MusicalFare Theatre is set to take up residency in the former Studio Arena space at the beginning of the 2025-2026 season, Shea’s Performing Arts Center officials announced Wednesday. 

Officials say the two organizations have agreed on a 10-year lease with an option to renew for 10 more years. While Shea’s retains ownership and oversight of the theatre, MusicalFare will maintain creative control of its productions.

Shea's Performing Arts Center President and CEO Brian Higgins says the partnership will bring a level of excitement to the theatre district that hasn't been seen in years.

“As a community, we are stronger when we work together,” Higgins said in a statement. “Through this collaboration with MusicalFare Theater we are creating exciting new opportunities to offer more to our collective audience, expanding the capacity for additional community engagement, and energizing Buffalo’s Theatre District. Our vision from the start has been full activation of Shea’s three theatre campus, building economic opportunity for local residents and small businesses alike and leading as a responsible partner in Western New York’s robust theatre and cultural landscape.”

MusicalFare plans to stage 100 performances each year, including five multi-week mainstage engagements, as well as after-show music and cabaret events.

This new partnership comes after MusicalFare Theatre were openly searching for a new permanent home after being slated to be a cornerstone of the new Amherst Central Park project beginning in Fall 2025. They dropped off of the project after citing a lack of funding from the Town of Amherst and an ongoing legal challenge to the park project from residents.