Press Releases

Today, Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced $400,000 in funding for the Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle, housing the Torn Space Theater, to make capital improvements that will unify two facilities on the property, and transform the grounds into an outdoor cultural space. The funding was secured by Kennedy during his tenure in the New York State Senate as part of efforts to deliver resources to underserved communities.

“This funding will support Torn Space Theater’s efforts to reach an even greater audience with its innovative and world-class theater,” said Congressman Kennedy. “From expanding the facility’s footprint to transforming the grounds into an outdoor venue, this project will help revitalize nearby neighborhoods and expand programming for theater-goers in our region. I am proud to have supported this project while in the State Senate to build on Western New York’s global contributions to the arts.” 

“Congressman Timothy M. Kennedy continues to support the arts and cultural sector in Western New York while championing the fact that the arts are a vital component to neighborhood revitalization. Torn Space Theater is proud to be a cultural anchor in the historic Broadway/Fillmore neighborhood and we are thrilled to receive the support from Congressman Kennedy. The completion of this phase of construction ensures that we will be able to produce and present the very best in contemporary performance while transforming the outdoor grounds into a digital media performance space. Torn Space, along with the Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle look forward to providing a venue where the community can engage with thought provoking performance, lectures and literature while enjoying the authentic Polonia tavern," said Dan Shanahan, Founder & Artistic Director, Torn Space Theater. 

"Congratulations to Congressman Kennedy and Torn Space Theater on today's announcement of $400,000 towards continued capital improvements. These funds will ensure that Torn Space Theater, a major cultural institution in the Broadway-Fillmore community, is able to seat more patrons, have an outdoor performance venue, and continues to share its creative arts with the WNY community," said Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.

“The Torn Space Theater plays an essential role in bringing our community together through the power of the arts,” said Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon.  “By utilizing this funding to unify two facilities located on this Fillmore Avenue property to create one integrated theater, we look forward to expanded seating and an outdoor cultural space that will attract an even greater number of theater goers to this beloved venue.  I’m grateful to Congressman Kennedy for his role in securing these funds during his tenure in the New York State Senate, as we continue to work together on the continuing revitalization in the surrounding neighborhood, as well as enriching our city with world-class art, culture, music and theatre – important economic drivers and tourism attractions in our community.”

“Torn Space Theater is a vital cultural institution that enriches our Buffalo community through boundary-pushing performances,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “Their commitment to presenting innovative theater fosters creativity, promotes necessary dialogue, and enhances Buffalo’s rich artistic landscape, and funding like this helps them continue their mission.”

"This funding is a major boost for Torn Space Theater and the Broadway-Fillmore community," said Councilmember Nowakowski. "By unifying the facilities and transforming the grounds, these improvements will expand access to the arts and bring more world-class performances to the neighborhood. I’m grateful to Congressman Kennedy for securing this support, which will enhance the theater's role in revitalizing the community and providing more opportunities for residents to engage with the arts."

Additional Information: 

This funding will connect 608 and 612 Fillmore, creating one integrated theater with expanded seating and upgraded electric, data, and lighting infrastructure. Funding will also transform the grounds into an outdoor cultural space to host art, theatrical, and musical performances, and festivals. The outdoor venue will have access to a hospitality station, permanent signage and permanent landscaping.

About Torn Space Theater:

Founded by Dan Shanahan and Melissa Meola, Torn Space Theater (TST), housed in the Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle, aims to create original, aesthetically innovative performances; to introduce internationally-renowned, contemporary performance to Western New York; and to cultivate the collaboration of actors, composers, sculptors, video artists, and designers within its productions. Drawing from the leading edge of the global avant-garde, TST offers both original drama and new interpretations of existing plays. Using vivid imagery that both entertains and challenges our audience’s theatrical expectations, TST fully incorporates other arts disciplines—e.g., media, music, and the visual arts—into its design aesthetic.

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