In Buffalo, we're lucky to have so many older historic buildings finding contemporary uses. It's a testament to change and innovation. Whether that's Silo City Rocks, The Pierce Arrow Building, Statler City or many more...the ALT Theater is one of the more unique performance spaces that I've set foot in.
Finding the actual Theater itself is a bit of a challenge. It's on Great Arrow Ave (making a right from Elmwood) and since the Pierce Arrow Building is so huge, it may take a while to find the actual door to the Theater. The entrance to get it is adjacent to the one of the parking lots. You then have to get up to the third floor to find your way into the actual performance space (lots of signage is helpful!).
How amazing it is that a former luxury car assembled their vehicles in this building? And now it's home to two Theater spaces (ALT and Subversive), a film studio and hosts incredible events such as the Mass Appeal fashion show? I'm gushing about the Pierce Arrow building being put to good use, but let's get back to the ALT.
It dubs itself as a black box Theater, although the show that I saw here ended up almost being setup as a proscenium of sorts, which shows that there is flexibility with the way you can use the space and engage the audience. Surprisingly, it was pretty warm here (The Pierce Arrow Building is nearly 133,000 square feet so most parts of it are not heated or accessible). It's focus is on experimental Theater (self-proclaimed as a hub for experimentation and innovation). The sound and acoustics were wired well for this particular show.
One of the challenges is actually finding the space and navigating the Pierce Arrow Building (I actually got lost as I was trying to get out of the building and ended up in some creepy maintenance rooms), but it's part of the fun. You practically get a crash course in Urban Exploration when you go see a show here.
If you've never experienced the ALT or the Pierce Arrow Building in any form, I urge you to check out their shows and find one that you think you'd enjoy! read more