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October 17, 2018Students Gain Real World Theatrical Experience at Proctors
The performance of Anastasia at Proctors in Schenectady is not just serving to entertain the masses, it is also providing an educational experience for several area high school students.
Five Capital Region BOCES Theatre and Film Production Technology students took part in a Broadway Tech program at the famed theatre. Seniors Tyler Blackman of Scotia-Glenville, Maddie Hurley of Schalmont, Samantha Dell’Acqua of Guilderland, Emily Dahlin of Schoharie and Daniel Morrissette of Shenendehowa spent four days prior to the curtain rising on the production on Tuesday working with experienced professionals affiliated with the Broadway production. The students were “immersed in all aspects of the backstage production,” BOCES teacher Jeffrey Knorr said.
“They learned skills and heard about professional experiences from production, costume, sound, lighting and scenic technicians,” Knorr said. “They helped with the set-up of the stage and learned about the ‘teching’ process for preparing a show for a tour.”
“This was a great opportunity for our students and another great example of the business-education partnership working together to improve the learning and experiences of our students,” said Nancy Liddle, business liaison for Capital Region BOCES.
Anastasia opened Tuesday at Proctors and runs through Sunday. Set in the twilight of the Russian Empire and “the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s”, Anastasia tells the story of “a brave young woman as she sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.”
The Theatre and Film Production Technology program is operated by Capital Region BOCES at the Center for Advanced Technology at Mohonasen. Approximately 20 students from across the region are enrolled in the program with an eye on a career behind the scenes of movie or theatrical productions.
