TheatreTECH

Posted by Jessica Sims

Start your career through hands-on training!

TheatreTECH, an innovative workforce program, offers training in theatre production. The program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the technical aspects of theatre and live performance. This program can lead to paid job opportunities as technicians for various events at Proctors or other local performing arts venues.

Join us at Proctors, where the next generation of stars on and off the stage will gain the hands-on experience needed to succeed in dozens of career paths in the creative fields. Through hands-on training in The Adeline Graham Technical Training and Innovation Center (The Addy) and Proctors facilities, students learn about:

  • Scenic construction and painting
  • Theatrical lighting and projection
  • Stage audio
  • Stage and production management
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training
  • Wardrobe

No experience is required to take part in TheatreTECH, but a strong interest in technical theatre is a must. All students in grades 11 and 12 are welcome to learn something new or further their education and training in the technical side of theatre!

Apply now

Enrollment in this program is based on application and interview. TheatreTECH runs from January–May, meeting twice a week during after-school hours. Transportation is provided for this program to students from Schenectady.

For more information, please contact the Collaborative School of the Arts at school@proctors.org.

The creative economy for sound engineering and audio/video technicians is booming in New York State. 

  • Our state has the fifth highest concentration of technician jobs available. 
  • Technicians are highly employable. Nationwide, New York State ranks second in level of employment for these positions. 
  •  The Capital Region boasts one of the highest technician employment rates in the state. Nearby, New York City has the second highest in the country.

-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2018

“By 2026 there will be a growth of 66% in the technical theatre jobs of creative workforce with a median salary of $48, 800. And 36% of that growth does not require a post secondary degree and will have the median salary of $47,600.“

Theatre, Film, Exhibition Statistics*

Data provided by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics 2016

The demand for skilled theatre technicians continues to grow. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Audio and Video technician jobs are projected to grow by 12.9% by 2026.  Additionally, In the Capital Region, Performing Arts employment is up 17.5% over five years (2010-2015), from 3,227 jobs to 3,791 jobs.  Performing Arts is the fastest growing sector of the Capital Region Creative Industries.  

*US Bureau of Labor Occupational Statistics

Upstate Alliance for Creative Economy CAPTIVATE Report , Nov. 2014