Torn Space Theater, a cultural anchor on Buffalo’s East Side, recently unveiled plans for the final phase of its multi-million dollar renovation project. The newly released renderings showcase the transformation of the historic Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle into a multi-use arts campus. This renovation will enhance accessibility, create new performance and gathering spaces, and further integrate Torn Space with the surrounding neighborhood.
Key Highlights of the Renovation:
Outdoor performance space: A new space for open-air performances and community events.
Summer lounge: A dedicated area for casual gatherings and backyard-style events.
Accessible entryway: Improved accessibility for patrons with disabilities.
Green room: A dedicated space for performers to prepare and relax backstage.
State-of-the-art technical booth: Enhanced production capabilities for a more immersive experience.
Connective structure: A new structure linking the theater to Light Station, a design studio located next door.
Torn Space has already secured $2.7 million for the project but launched a public fundraising campaign at the event to reach their final goal. Funds will contribute to the continued revitalization of Buffalo’s East Side and solidify Torn Space’s position as a leading center for artistic innovation.
“Nanawall” part of the interior theater improvements from Phase II of construction in 2021 – Photo Credit: Nickel City Headshots
2024 INTERSECTION: Performance Series
Earlier this year, Torn Space also unveiled its exciting 2024 INTERSECTION: Performance Series. This diverse program features a range of events, including:
Individual Artist Series: Featuring local artists like Sneakvibing, University at Buffalo’s Coalesce: Center for Biological Arts, and Groupwork.
Site-Specific Works: Bringing performances to unique locations, with events like Camp Everything at Dyngus Day and Pride parades, the expanded CrossWalk fashion show, and the immersive dinner performance Commensality at Silo City.
Agents of Change: Torn Space’s annual education and outreach program focused on environmental justice, featuring tree planting and a public celebration.
Mainstage Series: Returning in February 2025 with a new production in the newly renovated theater space.
The renovation project and the 2024 INTERSECTION: Performance Series solidify Torn Space’s commitment to artistic innovation and community engagement. By creating a more accessible and versatile space, Torn Space can continue to cultivate a vibrant arts scene on Buffalo’s East Side.
For more information about the project or the 2024 INTERSECTION: Performance Series, please visit the Torn Space Theater website.
INDIVIDUAL ARTIST SERIES
Olivier Pasquet installation for Torn Space’s STATIONS, 2018 – Photo Credit: Michael W. Thomas
Ladies First | April 20, 2024 7:00pm
Torn Space Theater – 612 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo
Tickets: $25 General, $10 Student https://bit.ly/ladiesfirsttix2024
A deeper look at the women driving Buffalo’s burgeoning hip-hop scene. Curated by Schondra Aytch. Presented by Sneakvibing and Torn Space Theater
LUCA by Tansy Xiao | April 27, 2024 7:30pm, Artist talk to follow performance
Torn Space Theater – 612 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo
Tickets: $20 General https://bit.ly/lucatix2024
Torn Space collaborates with University at Buffalo’s Coalesce: Center for Biological Arts, to present an interactive installation performance-in-progress by artist Tansy Xiao. LUCA explores positioning humans as just one element within the ecosystem rather than at the apex of a hierarchical structure.
Groupwork | Live audio-visual performance, and a synthesis of sense, sound and surrounding
Dates: TBA
Torn Space Theater – 612 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo
Buffalo-based collective Groupwork returns with a new experiential digital performance installation design. Known for their ecstatic curated pop-up rave experiences, Groupwork presents a more expansive, immersive and meditative audio visual experience.
SITE-SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE
STOREHOUSE, 2014 – Photo Credit: Lukia Costello
Camp Everything | April 1, 2024, Dyngus Day Parade
June 2, 2024, Buffalo Pride Parade
A multimedia parade float installation and performance designed in collaboration with Adam Weekley and the Burchfield-Penney Art Gallery for the Buffalo Pride Parade celebrating acceptance and inclusivity. This project is supported by the Cullen Foundation.
CrossWalk | June 15 (16 Rain Date), 2024 7:00pm
Torn Space Theater campus – 612 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo
Tickets: https://bit.ly/crosswalktix2024
Designed for an open lot with the surrounding landscape, changing sunlight, and architecture providing the visual context, CrossWalk takes place at an intersection where ideas, visuals and cultures meet and converge in a conceptual fashion world featuring community members as models. Stop Traffic. You have the right of way.
Commensality | August 9-11, 16-18, 2024 Doors 7:30pm 8:00pm (Rain dates: 8/12, 8/19)
Silo City – 85 Silo City Row, Buffalo
Tickets: $40 – Available soon
Commensality: (n) a social group that eats together. the practice of eating and drinking at the same table, creates relationships and sets boundaries. In this collaborative performance in partnership with Always Something Farm, the dinner table is the performance. Four courses of tastings bring an intimate audience together in the epic landscape of Silo City.
AGENTS OF CHANGE
Agents of Change, 2023 – Photo Credit: Nickel City Headshots
Agents of Change | June 2024
Torn Space – 612 Fillmore Ave. Buffalo
Tickets: Free, Available Soon
A collaboration with Lafayette International High School and Re-Tree Buffalo, Torn Space’s annual education and community outreach project will plant trees in the surrounding neighborhood along with a public celebration recognizing organizations that work for environmental equity. This project is part of Just Buffalo Literary Center’s The Civil Writes Project.
MAINSTAGE SERIES
The Homecoming, 2023 – Photo Credit: Nickel City Headshots
Mainstage Performance | Returns in February 2025
Torn Space will present an innovative interpretation of a dramatic classic following the completion of its newly completed lobby, green rooms, technical booth and theater space.
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