Irish Classical Theatre Company

The Irish Classical Theatre Company is a performing arts theatre located in Buffalo, NY. It presents outstanding productions at The Andrews Theatre, Western New York’s only true theatre-in-the-round. In this intimate setting, you’re never more than 12 feet from the stage. So come for a night out in Buffalo, NY and experience the entertainment at the Irish Classical Theatre Company!

The Company’s artistic vision is to produce theatre of extraordinary commitment and quality; embodying both timeless classics, and the heritage of its proud Irish dramatic literary traditions while notably contributing to the Community and broadening ICTC’s reach; advancing the accessibility of its programming through its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) initiatives.

*History: In 1990 Vincent and Chris O'Neill; brothers; acclaimed actors; and former members of Ireland’s Abbey Theatre, with Josephine Hogan and Dr. James Warde founded ICTC. And in 1999, established its home at the 200-seat Andrews Theatre in the heart of Buffalo’s Historic Theatre District. Constructed specifically for ICTC, it is the only true theatre-in-the-round in the region and the first theatre built from the ground up in Buffalo in over 65 years. The construction of The Andrews has and continues to serve as a vital element in the revitalization of the downtown area. Today, while ICTC’s mission remains unchanged, it has a modernized interpretation; to present Irish plays and classics through a modern lens while also producing exceptional contemporary work that ICTC envisions as becoming tomorrow’s classics. This is being realized by presenting inventive, new adaptations of classical works, and engaging with texts that explore an expansive and inclusive picture of contemporary Ireland and its diaspora.

Over the last 34 years, as Buffalo’s Flagship producing theatre, ICTC has emerged a local leader in artistic excellence, collaboration, integrity, and transparency as evidenced by its influence and standing in the Cultural and Business Communities. The objective of current Senior Leadership is to maintain ICTC’s high standards, artistic and fiscal, and build upon its creative merit while meaningfully developing and enacting its expanding education and IDEA initiatives.

*Upcoming Productions: https://irishclassical.com/upcoming-season-24-25/

In 2024-2025, as detailed under challenges, ICTC will stage a recalibrated, mission driven, Season of 5 main series productions presenting: Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, an adaptation of Irish Author’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula, by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen; The Fitzgeralds of St. Paul by nationally recognized, award-winning contemporary composer and author Christie Baugher; Dorian, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley; The Loved Ones by contemporary Irish Playwright, Erica Murray; and Crocodile Fever by contemporary Irish Playwright, Meghan Tyler.

Committed to delivering audience services that entertain while providing compelling educational and development opportunities, ICTC’s complimentary programming coincides with each production and includes: “Talk Backs,” an informal forum held after selected performances of each production, affording Patrons the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with the Actors and Director regarding the production. Likewise, one session, for each production, of the “Speaker Series” provides insight into both the Season’s playwrights and creative collaborators; expounding upon the former and latter’s work and cultural relevance. Additional Main Stage programming includes 1 “Community Matinee” per run, providing the next generation, and those with varying disabilities and/or limited accessibility an opportunity to experience live professional theatre. This also includes a post-show wrap up that delves into the work, its cultural relevance - both historical and contemporary, and its author. Lastly, free and open to the public, is the “CCEX.” Presenting the shared and differing languages, histories and cultures of its greater Community, and staged at venues through-out Buffalo; the “CCEX” consists of readings and/or performances of a complete and/or selection of works, followed by a moderated discussion.

ICTC's mission is to present the greatest works of dramatic literature: Irish plays, both traditional and contemporary, International classics, and modern plays of exceptional merit. To produce them at the highest level of artistic excellence. To offer them to the public of Buffalo, Western New York, and Southern Ontario, and subsequently, for national and international audiences.