By Teddy Foster
The much anticipated, re-opening of Universal Preservation Hall on Feb. 29 will prove to be a robust economic boost for Saratoga Springs and the surrounding region.
Located a half block from Broadway in the heart of downtown, UPH will quickly take its place as the pedestrian-friendly, year-round cultural hub that our area has needed for many years.
The re-purposed uniqueness of the historic UPH will draw people from far and wide; the partnership with the powerful Proctors Collaborative will ensure world class programs are presented for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests; and collaborations with arts and community organizations will continue to blossom and lead to economic growth for the entire Capital Region.
As a year-round cultural center with multiple spaces, including a 700-seat, state-of-the-art theater in the round, UPH is uniquely positioned to bring business locally when it is needed most—during the shoulder and off seasons. Feasibility studies project that UPH will attract an addition 65,000 people annually to our area.
UPH will present unique programming in the summer of 2020 that is designed to not only attract families to downtown but also to be an enhancement to the summer programming of SPAC, Caffe Lena, Yaddo, and Skidmore College.
Also this summer, we are thrilled to debut the Collaborative School of the Performing Arts at UPH. Kicking off in July with a two-week program for middle-school students, we will feature a full yearly calendar of classes, workshops, camps and performances.
We look forward to offering your budding artist or future creative professional the chance to pursue their passion and achieve their artistic goals. Be sure to keep an eye on your social media for the program announcement and registration announcement for UPH’s School of the Performing Arts.
If you are eager to witness the $13.5 million renovation of our 19th century High Victorian Gothic building, consider purchasing tickets now. Several shows are selling briskly. Country star Rosanne Cash, trumpeter Chris Botti, Broadway star Megan Hilty and the bluegrass sensations Steep Canyon Rangers are examples of transcendent artists coming to downtown Saratoga in the coming months.
The best way to keep informed of new happenings at UPH is to visit universalpreservationhall.org and sign up for our e-newsletter. Also, you can follow us on social media. Many exciting programs to be announced in the coming months and beyond.