The Monroe Theater in Rochester, NY has languished in vacancy for almost two decades.  Not only does it tear a hole in a vibrant commercial district, it also could provide the facilities to promote neighborhood performance arts and provide for community needs.

Our organization, Comedy Renovation Education and Empowerment Project, a 501(c)3 organization, is committed to helping communities establish and maintain Entertainment Districts, as the Monroe Corridor has traditionally been.

Built in 1927, the Monroe Theater, located at 585 Monroe Avenue, started as a burlesque- but most Rochestarians know it as a movie theater.  In the 1940, '50s, and '60s, it was the first-run theater in Rochester for Gone with the Wind, Oklahoma, and The Sound of Music.  In 1970, it became an adult theater, and was until 1996.

The neighborhood around Monroe became a cultural district, the nexus of counterculture in Rochester, as well as the home of the hippies, the punk rockers, and the "gayborhood."

After a final decade in business as a Show World adult store, the theater has been vacant since 2008.

Our intention is to

1)  Restore the Monroe Theater, inside and out, to occupancy and use, maintaining Landmark Status
2)  Establish Monroe Theater in the Monroe Avenue Entertainment District as "The Monroe Comedy Theater"
3)  Continue and expand our comedy shows, which we have been doing for the last two summers right next door
4)  Establish community functions at the Theater, including a neighborhood Code Blue Location
5)  Establish a weekly Mental Health Open Mic
6)  Establish a Youth Program

The purpose is to add the vibrancy of an important Rochester neighborhood, while also supporting its traditional identity as an Entertainment District.

Our mission:
“To help communities establish and maintain Entertainment Districts.”

One last thing- with 13 local bars, 5 award-winning restaurants and shops, and a Section V Champion Football Team, don't you think Monroe Avenue could handle some comedy?