Dream of a career on Broadway or in Hollywood? In our Entertainment Tech program, high school students learn hands-on in the grand and nationally-known Proctors Theatre in Schenectady about many career paths and the skills needed to become a part of this growing industry.
We are now looking to add new students for the 2021-22 school year and grow this grow this highly respected program.
“We have had great success with this program and in offering opportunities for students to achieve their dreams,” said Jeff Palmer, director of Career and Technical Education. “We want to make sure that every student in the region who has dreams of stardom take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
Proctors Collaborative CEO Philip Morris said the need for industry workers is about to explode.
“Demand for skilled theatre technicians will explode in a post-COVID world as theater and film returns throughout the Capital Region,” Morris said. “The world will depend on imaginative and innovative people and applicants.”
Learning Behind the Scenes and Under the Spotlight
The two-year Entertainment Tech program’s home at Proctors is the result of a partnership between Capital Region BOCES, Proctors and Fulton-Montgomery Community College (FMCC).
Students meet daily in the Addy Theatre, Media Lab, rehearsal spaces and even the main theater and will have the opportunity to work on productions when shows resume post-COVID19, teacher Jeff Knorr said.
In their studies, students learn about the many jobs and the skills needed to work in the entertainment industry, including:
- set design/carpentry
- lighting/stage electrics
- sound design/recording
- costuming
- stage management
- film/media… and more.
“Students can develop a wide range of skills on modern technologies right here at Proctors, which is why providing hands on training with current shows in a professional theater is so important,” Morris said.
Students can earn up to 16 college credits at FMCC through the program.
What Current Students Say About Entertainment Tech at Proctors
Students say this program affords them an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of all aspects of theater and movie production.
“We have all three theaters to learn in and we have great equipment and systems to work with here. This gives us a real-world feel for the industry,” said senior Sam Bemiss of Guilderland.
“It’s really cool. Rather than talking about theater, I get to be in a theater learning,” added classmate Noel Lyman of Mohonasen.
Apply To Attend Our Entertainment Tech Program
Area high school students with an interest in our Entertainment Tech program, or any of the other 40+ programs offered through our Career & Technical School, should should work with their home district’s school counselor to apply.