Hollywood Star Donates to Upstate NY Theater Renovations

Actress Amanda Seyfried helps fund upgrades to local theater in her hometown.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Actress Amanda Seyfried has made a significant donation to help fund renovations at a historic theater in her hometown in Upstate New York. The donation will allow the theater to undergo much-needed upgrades and improvements to the lobby and other public spaces.

Why it matters

Seyfried's donation highlights the importance of preserving and revitalizing local cultural institutions, especially in smaller communities that may struggle to fund such projects on their own. The theater serves as a hub for the community and the renovations will help ensure it can continue serving residents for years to come.

The details

The theater, which first opened in the 1920s, had fallen into disrepair in recent years due to lack of funding for necessary upgrades. Seyfried, who grew up attending performances at the theater, wanted to give back to the community and ensure the venue could continue operating. Her donation will cover the costs of renovating the lobby, upgrading the lighting and sound systems, and improving accessibility for patrons.

  • The theater first opened in the 1920s.
  • The renovations are currently underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Amanda Seyfried

An American actress known for her roles in films such as Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, and The Last Word. Seyfried is from Upstate New York and has fond memories of attending performances at the local theater as a child.

The Historic Upstate NY Theater

A community theater that first opened in the 1920s and has served as a cultural hub for the local area for nearly a century. The theater was in need of renovations to modernize its facilities and ensure it can continue operating for years to come.

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What’s next

The theater plans to hold a grand reopening celebration once the renovations are complete, likely in early 2027.

The takeaway

Seyfried's donation demonstrates the power of celebrity philanthropy to revitalize important community institutions. The renovated theater will serve as a renewed source of pride and cultural enrichment for local residents for years to come.