Proctors 100th Birthday
For 100 years, Proctors has been a place where stories are shared, memories are made, and our community comes together. Since opening its doors in 1926, Proctors has grown and changed alongside Schenectady and the Capital Region — welcoming generations of audiences for movies, music, Broadway, comedy, community gatherings, and countless unforgettable moments.
Now, we’re celebrating a century of Proctors and everyone who has been part of its story. Help us celebrate 100 years of history, discover special centennial events, revisit moments from our archives, share your own Proctors memories, and join us as we celebrate the past while looking ahead to the next 100 years.
In additional to specific events throughout the season, we will have ongoing experiences to celebrate our 100th birthday:
- $1.00 movies (see what we did there?) — Catch a movie in the GE Theatre for just a buck, sponsored by Market 32/Price Chopper and MVP Health Care.
- 100 Years of Proctors — Step inside our history in a special Key Hall museum experience.
- Taste the Centennial! — Stewart’s limited-edition “Centennial Celebration” ice cream, Oct. 5–Jan. 31.
- Have Your Cake and Celebrate, Too! — Snap a photo with our larger-than-life Proctors birthday cake thanks to Villa Italia Bakery, located in the Key Hall lobby.
Centennial Celebration Timeline
TUESDAY, OCT. 13 — Light Up the Marquee and Celebrate 100 Years of Proctors
Celebrate the start of Proctors 100th birthday season! As “BOOP! The Musical” opens our new Broadway season, we’ll mark the occasion with the unveiling of our brand-new Arcade Marquee, made possible by GNH Lumber & Home and The Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority. Join us as we light up the marquee and kick off a milestone season 100 years in the making and announce the headlining performer for our March 4 gala!
SUNDAY, OCT. 25 — GOLDIE’S GRAND RETURN to the MainStage
She’s back and ready to make some noise! After a special trip for restoration, Goldie, Proctors beloved Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ, makes her triumphant return to the MainStage. Hear Goldie come roaring back to life during a spectacular performance with the Schenectady-Saratoga Symphony Orchestra—a homecoming 100 years in the making.
SATURDAY, NOV. 21 — Proctors Takes Center Stage at the Schenectady County Holiday Parade
We’re celebrating 100 years right where it all began — in the heart of Schenectady! In honor of our centennial, Proctors is proud to have been asked to serve as grand marshal of the Schenectady County Holiday Parade. Join us as we make our way through downtown alongside the community that has been part of our story for generations.
For a century, Schenectady has been our home, and there’s no better way to celebrate than together. Come line the parade route, share in the holiday spirit and help us celebrate 100 years of Proctors and the community that made it all possible.
SUNDAY, DEC. 27 — PROCTORS’ 100TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
The party of the century is here!
We only turn 100 once and we’re celebrating in a BIG way! Proctors is throwing open the doors for a building-wide birthday bash filled with special performances and surprises around every corner to celebrate 100 years of Proctors history. Explore the theatre, celebrate the memories, and be part of the excitement as we mark a century of unforgettable moments together.
Step into “Proctors, the First Century,” a special film experience and exhibit created for our centennial celebration in Key Hall. Discover how a dazzling silent movie and vaudeville palace became the heart of a thriving regional theatrical powerhouse, and experience “Eternal Limelight,” a film tracing Proctors’ remarkable journey through silent film, vaudeville, cinematic spectacles, Broadway, triumphs, challenges, and its role in the renaissance of downtown Schenectady.
And no 100th birthday would be complete without a cake to match. Join us as we blow out the candles on a larger-than-life birthday cake worthy of 100 spectacular years from Villa Italia Bakery.
THURSDAY, MARCH 4 — PROCTORS 100TH CELEBRATION GALA
Headliner to be announced Oct. 13!
Join us for the most spectacular night of Proctors centennial celebration. The evening begins with an elevated pre-party in Key Hall, with exceptional food, drinks, and special touches setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
As part of this once-in-a-lifetime evening, patrons will also have the opportunity to help make a dream come true for a young performer, giving one student the extraordinary chance to take the stage alongside our headliner.
After the final bow, the night is far from over. Keep the celebration going at our post-party as we raise a glass to Proctors first 100 years and the generations who will take the stage in the next 100.
“PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” SEASON CLOSING EVENT
After a season filled with celebration, we’re bringing Proctors 100th birthday full circle. “Phantom of the Opera” was the first Broadway production to take the MainStage following its historic expansion and now, it returns to help us close an unforgettable centennial season.
Join us for a special evening celebrating the moments that have filled this theatre over the past 100 years and the audiences who made them possible. As the chandelier rises and “Phantom” takes the stage once again, we’ll celebrate where Proctors has been, what it has become, and the next century of unforgettable theatre still to come.
From the Archives
Thank you to our sponsors!
