Grad Writes His Own Script

Capital Region BOCES graduate Tyler Blackman, wearing a black leather jacket and sitting before green and white backdrop, sketches scenery in a notebook.
Through our Entertainment Technology program, offered in partnership with the Mohonasen Center for Advanced Technology and Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, students like Tyler Blackman immerse in the many technical aspects of theatre and film production.

When 2019 Scotia-Glenville graduate Tyler Blackman entered our Entertainment Technology program he was an aspiring Hollywood director bent on creating the next The Lord of The Rings film series. After working on the musical Anastasia last fall at Proctors Theatre—where he was immersed in all aspects of the backstage production—he decided to rewrite his script.

“Working backstage on Anastasia was interesting and so much fun. It gave me a foot in the door of the theater industry and I made some really excellent connections,” Blackman said. “The skills and knowledge I gained at BOCES have made me valuable to those in the theater world, so why not pursue that?”

“I have seen Tyler grow professionally and in confidence this past year and a half. I especially proud of his work with SkillsUSA. Last year Tyler went to state competition for prepared speech and finished first in the state! He then went on to SkillsUSA Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky where he placed very well and represented our school tremendously. He has an extremely bright future in whatever he pursues,” Entertainment Technology Teacher Jeff Knorr said.