Student Matinees at Proctors

Students experience live theatre while learning curriculum at the same time in one of our historic theatres Proctors, theREP or UPH. Proctors offers productions during the school day that combine the opportunity to watch professional shows with a field trip to a magnificent historic theater! With our MainStage and GE Theatre, students will see the beauty and history of downtown Schenectady.

Shayne David Cameris and Justin Friello

“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”
By Washington Irving   
Adapted by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill   
Original music by Justin Friello and Lecco Morris  

It’s a dark and stormy night and the bridge to the recording studio has washed out, leaving Hollywood A-lister Jasmine Vander Hooven alone to perform a podcast of the classic ghost story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” with two local yokels–the Knickerbocker Brothers. The trio reenacts Irving’s mysterious tale with devastatingly funny–and spooky–results! With live Foley sound effects and music, Irving’s tale gets a contemporary treatment that honors the original and is sure to inspire and delight young audiences.   

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. Oct. 25, 2024
Location: GE Theatre at Proctors   
Price:  $8
Grade level: 4+ 
Length: 45 minutes and 15-minute talk back 
CC: storytelling, music and English/Language Arts 

Omnium Circus

Omnium Circus envisions the future of circus as a force for unity and systemic change. Pioneering a global movement through their groundbreaking work, they offer the first comprehensively inclusive and accessible circus company in the country. Omnium honors individual narratives and champions the shared human experience, extending a warm embrace to all audiences as they spread delight and laughter to families and children of every age and ability.  

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. Nov. 1, 2024
Location: MainStage at Proctors   
Price: $10
Grade level: 5+ 
Length: TBA 
CC:  Dance, Circus, Accessibility 

Northeast Ballet’s Annual “Nutcracker” 

Northeast Ballet’s Annual “Nutcracker” is a dreamland for every young person to explore. Elaborate costumes create a story about Clara’s dream at holiday time, inspired by a gift from her Uncle Drosselmeyer–a NUTCRACKER! Complete with a growing tree, magical dolls, a scary rat queen and nasty rats fighting with diligent soldiers led by her savior, the Nutcracker. She journeys through a snow squall to learn about dances of the world until she finds her special sugar plum, and all is well in the world.  

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. Dec. 13, 2024 
Location: MainStage at Proctors   
Price: $10 
Grade level: 4+   
Length: 60 minutes 
CC: music, dance and storytelling 

“Hero: The Boy From Troy”
By Nambi E. Kelley  

Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together, we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes in the civil rights movement inspired young John Lewis to protest injustice and get into ‘good trouble.’ On a harrowing road trip through the South, John’s eyes and mind are opened to the injustices of segregation and racism, inspiring him to take action. As John meets Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and ultimately becomes a leader and American hero himself, Jayden learns how he too can take a stand.   

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. Jan. 28, 2025
Location: MainStage at Proctors   
Price: $10 
Grade level: 3-6   
Length: 50 minutes  
CC: Black history and Social Studies 

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company: Red Firecracker

This creation by the late choreographer Nai-Ni Chen, delves into the rich tapestry of Chinese New Year traditions. The performance narrates the ancient tale of villagers uniting to combat the Nian, an eternal monster that descends upon the earth annually. Through a dazzling array of props, vibrant costumes, mesmerizing music, acrobatics and lively dance, the top-notch performers of the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company bring to life the story of courage, ingenuity and the intrinsic value of community.   

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. Feb. 6, 2025
Location: MainStage at Proctors   
Price: $9  
Grade level: K-12   
Length: 60 minutes  
CC: Social Studies, dance and Chinese New Year 

Justin Friello and Adrian Kiser

“Friend of a Friend: Tales of the Underground Railroad”
By Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill & Jill Rafferty-Weinisch  

Embark on a journey along the Underground Railroad through the captivating narrative of individuals from the Capital Region, including Solomon Northup and his family, alongside Albany’s courageous Harriet and Stephen Myers. These figures grapple with profound moral dilemmas, from Northup’s harrowing enslavement to the Myers’ daring activism in publishing an anti-slavery newspaper and aiding fugitives as conductors on the Underground Railroad. Crafted by theREP, this original docu-play draws upon New York State archival records, vividly illustrating the reverberations of the Fugitive Slave Act within the Capital Region’s historical landscape.  

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. Feb. 12, 2025 
Location: GE Theatre at Proctors   
Price: $8 
Grade level: 7+   
Length: 45 minutes and 15-minute talk back  
CC: Black history and Social Studies 

“Dog Man: The Musical”
Based on stories by Dav Pilkey  

“Dog Man: The Musical” is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of “Captain Underpants” and “Cat Kid Comic Club.” Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and ALL HERO!! How hard could it be?  

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. March 28, 2025 
Location: MainStage at Proctors   
Price: $10  
Grade level: 1-5   
Length: 60 minutes  
CC: Music, communication and English/Language Arts 

Photo: Jeremy Daniel

“Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends”  

In Ms. Greer’s classroom, you’ll find three remarkable young minds brimming with curiosity and innovation. Rosie Revere dreams big, Iggy Peck harbors an unwavering passion for architecture, and Ada Twist fearlessly tackles any challenge with her insatiable curiosity. This delightful musical, inspired by Andrea Beaty’s beloved books “Rosie Revere, Engineer,” “Iggy Peck, Architect” and “Ada Twist, Scientist,” celebrates the spirit of STEM education and shines a spotlight on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and math.  

Show Details:   
Date: 10 a.m. April 29, 2025
Location: MainStage at Proctors   
Price: $8 
Grade level: K-4   
Length: 60 minutes  
CC:  English/Language Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) 


Important information:

Personal Responsibility Statement: Proctors prides itself on offering a diverse selection of arts entertainment. Not all productions may appeal or be appropriate for every person or all ages. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows we offer, in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.