Recent coverage of Entertainment Tech program

Entertainment Tech program matches high school students with Broadway experts

Area high school students interested in a career in theater have the opportunity to learn from Broadway production experts at Proctors while enrolled in the Capital Region BOCES Entertainment Technology program. The two-year program for high school juniors and seniors prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry – whether in theatre, film, music or other media. Because the program is located at Proctors, the students routinely meet and interact with experts in the industry. (Photo provided)

Program sets the stage for theatrical careers

As someone with 40 years’ experience as a union stagehand, teacher Jeff Knorr understands how many people it takes backstage to make sure the show goes on — and how those numbers are dwindling.

The two-year Entertainment Technology high school program he leads aims to provide students with skills needed to fill those roles. The trade program, which is run by the Capital Region BOCES and open to juniors and seniors in 24 regional districts, is holding an open house at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 7 at Proctors in Schenectady.

Students spend their days learning carpentry, lighting, sound, costuming, makeup, drafting, set design, fly system operations and more and can earn college credits, Knorr said. The Adeline Graham Theatrical Training and Innovation Center at Proctors has served as their classroom since 2020.

See Proctors Backstage and Learn About the Capital Region BOCES Entertainment Tech Program

SCHENECTADY — High school students interested in a career in theater or film production will have the opportunity this month to not only jump-start their futures in these exciting industries but also tour the historic Proctors Theatre.

An open house for the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical School Entertainment Technology program is scheduled for Feb. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Proctors, located at 432 State St. in Schenectady.

The two-year program begins in a student’s junior year of high school, and sophomores and their families are encouraged to attend this informational event.