobody flinched, everyone did what they said they would do, the entire team, Shea’s, Carmina Wood Design, our team at BCC, the subcontractors. It’s been so impressive and such a rewarding team to be a part of.” 

Prime subcontractors on the project included Iroquois Bar, Danforth, Frey Electric, Gypsum Systems, Conley Casework, J&R Specialties, Colvin Draperies, Jens Glass, Ulrich Signs, Finer Finish of WNY, and GP Flooring Solutions.

Shea’s 710 Theatre is part of the Shea’s Performing Arts Center three-theater campus, which also includes Shea’s Smith Theatre and the historic Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. Shea’s 710, a 558-seat theater, serves as a partner to many of Western New York’s premier producing theater companies. This season alone, Shea’s is partnering with AnsariSaxon Productions, Second Generation Theatre, Road Less Traveled Productions, and MusicalFare Theatre for a full season featuring 120 performances.

For Shea’s 710 Theatre schedule and ticket information, visit www.sheas.org/710-theatre.