Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts

12/02/2025

Are we there yet?
No. Yes. It depends. Are we 100% done with all of the work it will take to bring the Uptown back to its full glory? No. Have we protected the building, brought it up to code, invested more than a million dollars, and made it a place you want to visit all while building a community, offering unique programming, and reconnecting people across generations of shared history? Yes.

As we reach out to ask for your support, we also thought you might appreciate a review of everything that’s happened so far. Take a look at the construction timeline at uptownutica.org for some before/after pictures, and see where the project is heading next. It’s been a long road of successes and setbacks (but mostly successes), and we keep going because you care enough to contribute and help us reach our goal. It’s Giving Tuesday, and we hope UTCA will be among the organizations that receive your support! Make a gift today. See you soon!

11/29/2025

“I remember when…”
That’s what we hear when we talk to people about the Uptown. They dive right into sharing their favorite memory, whether it’s from 15 or 50 years ago. The Uptown has always been the heart of our community, and now there are new memories waiting to be made as we bring this beloved theatre fully back to life.

The Uptown will be a vibrant hub for all ages — a place for movies, live entertainment, arts discovery, and community gatherings that create lasting memories. But first, we have to push through some additional construction, and rising costs are slowing us down. When you make a gift, you make sure we stay on track.

Your support also helps unlock over $200,000 in grant funding from the New York State Council on the Arts — funding we can only access once we close the remaining project gap. Every dollar counts.

Please make a gift today to help the Uptown Theatre continue its story. There are more memories to be made! utcany.org

11/27/2025

The best doctors, engineers, and leaders aren’t just technically skilled, they’re human. USC students are minoring in comedy to strengthen communication, collaboration, and creative thinking because creativity isn’t a distraction from real careers, it’s a superpower.

Sign up for a class or learn about our corporate workshops at uptownutica.org!

11/26/2025

The best doctors, engineers, and leaders aren’t just technically skilled, they’re human. USC students are minoring in comedy to strengthen communication, collaboration, and creative thinking because creativity isn’t a distraction from real careers, it’s a superpower.

Sign up for a class or learn about our corporate workshops at uptownutica.org!

USC’s comedy performance minor isn’t just for actors. It’s attracting nursing, engineering and science students as well. Here’s why. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-11-25/usc-comedy-minor?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_Los_Angeles_Times

11/21/2025

11/13/2025

If your team could use a little less stress and a little more fun, you’re not alone. Utica-area friends: what companies or organizations do you think would benefit from something like this?

We believe the same skills that make great improvisers—listening, adaptability, teamwork, and trust—also make great organizations. Our Corporate Improv Workshops turn these skills into energizing, laughter-filled sessions that bring teams together.

Core Focus Areas:
Communication, quick thinking, collaboration, confidence, and team cohesion.

Why It Works:
Hands-on, energizing, and immediately applicable. It boosts morale, strengthens culture, and builds confidence.

The Result:
Participants leave feeling empowered and supported, ready to collaborate more effectively and communicate with confidence.

Have professional development funds to use by year-end? Let’s get your group on the calendar! Invest in training your team will actually enjoy!

11/03/2025

Everyone’s improvising their way through life anyway… why not get good at it?

It’s not about being funny.
It’s about listening, supporting your friends, and saying “yes” to what comes next.

In improv, you learn to trust yourself, trust your partners, and discover something new together in the moment.

Intro to Improv at the Uptown is where confidence grows and community takes shape, one laugh at a time.

Find your voice - and your people - at the Uptown.

New classes starting 11/4! More info at uptownutica.org

10/26/2025

The Haunted Uptown, an improvised ghost tour, will bring South Utica's historic theater to life on Friday.

10/26/2025

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Haunted Uptown on Friday night. It was a spontaneous production by a group of people who love the Uptown’s history and Halloween. We didn’t expect the incredible turnout, and to all the new faces who stopped in, we promise Uptown shows aren’t usually as chaotic but they are always as welcoming, unique, and brought to you by creative people who love what they do. See you again soon!