Proctors celebrates 90th anniversary

Proctors, on State Street, opened noon, Dec. 27, 1926, the jewel in the crown of a chain of over 50 theatres owned by vaudeville pioneer F. F. Proctor. In the intervening years, the city and Proctors have seen many changes, highs and lows. Currently, both are as healthy and robust as ever, reinforcing each other and serving as a model for municipalities seeking rejuvenation through art, culture and community involvement.

At noon, Tuesday, Dec. 27, Proctors will thank the community for nearly a century of support with that great international symbol of joy—cupcakes!

Through a generous donation from Villa Italia Bakery, Proctors will serve, under the marquee, free cupcakes to all who join for a rousing Happy Birthday chorus.

CEO Philip Morris, board members, staffers, volunteers and partners will join the public in celebrating Proctors and in kicking off a year of related events—including the newly-minted Proctors at 90 Film Series, which will feature screenings from across the breadth of the venue’s long history.

To honor Proctors cinematic history even more directly, a free presentation of the 1985 John Hughes film “The Breakfast Club” will be shown immediately following the celebration, at 12:30 p.m. on the movie screen in the GE Theatre.

A new coffee table photo book, Encore: Proctors at 90, will also be available for purchase at the event.

“We love being such an important part of Schenectady’s history,” says Morris, “and we’re still making history every day. Come on down and get a cupcake and share a smile with us as we turn 90 and get ready to march towards 100!”