Brindisi & Griffo: The Stanley Theater and Other Upstate Arts Centers Will Benefit From Tax Credit in the 2014-15 State Budget

THEATERS THAT HOST HIGH-TECH ‘PREVIEW’ PRODUCTIONS WILL GET 25 PERCENT CREDIT FOR PRODUCTION COSTS; THE STANLEY HAS SEEN SUCCESS ALREADY WITH TECH SHOWS

UTICA - State Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi have announced the new State Budget for 2014-15 will provide a significant boost for Utica’s Stanley Theatre, and other venues that host the high tech shows that are used as previews for upcoming Broadway shows.

The budget includes a 25 percent tax credit for qualified expenses of the touring productions.  The benefit takes effect January 1, 2015.

“Mohawk Valley theatergoers love the big stage of Broadway, and The Stanley Theatre has done an excellent job of bringing productions here when possible,” said Griffo. “I advocated for this tax credit to provide more opportunity to see all the glitz and glamor right here in Utica while productions work on perfecting their shows. Cast and crew will be here for weeks, staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants and filling up at our gas stations. This is a big win for the Stanley, its patrons and the people of Oneida County." 

“The Stanley has already hosted six tech shows,” said Brindisi.  “This tax credit will be a big boost that should continue bringing Broadway-quality entertainment to downtown Utica.  This is an outstanding cultural amenity that is encouraging theater goers to skip the trip to the Great White Way and come to the Mohawk Valley region instead.”

“Having more Technical Shows here is a great thing for the Stanley, Mohawk Valley and Central New York,” said Jerry Kraus, Executive Director of The Stanley Theatre in Utica.  “We’ve had wonderful experiences with the visiting actors and crews that come for these productions.  There are usually 60 to 100 people that are a part of these shows, and they stay at hotels, dine in area restaurants, and make purchases at hardware stores and other businesses.  This brings in more tax revenue for the area.  It’s my hope that the Mohawk Valley can become known as the technical show capital of New York State.”

Other theaters expected to benefit from the credit are the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse, Proctor’s Theatre in Schenectady, the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, and the Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo.