Senator Cooney Delivers $1 Million for Rochester Broadway Theater League

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today, Senator Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) announced $1,000,000 in state capital funds he secured for Rochester Broadway Theatre League. Senator Cooney explained that the grant is funding the renovation of the Joseph A. Floreano Entertainment & Education Center located at the West Herr Performing Arts Center, the only stream of funding helping to make this historic restoration a reality.

“RBTL and the historic West Herr Performing Arts Center brings world class performances directly to the heart of our city, serving as a cornerstone of what makes our community so special,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “This substantial investment is proof of our continued commitment to the arts outside of NYC and creating the kind of theatre that Rochesterians can enjoy for years to come.” 

"As has proven to be the case so many times in our community, Senator Cooney is the first to listen, the fastest to act, and always fights hard to bring money to worthwhile projects,” said Rochester Broadway Theatre League CEO, Arnie Rothschild. “State leadership does great work behind the scenes, but today, I am glad that what Senator Cooney is doing to make this restoration a reality is taking center stage.”

Restorations will include a new pre-show concessions and gathering area, work to the detailed drywall and ceiling, flooring, new paint, and more cosmetic upgrades. Combined with a new rear drop-off entrance, the new Floreano Room will be central for the accessible route for patrons with disabilities. The room is named after Joseph Floreano, longtime Executive Director of the Rochester Riverside Convention Center and former board member of RBTL.

Today’s announcement comes as RBTL heads into its 2025-2026 Broadway Season, including performances of “Clue,” "& Juliet," "Spamalot," "Wicked,” "Kimberly Akimbo," "A Beautiful Noise," "Suffs," and a special engagement of "Hamilton.”

###