Proctor's Theatre

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Proctor's Theatre is a former vaudeville house located in the Capital District of the State of New York, in Schenectady, New York where a lot of famous artists performed, notably: Mariah Carey performed her "Hero" song. Hal Holbrook, George Burns, and lots of other more.
The theatre has 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.

At the Present moment Proctor's is undergoing a Expansion. The construction is slated to be finished by fall 2007. Three seperate 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 unconvential 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.

[edit] 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 mens’ 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: Clark Music, Northeastern Fine Jewelry & The Muddy Cup Coffee House & Cafe

2nd Floor:
-Gallery & various conference spaces
-New administrative offices & board room

3rd Floor:
NASA Challenger Learning Center

The expansion is slated to be completed by the Fall 2007