Proctor's Theatre

Bow Tie Cinemas (formerly B.S. Moss Enterprises) is opening a new deluxe 6-screen cinema complex next door to Proctor’s as well. Opening is scheduled for late 2006.

That ad also shows this was a Fabian Theatre then

Great question, Karen. If Warren (above) or someone else here cannot help you, try asking the Town Historian at the Woodbury Historical Society, 543 Route 32, Highland Mills, NY 10930. F.F. Proctor had an unbelieveable summer estate in the village of Central Valley, NY called “Proctoria”. There is an individual in the historical society who probably knows more about F.F. Proctor, his family, and his theaters than anyone else on the planet. The historian can put you in touch.

The original 2700 seat venue remains “Proctor’s Theatre”. However, as our major expansion proceeds, we will be operating the “ ‘Purchase-Naming-Rights’ ” Theatre and the “Upstairs Stamford Theatre” theater, as well as a 500 seat Black-Box/Iwerks venue, which will be held under the umbrella name “Proctors”; our logo, if you will, or a brand name. (Although we appreciate any publicity generated, we would rather see attention paid to our current and prospective presentations, than to the placement of the punctuation.)
More important is the story of the incredible hard work and fore-sight of the volunteers who banded together to save this venue from the fate of the Erie and the State. The organization they founded preserved this gem from demolition and turned it into a going concern. Now we are in a new phase of making ready for the current generation of Broadway tours, which simply will not fit into our facility. In order to present authentic touring productions of the hits audiences want to see, we must grow and adapt.
Please visit our website to keep up with what is changing, and what will stay the same. It is especially helpful to check out the directions menu, because traffic patterns change frequently due to construction. But when all the fuss and dust has passed, Proctors will still stand for “great theater”.

Thanks Joe for that info. When I have driven down State Street it appeared that the theaters might have still been there because the Marquee and the arcade were still there. Unfortunately they have gone the way of so many theaters.
Tom Halstead

I grew up in Schenectady during the late ‘40’s and into the 1950’s. I remember there were four main theaters in downtown Schenectady. The Plaza, which I believe was the newest and the one that I liked the most, Proctors or is it Proctor’s, the State and the Eire. The Plaza was demolished I think in the 1970’s. The State and the Eire were located in an arcade and I believe the building is still there. Does anyone know what these theaters are being used for today? I moved to New York City in the late 50’s but I visit Schenectady often. I remember seeing “La Cage au Faux” in 1986 at Proctors(Proctor’s) and was very impressed on how nicely it had been restored. Proctors (Proctor’s) was also located in an arcade. I remember the arcade had shops in it such as Van Curler Music Store and Carl’s Department Store. Does anyone remember some of the other stores in this arcade? I would love to hear other peoples recollections of Schenectady and its theaters.
Tom Halstead

I am a stagehand at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, and I always cringe when our name is the “butt” of such jokes as paulb made. However, we can only hope to co-opt the medium by spreading the message of our fundamental position: we are an entertainment outlet. As such, we hope you look us up, and find that which you seek within. And our scheduled expansion should make us even more of a good thing. Enjoy!

That is great information, thankyou. Now I (and the rest of us overseas readers) know. Much appreciated. PAUL B.

Theatre is in process of formally changing name to PROCTORS (without the apostrophe), rather than PROCTOR’S. Perhaps you could make the theatre searchable via both spellings?