I’ve always been a fan of art in all its forms. Music, theater, film, television, writing, comedy, performance, dance, it doesn’t matter what kind. Art is art. Art brings joy, comfort, happiness, sadness and every other possible emotion you could think of. Art is the expression of the self, and the world needs more of it. Art belongs in more than a museum; it belongs in the community. So, imagine my surprise when I learned a couple short months ago that there was a communal space for art in all its forms just a short drive away from us in Auburn, NY.
Chelsea and I went to Café 108 in Auburn a couple of months ago on our never-ending quest for the best breakfast sandwiches around and we fell in love. Unfortunately, we have not made it back to Café 108 since, but we knew it needed to happen. While we were enjoying our wonderfully made sandwiches, I looked around and read some of the signage around the café that detailed what it was and what their mission meant. Café 108 is a small café operated in support of the Auburn Public Theater, a communal space ran by a not-for-profit organization created by Angela Daddabbo, Carey Eidel, Brian Anderson, Janie MicGlire and Tiffany Brasell with the mission to revitalize the space that was once Grant’s Department Store in downtown Auburn. They all shared a passion for art, theater and creativity and a strong desire to bring the community together through art, theater and expression. Opened in December of 2005, the Auburn Public Theater became just that.
Angela reached out to me after reading my lengthy review of Café 108 (found at https://wrightwritesfood.com/cafe-108-auburn-ny/) and we had been trying to connect for a couple of months but I never quite had the time. In a moment of the stars aligning, I managed to talk to Angela and we set a time for a meeting and tour of the Auburn Public Theater on Saturday, November 16th at 5:00pm, two hours before a stand-up comedy show would be held at APT that same evening. Conveniently, Chelsea and I are big fans of stand-up comedy, so we decided to grab some dinner down the street at Prison City Pub and meet with Angela and her team for a couple of hours before we stayed for the show. Comedian Abe Gatling was the star and he held the stage for an hour of laughter and storytelling that resonated with everyone in the crowd, regardless of their background or social stature. We laughed about dating, adulthood, the economy, social norms and the experiences of life. It was a fantastic way to end our night after meeting with the people behind Auburn Public Theater.
Angela and Carey took us throughout the building and shared their story, their progress and their dreams of what Auburn Public Theater could become. It’s hard not to get emotional listening to them talk about their history and the journey that brought them to creating APT because you can feel their passion and joy for what they do pour out through their words. They wanted to create a space that celebrated the community. A place that would bring people together again under one roof that could allow everyone who walked through the doors to meet, eat and enjoy life together even if just for a moment for a theater performance, a movie, a comedy show, a dance class or a concert. The idea behind APT is what makes it work. The people behind it is what makes it so special.
Angela, Carey et al are in the process of massive renovation projects to expand the usable space of APT to open up the venue for more options, as if what they have now isn’t enough. Currently, there is a stage theater, movie theater, café, small bar with beer and wine and a small stage for events (called Stage Right) as well as spaces and studios for rent for various purposes. They are also in the process of renovating the large downstairs space for a multitude of other uses, including hosting weddings, concerts, classes and anything else someone may desire a space for.
Auburn Public Theater is an all-inclusive, all-access place that doesn’t care who you are or what you believe in. All that matters is the betterment of the community. Part of me is ashamed that I didn’t know that the Auburn Public Theater was here for this long, as it’s such an important thing to have in any community. But I cannot even begin to express how excited I am that Angela Daddabbo not only reached out but opened their doors to us. I’m getting emotional just typing this out because it was incredible to see the work, passion and potential behind the space and I look forward to not only seeing what the future brings for APT and its crew but finding a way to support and be a part of it going forward. Support local art always, and if you ever find yourself in need of a space to host an event or want to go out and have an interesting date night, keep Auburn Public Theater in your mind.
Thank you, Angela, for reaching out and giving us the tour of Auburn Public Theater. Thank you for working to make Auburn a better place. Thank you for having a dream and following through with it. I wish nothing but the best for you, your team and Auburn Public Theater as a whole. We will be back for any events that even remotely pique our interests, and we look forward to being around more often.
Auburn Public Theater
https://auburnpublictheater.org/
8 Exchange Street
Auburn, NY 13021
PO Box 771
Box Office: (315) 253-6669
info@auburnpublictheater.org