Stanley Theatre Takes Action: How Filming, NY Coalition Could Boost Utica Performing Arts

The historic Stanley Theater in Utica has recently been working behind the scenes to support entertainment venues throughout the area.

Since opening in 1928, the Genesee Street Theater has partnered with other state performing arts centers to seek state funding to better serve their communities, paving the way for a new motion picture commission to operate outside the theater.

Both efforts reinforce the theater's purpose as a venue for the performing arts in Utica for years to come.

Filming will begin in 2023 in Utica.

Film Utica is the city's first full film commission and has received final approval, according to a statement released Tuesday at the Stanley Theatre.

"It's exciting to start building this business for Utica," theater executive director Lisa Wilsey said in a statement. "The region's economy has no shortage of film and television production, so we're excited to lead this initiative that will contribute to the tax base, create jobs, attract new businesses and contribute to the economic stability of the area."

Wilsey said Film Utica's strategic goals are to engage film and television productions in Utica and the surrounding area and support the production process in a more efficient manner.

"The economic impact of making a film work can be extraordinary," Wilsey said. "Before that, we have two projects on the horizon that we will shoot here at the end of the year. Utica has played a very important role and we are very happy."

The Stanley Theater is a New York state qualified production facility, Wilsey said, offering its employees generous filmmaking and post-production tax credits as an additional bonus.

The commission's legislation was introduced by General Council Chairman Michael Galime and formalized by the General Council in June 2021. The council has three members: Paul Buckley, appointed by Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri as patron of the cinema; David DeCola, Area ITEA 1 Sales Agent; And Willsey.

Art in Útica: "Doors of Community Sense"

The Stanley opened on September 10, 1928 and has since undergone several renovations and hosted thousands of performances.

It joins 12 other historic performing arts centers in New York, from Jamestown to Poughkeepsie! An initiative to create government support for the arts.

As part of the alliance, Stanley Theater will join a group with an average age of nearly 100 years and serving more than 5 million people annually. According to Live Centers! The Stanley Theater welcomes 225,000 patrons, serves 15,000 students, and hosts 100 events in its 2,963-seat theater during the year.

The coalition, which is seeking $20 million in continued support from the state, wants to encourage New York lawmakers to consider the state's historic theaters as a public good, such as zoos, aquariums and public television.

"The impact of theater on the city and the region is often overlooked," Wilsey said. "The arts and live performances are gateways that enhance the quality of life and peace of mind by supporting a sense of community, resilience, joy, memories, lights to attract new people, help to keep people, safe spaces, including aging, but also a powerful economic accelerator.