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Schumer Calls for Federal Relief for Local Theaters During Westcott Visit

Scott Willis
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WAER News

The future of live event venues in Central New York is uncertain at best as limits on gatherings continue to keep them from fully reopening.  Sen. Chuck Schumer says there’s bipartisan support to include $10 billion in the next COVID-19 relief bill for music and theater venues. 

At a stop in front of the Westcott Theater, Schumer said countless venues will close permanently if they don’t receive federal aid.

"Here in Central New York, arts organizations have lost $15 million, 90% of our independent venues say they're going to close if they don't get federal funds, and they're the soul here in the East side and of Syracuse."

The Save Our Stages Act would create a program through the Small Business administration to provide grants up to $12 million to eligible live venues to cover six months of expenses. Westcott Theater owner Dan Mastronardi says many live independent music venues are on the verge of collapse.

Credit Scott Willis / WAER News
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WAER News
Westcott owner Dan Mastronardi says they've faced uphill battles over the past 12 years, but nothing like this.

"March 11, 2020 was the last time we had an event at the Westcott (Theater), and that day I will never forget. Since then we've had zero revenue, and 100% bills. Within weeks of the COVID shutdown, we fiercely became preparing for a safe reopening to our community," Mastronardi said. "We are prepared to reopen safely, but until we can reopen we need your help."

He says the Westcott is an economic engine for the neighborhood, and the same could be said for the Redhouse Arts Center downtown.  Executive Director Samara Hannah says their guest artists and actors generate about 1,500 room nights at area hotels.  She says federal aid will keep venues operating and providing much needed entertainment.

 "The importance of this lifeline to keep us going until we're able to reopen our theaters and bring a full audience back into our space is absolutely critical.  Without this, you start to see the community's creativity and soul start to deteriorate."

In all, the arts is a $150 million industry in Central New York.  It generates almost $14 million in local government revenue and close to 6,000 full-time jobs.   Representatives from Syracuse Stage, Nelson Odeon, and others joined Schumer to show their support for the bill.

Credit Scott Willis / WAER News
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WAER News
The Westcott Theater on Westcott St. in Syracuse has not held an event since March 11 of this year. The owner notes that it could close its doors for good soon without help.