08/06/2026
The Massena Schine Theater is very close to our hearts as we have volunteered, donated and Nate spent 12 years on the board. We can’t wait to see this open and the hustle and bustle it will bring to downtown. If you can’t donate then sharing helps! ♥️
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The Schine is Ready to Be Unlocked!
For decades, the Massena Schine Theater was the heart of entertainment and community life in downtown Massena. Today, we’re excited to announce another major milestone in bringing this historic landmark back to life.
The $3.2 million interior restoration project will officially be open for construction bids from August 12 through September 18, 2026.
This project has become a reality because of the vision and generosity of so many who believe in the future of our community. We are incredibly grateful for the support of Restore New York, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), the New York Power Authority Power Proceeds Program, the Northern New York Community Foundation, the Development Authority of the North Country (DANC), SeaComm, the Sweetgrass Foundation, Massena Savings and Loan, Orlando Chiropractic, Cedar View Golf Club, Liberty New York Utilities,the town and village of Massena, St. Lawrence County IDA and St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency, LaBella Associates and the hundreds of local businesses, organizations, and individuals whose donations continue to move this project forward.
We are still in the middle of our capital campaign, and while we’ve made incredible progress, we are now in the final stretch. We still need to raise the last $155,000 to fully complete our fundraising goal and bring this vision across the finish line. Every dollar at this stage makes a direct and lasting impact on getting the Schine open and operating for the community.
When the doors reopen, the Schine will once again be a place where memories are made. In addition to classic, independent, family, and second-run films, the theater will host concerts, live performances, comedy shows, weddings, community celebrations, school programs, fundraisers, business events, and so much more. This is about far more than restoring a building…it’s about creating a gathering place that will serve Massena and the North Country for generations.
The interior restoration will include:
-Restoration of the historic auditorium
-Digital cinema projection and sound systems
-Performance lighting and stage improvements
-New theater seating
-Modern heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems
-!Accessibility upgrades throughout the building
-Renovated lobby, concessions, and restrooms
-New catering kitchen and bar
-Restoration of the Schine’s beautiful historic architectural details
-Backstage, dressing rooms, and support spaces
This project represents one of the largest historic restoration investments in downtown Massena in generations, and we’re honored to be part of preserving this incredible landmark while creating new opportunities for arts, entertainment, tourism, and economic growth.
If you’re a contractor or subcontractor interested in being part of this exciting restoration, bid documents will be available through LaBella Associates beginning August 12.
Thank you to everyone who has believed in this dream, volunteered, donated, sponsored an event, attended a fundraiser, or simply cheered us on. Every step brings us closer to hearing the curtain rise once again.
The Schine’s next act is about to begin… and we can’t wait to welcome you back. ❤️🎭
If you are interested in donating, please feel free to contribute here: https://givebutter.com/UnlocktheSchine
or you can mail a check to;
Massena Arts and Theater Association Inc.
65 Main St. Massena, NY 13662
Thank you for your support!
