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After-Allendale Stage

For more information about these productions, Theatre of Youth and The Allendale Theatre, visit www.theatreofyouth.org
Before-Auditorium

After-Auditorium B reefo

Theatre of Youth 40th Anniversary Season 2011-2012 Pinkalicious: The Musical September 16-October 16 Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells December 2-December 18

THE HISTORIC ALLENDALE THEATRE

Allendale Stage

HOME OF THEATRE OF YOUTH


Buffalos only professional theatre company dedicated to the enrichment of WNY children and families

203 Allen Street Buffalo, NY 14201 (716) 884-4400 www.theatreofyouth.org

RESTORING THE HISTORIC ALLENDALE THEATRE


One of Buffalos first neighborhood theatres, the Allendale was built in 1913 for $45,000 by clothing retailer Levin Michaels. The Neo-Classical Revival style theatre included gold trimmed walls, leaded glass windows and a stunning domed ceiling with dozens of modern light bulbs. At first, the popular movie house specialized in silent films and photoplays of Broadway productions, with a custom-built symphonic organ for accompaniment. In 1919, the owner added a lavish proscenium stage and dressing rooms that attracted the Buffalo Players (a local theatre group including members of the Knox, Schoellkopf and other prominent families), as well as national acts such as the Barrymore brothers and W.C. Fields. The years were not kind to the Allendale Theatre. Fortunately, the Allentown Association saved it from certain demolition. The questions were: now that the building was saved, who would restore it and what would its function be? In 1986, Theatre of Youth (TOY) entered into a partnership with the City of Buffalo to raise funds and

renovate the theatre permanent home.

for

its

The Allendale renovation combined sensitivity to historic preservation, a challenging interior design, a unique collaboration between the disciplines of architecture and theatre, and an opportunity to promote neighborhood revitalization. Historic elements such as the interior decorative pilasters, plaster moldings, domed ceiling and the exterior neoclassic faade have been repaired and restored. The theatre is equipped with a proscenium stage, fly and wing space, a sound and lighting system, dressing rooms, rehearsal space, and seating for 469 people. The intention of the renovation was to honor the buildings past while assuring its usefulness in the future.

Future Allendale Theatre Projects Restoration of the historic marquee Restoration of the Dome & Ceiling
Your support of these projects would be greatly appreciated. Contact Robert Brunschmid, Managing Director at 716.884.4400 x 308 or rbrunschmid@theatreofyouth.org

The $3.5 million project took 13 years to complete. Theatre of Youth opened the Allendale on December 5, 1999 with a production of Voyage of the Dragonfly. Since that time, over 500,000 children, along with their parents and teachers, have passed through these historic doors to experience live professional theatre.

Quick Facts about Theatre of Youth TOY, founded in 1972, engages young people

through relevant, childcentered, and professionally-produced live theatre programs that stimulate the imagination and nurture the creative spirit. TOY raised $3.5 million to renovate the historic Allendale Theatre which reopened in Dec. 1999 Over 500,000 children have seen live theatre at TOY since 2000 TOY produces five literarybased productions and two health & wellness productions each year TOY earns over 60% of its yearly revenue from ticket sales TOY employs over 60 artists and business professionals in WNY TOY has a volunteer base of over 150 young people and adults TOY operates a Theatre Classes & Workshops that expanded to a year-round program in 2010

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