Gillibrand, Schumer Secure Commitment From National Endowment For Arts Chair To Keynote League Of Historic Theatres Conference In Schenectady
Renovated, Fully Sustainable Proctors Theatre Draws Over 600,000 Visitors, Leveraged Over $250 Million in Investment, Led to Over 3,500 New Jobs
At the invitation of U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles E. Schumer, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Rocco Landesman, announced he will tour Proctors Theatre in Schenectady this summer and give the keynote address at the annual conference of the League of Historic American Theatres.
In their invitation to Chairman Landesman, the Senators highlighted the theatre as a national model of "art that works" by renovating a former vaudeville theatre, and transforming it into a beacon of vitality in the community. Proctors now hosts nearly 1,730 evens each year, draws over 600,000 visitors, helped leverage over $250 million in investment in the community, and helped create over 3,500 new local jobs.
"Proctors Theatre is a shining example of what we can do when we restore the livelihood of one of our most treasured local landmarks," Senator Gillibrand said. "I am so pleased to welcome Chairman Landesman to the Capital Region, giving Proctors Theatre the chance to show the nation how we can revitalize communities, bring new energy, new businesses and new jobs."
"I'm so pleased that Chairman Landesman will have the opportunity to see firsthand how Proctors has revitalized downtown Schenectady," said Schumer. "The Chairman's visit will highlight the positive impact this theatre has had on the community -- helping create jobs and boosting the local economy."
"Proctors is tickled to have attracted the attention of the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts," said Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Theatre. "It's rare for such a visit to the capital region by that office and a testament to the regional significance of Proctors efforts and work, from education to downtown to Capital Repertory Theater."
In addition to being an economic engine for the region, Proctors Theatre is leading in sustainability, using federal and state funding to build a water-based renewable energy source that powers its own needs, and using its own waste to heat and cool itself and neighboring businesses.
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