Films & Performances

Films and Performances at Munson-Williams

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute offers a broad range of exemplary programs in the performing and cinematic arts throughout the year that provide meaningful educational and entertaining experiences that foster substantial connections within the community and enhance the quality of life in our region. The weekly Film Series, featuring state-of-the-art digital projection and sound, offers the finest independent titles, foreign-language films and award-winning documentaries that are often not available at other local cinemas. Other cinema events include international exhibitions on film and The Met: Live in HD series of live opera simulcasts. MWPAI offers programs of the highest quality that are designed to provide an appealing blend of cultural excellence to the broadest possible segment of the population. Artists are chosen to span a variety of genres. Particular emphasis is placed on introducing young people and other uninitiated audiences to high quality cultural events by bringing national and international performing artists to our underserved region. MWPAI strives to entertain and educate young audiences through the For Kids and Families series, expose local audiences to a variety of contemporary artists through the Concerts in the Court series, and deepen an appreciation of classical music through Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel. By presenting these programs. MWPAI endeavors to encourage and inspire artistic self- expression and creative thinking by bringing artists and audiences together in a meaningful and authentic context.

Film Series – General Information

The Met: Live in HD

Concerts in the Court

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel

For Kids and Families

Series Sponsor: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

The Munson-Williams For Kids and Families series brings nationally renowned family performers to Utica to present entertaining and educational shows in the Museum’s Sinnott Family - Bank of Utica Auditorium during school breaks. The performers cover a variety of genres including music, storytelling, circus arts, magic, and puppetry to convey positive messages and lessons suitable for the whole family.

The program provides a much-needed, low-cost activity for parents, grandparents and children to enjoy together during the school breaks. The themes covered by the performances address social or educational experiences that allow caregivers to initiate meaningful conversations with their children. These topics often include anti-bullying messages, the importance of friendship and teamwork, and self-confidence.

Each of the events is enhanced by the inclusion of an element of community connection such as free hands-on workshops, interactive gallery experiences, and audience participation intended to deepen the level of engagement between the artists and their audience.

Waiting List Procedure

Even though performances may be sold out well in advance, patrons will often return extra tickets or let us know that they will not be attending the show. We also find that many patrons do not show up or provide any notification. In order to expand the number of people who can enjoy our presentations, we have instituted the following Waiting List Policy for the For Kids and Families Series. By adhering to these systematic procedures, the Ticket Office will be able to allow as many people as possible to see the show in a fair and equitable manner.

The waiting list signup will start at 10:00 am for both the 11:00 am and 1:00 pm performances at the Ticket Office window
Please provide your name and the number of tickets you will need for either the 11:00 am or 1:00 pm presentation, or both
You may sign up for one or both of the performances
We will do the best we can, close to or at performance time depending on the number of open seats. There is no guarantee that you will get tickets to the performance
If you do not get into the 11:00 am performance, you are not automatically transferred to the 1:00 pm waiting list
If you do get into the 11:00 am performance and you have also signed up for the 1:00 pm performance, your name will be removed from the 1:00 pm list
Patrons will be asked to return at least 5 minutes before the performance begins. You must be present if your name is called to be able to purchase tickets
Names will be called in the order they appear on the list

Your cooperation and patience are greatly appreciated.

Buy Tickets online

Ticket Office Hours:

Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

One hour before performances, thirty minutes before all films.

Phone: (315)797-0055 or (800)754-0797 Fax: (315)797-5608

Advance sale tickets are held at the Reception Desk (will-call) for any orders received less than one week before an event.

Doors open for seating 30 minutes before each event, and 60 minutes before Concerts in the Court. Late arrivals are seated at the discretion of management.

All attendees, including infants and small children, must have a ticket to be admitted. Each child or group of children must be accompanied by at least one adult ticket holder. Group sales are available. Your group can be accommodated for a business or social occasion.

Contact the Ticket Office Manager at (315)797-0055 for more details. No refunds or exchanges. All programs and dates are subject to change. Free and convenient parking is available in the main Munson-Williams lot on State Street.

VISUAL ARTS