Clemens Center

The Clemens Center is a historical performing arts venue located in Elmira, New York. It first opened its doors on December 21, 1925, as a vaudeville and silent film house with a seating capacity of 2,500. At the time of its inauguration, the theater was celebrated as the largest and most magnificent theater between New York City and Buffalo. It was notably equipped with a Marr and Colton Theatre Organ and was adorned with extensive murals, opera boxes, and chandeliers, which added to its grandeur. Throughout its history, the Clemens Center faced significant challenges, particularly due to natural disasters. In 1946, the Chemung River flooded, causing considerable damage to the theater. The situation repeated in 1972 when the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes once again inundated the theater. This catastrophic event led to plans for the building's demolition to make way for a new highway. However, in 1975, the Clemens Center was saved by the formation of an organization dedicated to its preservation. The following year, a citizens group successfully raised $750,000 to rescue the facility. These funds were utilized to make necessary alterations, which included reducing the seating capacity by almost 600 seats and upgrading the stage lighting and audio systems. The theater reopened and presented its first performances in the fall of 1977. In 1987, the Clemens Center expanded with the addition of Mandeville Hall, a 2,500-square foot black box theater designed for a variety of uses, including drama, recitals, community functions, lectures, and seminars. To ensure the long-term sustainability and improvement of the theater, a Facilities Master Plan was developed in 1995. This plan guided the organization in maintaining and enhancing the Clemens Center as a valuable community asset. By the 2008-2009 season, the Clemens Center had completed Phases 1 and 2 of this plan. The Clemens Center marked its 40th anniversary in the 2017-18 season as the region's premier performing arts center, boasting state-of-the-art facilities. The center continues to offer a broad spectrum of performance experiences in an environment that both provides modern amenities and honors its rich architectural heritage. The organization is eagerly anticipating its 50th anniversary in 2027. For further information or inquiries, the Clemens Center can be contacted via email at infoclemenscenter.org.