A $2.2 million project supporters say will transform vacant space in Schenectady into an arts education facility has been unveiled.
Empire State Development announced this week that construction has begun on the Adeline Graham Theatrical Training and Innovation Center downtown. Proctors CEO Philip Morris says renovations are under way at vacant space at the Schenectady Arts Complex. "It's the third floor of the old Carl Company, which means that that building has been entirely re-used, repurposed in the lifetime of Proctors. And it's gonna be a fabulous facility for our educational programs which are expanding for the middle schools in theater combined with work of the CHIME program of Empire State Youth Orchestra. So we'll have tons of middle school kids here in the afternoons and a workforce development program that will revolve around that."
The multi-use arts education facility, named "The Addy" after the late former director of Proctors philanthropist Adeline Graham, will include a 100-seat theatre, multi-use classroom, media lab and rehearsal room/flex space.
Rebecca Calos, Executive Director of the Empire State Youth Orchestra, says The Addy will facilitate expansion of the CHIME program, providing free music educational opportunities to students from underserved communities. The goal is to improve their confidence and self-esteem through the arts. "So what we envision in the years to come, is a true blend of our suburban and our urban communities here at Proctors to rehearse together, for friendships together, and then go on to do amazing musical things together."
If all goes according to plan, The Addy will be operational October 1st.
