The Vintage Theater in Scranton is closing at the end of August
One of Scranton’s last small venues for local entertainment is closing its doors at the end of August.
The Vintage, which was known as the Vintage Theater when it opened in 2009, changed locations a few times over the years, but it always reopened to host concerts, theater productions, art shows, poetry readings, and much more, often free of charge or at very low cost to patrons of all ages. Currently located at 326 Spruce Street in downtown Scranton, the theater opened the month with its second annual 24 Hours of Art celebration.
The nonprofit venue announced the sad news “with heavy (but optimistic) hearts” via Facebook:
IMPORTANT NEWS: The Vintage wishes to thank all of its supporters, artists, and patrons who have made its work possible over the years. It is with heavy (but optimistic) hearts that The Vintage must announce that it will be closing its doors for the last time at the end of this month, August 2014. This choice comes after serious consideration and review of the venues resources, fiscal projections, and leadership investment.
The Vintage has primarily been governed under the direction of Conor O’Brien (performing arts/outreach) and Theresa O’Connor (visual arts/administration). Both individuals wish to express their deep gratitude to the public that has supported them and their visions for nearly six years. The Vintage has opened new and exciting doors for both of them in their artistic and professional purists – doors which they both feel it’s time to focus on.
The Vintage’s planned programming for the remainder of the month will continue without interruption. Additionally, The Vintage invites patrons and artists, members of the community, and dear friends to celebrate nearly six years of history with a large send off event on August 30th (additional details to come. We cannot imagine a better way to begin a new chapter than with one last celebration held at the downtown venue.
There are many elements and collective projects that were developed at The Vintage that have and will continue independently. A notable seed that has every intention to grow is the core theater ensemble that was formed after The Vintage’s 2013 award winning 1960’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.
The Vintage will continue to release information in the coming weeks regarding sales, the future of the ensemble, as well as further details regarding its final celebration on August 30th.
All involved wish to thank EVERYONE who have made the past six years such a fantastic journey!
This follows the closing of another Scranton venue, New Visions Studio & Gallery, last year, leaving very few places left for smaller, all-ages concerts and other shows in the area.
A list of The Vintage’s final scheduled events is below:
Aug. 16: Concert: Sleeping Patterns, Esta Coda, and Sean Walsh. Doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Aug. 21: NEPAWC (Northeastern PA Writers Collective) poetry open microphone: This resident literary group of The Vintage hosts this Third Thursday open microphone. Sign-ups at 8 p.m., open mic at 8:30 p.m. Free and open to all. Donations encouraged.
Aug. 22: Concert: Katie Kelly and more TBA. Doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10
Aug. 23: the lamp post chapter one: velveteen: An evening of movement, music, and art. Doors at 7:30 p.m., performances at 8:30 pm. This event is presented thanks to a dynamic partnership with the lamp post chapter one. Tickets are $10.
Aug. 29: Scavenger hunt: The Vintage is proud to be a partnering venue for the University of Scranton Community Relations department downtown scavenger hunt. 3-5 p.m.
Aug. 30: The Vintage goodbye party: The Vintage is saying goodbye after nearly six years of art in downtown Scranton. Come party and say goodbye. Music. Food. Drinks. Memories. Starts at 6 p.m. Free and open to all. Donations appreciated.
Aug. 30: Comedy show: A hilarious showcase of regional-based stand-up comedy, improv, and sketch, hosted by Unorganized Business. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.
