Mission Statement: As a unique art-house space, The Uptown Theatre offers more diverse, less commercial cultural entertainment such as movies, music, drama, dance, and performances accessible to audiences across the boundaries of age, race, gender, and nationality. In building on the Greater Utica area and surrounding communities through creative programming the theatre reaches under-served communities; showcases independent, regionally produced work by emerging filmmakers and performers; and not least, preserves the architecture and historic integrity of the Uptown Theatre.

Dec. 1927

The Uptown Theatre opens in S. Utica with seating for 1,500 people. Kallet Theatre Corp., who built, and own the theatre, also incorporates an orchestra pit, and a motorized stand for the small pipe organ to be used for silent films. The Uptown Theatre is the first “full-time” movie house in Utica. “The Uptown” is also capable of hosting live acts, and shows when needed. Along with an outside ticket booth, there are Men’s and Women’s smoking rooms attached to the lobby and bathrooms. There is also space made for a small day-care for children to play and wait in while their parents are in the movies. The Uptown Theatre is built on the site of the old Utica Stadium. The balcony is built in a stadium style in ode to the stadium.

Circa 1960’s – 1970’s

Of nine theatres originally in the City of Utica, only the Stanley Theatre, and The Uptown survive the recession experienced during the late 1960’s on through the 1970’s. About this time The Stanley becomes a performing arts center, leaving The Uptown Theatre as the only movie house in Utica. The Uptown Theatre loses its original marquee, due to structural failure, and transports its marquee from a New York City Theatre to replace it.

Circa 1980’s

Pyramid Brokerage builds Riverside Center, and Sangertown Square, inputting Hoyt’s Cinemas at both locations. The Uptown becomes 2nd run theatre after being purchased by Mike Fitzgerald.

1996 – 2006

Dan Martini buys theatre from Mike Fitzgerald. Dan’s contributions to the theatre include new seats in all three screens of the theatre, a digital sound system in the main screen, and restoring the theatre to first- run status. Hoyt’s cinemas close both locations at Riverside and at Sangertown Square. Marquee Cinema opens in New Hartford in 2004. The Uptown perseveres throughout all of the changes, and remains an excellent bargain compared to its pricier competition.

2007 - 2009

Tracey Mills purchased theatre from Dan Martini. The new owner started by renovating the lobby with the installation of a new counter, on-screen advertising, and security measures. Plans are underway for the complete restoration of the original marquee on the facade of the theatre. New carpeting throughout; renovated bathrooms, Cristy projectors, state-of-the-art sound system in the main theatre. A parking lot, and other changes are on the horizon.