Proctor's Theatre

Infobox_nrhp | name =Proctor, F. F., Theatre and Arcade
nrhp_type =


caption =
location= Schenectady, New York
lat_degrees = 42
lat_minutes = 48
lat_seconds = 44
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 73
long_minutes = 56
long_seconds = 31
long_direction = W
locmapin = New York
area =
built =1926
architect= Lamb, Thomas W.
architecture= Other
added = October 04, 1979
governing_body = Private
mpsub=Movie Palaces of the Tri-Cities TR
refnum=79003237cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

Proctors is a former vaudeville house located in the Capital District of the State of New York, in Schenectady, New York where many famous artists performed, notably Mariah Carey (whose 1993 top-rated Thanksgiving special was taped there), Hal Holbrook, and George Burns, as well as many others.
The theatre was opened on December 27, 1926. It was designed by architect Thomas Lamb. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 as Building #79003237. The theatre had fallen into disrepair throughout the 60's and 70's while population shifted and moved out of Schenectady. The theatre was going to be torn down to be turned into a parking lot until a group of activists joined together and created the Arts Districts of Schenectady.

Proctors recently finished a $24.5 million expansion in the fall 2007. Several local firms were involved, including Stracher Roth Gilmore (architectural), Ryan-Biggs Associates (structural), M/E Engineering (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and Adirondack Scenic (theatrical & rigging designers). Three separate venues will be available for the public:
1. Historic Procenium Main Theatre, which seats about 2700.
2. GE Black Box Theatre which will seat 450. This multifunctional theatre has retractable seating at the press of a button the seating will go into the wall which allows the space more unconventional usage for the theatre.
3. This 100 seat theatre located in the Wright Family Building of 440 State Street will allow smaller pieces to be performed, such as one man/woman shows, jazz performances or a place for playwrights to showcase new material with staged reading.

Timeline of the Expansion

2004:
-Replacement of the 25+ year old roof
-Acoustic wall built in main theatre to improve sound quality
-Foundation work for new stagehouse begins
2005:
-$1 million sound system installed
-Revamped Candy Counter making it easier for patrons
-Tripling the size of the former stagehouse, including a three bay enclosed loading dock, crossover and new dressing & multi purpose rooms backstage
2006:
-Construction started for the GE Theatre, which includes 4,000 sq flat floor theatre, 450 seats, at the press of a button can disappear providing alternative opportunities of the space and a 60' x 60' wide format screen and equipment known as iWERKS-ExtremeScreen.
-New carpet in the main theatre
-New furniture in the men's’ lounge of the main theatre
-Restoration of the Golub Arcade
- Creation of the Ed Sells & Eveline Ward-Sells Green Room
- Larger and improved gift shops
- Restoration on decorative plaster work and plaster
- Removal of paint that covered frosted glass panels and copper edging
2007:
"Additional construction of the former Carl Company"

1st Floor:
-Completion of the GE Theatre
-New box office
-Expanded lobby space for easier patron traffic flow
-More restroom facilities for patrons
-3 story atrium outside of GE Theatre
-Various retail outlets: Northeastern Fine Jewelry & The Muddy Cup Coffee House & Cafe
2nd Floor:
-Gallery & various conference spaces
-New administrative offices & board room
3rd Floor:
TBD

The expansion is slated to be completed by the Fall 2007

ee also

*Eighth Step Coffee House

External links

* [http://proctors.org/ Proctors] (official website)

References