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June 4, 2021Shen Senior Expands her Repertoire on the Stage of Proctors Thanks to Capital Region BOCES
An aspiring actress has expanded her entertainment industry repertoire while preparing for college and career in the Capital Region BOCES Entertainment Technology Program.
Shenendehowa High School senior Kathryn Legasse turned to BOCES at the start of the junior year to learn more about aspects of theater and movies outside of acting. From there, she has built a solid repertoire of backstage skills – from sound and lighting to rigging – that she can use to advance her career in the industry and beyond.
It has also introduced her and the two-dozen other students in the program to a virtual who’s who of the local entertainment industry, including Proctors Philip Morris.
“BOCES has given me an edge by getting to learn new people – and in this industry it is not only about what you know and what you can do but who you know,” Legasse said.
Legasse, who will be attending Russell Sage College in the fall, said the Entertainment Tech program has been an all-around uplifting experience.
“I like that I get to spend time with my friends and teachers while doing what I love to do – whether that is performing or working on backstage work,” Legasse said. “My classmates encouraged me to go for my dreams but also pushed me to another level that I did not think was possible.”
During the two-year program, Legasse and classmates learned all aspects of the industry in the hallowed halls of Proctors.
Students met 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 learned 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, etc.
