Record-Breaking Enrollment at the Collaborative School of the Arts this Summer

The Collaborative School of the Arts hosted a record number of students this year

Throughout the summer, the dedicated staff at the Collaborative School of the Arts hosted five amazing summer programs with record-breaking enrollment. For this season they impacted 144 students who learned, sang and danced with their peers.

The summer programs sprawl across Proctors Collaborative’s venues in Albany, Saratoga Springs and Schenectady hosting Summer Stage Young Acting Company at the Capital Repertory Theatre, Rock Camp at Universal Preservation Hall and Broadway Camp, Broadway Camp Jr. and Reel Adventures at Proctors.

With something for everyone, students had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in various subjects of expertise, perform on theatre stages and showcase their talents.

Managing this charge were 34 staff and faculty members, along with 20 guest artists, supported by dedicated administrative teams, house managers and dozens of volunteers! CSOA managed this monumental undertaking with ease and professionalism as they became mentors to the many students over the summer.

Each camp concluded with a showcase or performance(s) of what they have learned during the program. At Proctors, Broadway Camp presented “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Broadway Camp hosted a record-breaking 75 students this year— ranging in ages from 12-19. They created the whole production, including the sets, the lights, sound design, orchestra and costumes. The students worked hard over four weeks learning what it means to be a part of a professional production on the MainStage at Proctors.

Under the artistic leadership of Kevin McGuire, Freddy Ramirez and Dan Wells, their production of “Fiddler on the Roof” on the MainStage at Proctors was a smashing hit.

Broadway Camp Jr. returned this year, adding an additional session due to last year’s popularity–each lasting a week. Each week, a new group of students aged 12-14 concentrated on solo performances with the focus of having a future on Broadway. At the end of the program, students showcased what they’ve learned with songs or monologues and a short dance. Under the guidance of faculty alumni Carmen Vass and Joshua DeMarco students got an understanding of what theatre is like behind the curtain.

“Broadway Camp Jr. was a great success this year and the proof is in the students,” said Program Manager Hannah DeStefano. “I watched our students come out of their shells, grow their confidence, open up and have breakthroughs big and small daily.”

“This program is so important, for many it’s their first step into the demanding world of theatre. I hope that next summer we get another group of truly wonderful students that are open to growing and exploring the reaches of their talents,” DeStefano added.

CSOA cultivates an environment built for student success on, as well as off, the stage. Back this year after a brief hiatus, Reel Adventures is an introductory filmmaking program for students aged 10-14 to help empower them to translate their creative visions onto film.

Under the direction of Michael Feurstein and Daniel Hosannah, the young filmmakers experienced directing a script, acting on the screen, producing and editing and gaining behind-the-scenes skills. This program culminated in a showcase featuring what they created on the big screen in the GE Theatre at Proctors.

“The collaboration, teamwork and self-confidence this program offers students is a beautiful sight to see from any perspective,” said Programs Manager Kadie Acosta. “We have already decided to offer this camp for two weeks next summer and families cannot wait to sign up.

For the rockstars, Rock Camp at UPH is the place to go. This past camp boasted a fantastic lineup including Director Crispin Catricala and guest artists like Girl Blue, Garland Nelson, Lori Friday and Kenny Holmes/Super 400 and Jay Yager. The students, aged 12-17, spent two weeks strengthening skills, learning new techniques and jamming out with other talented musicians in preparation to perform in the Great Hall for the hottest concert of the summer!

Playing the UPH stage for friends and family, the musicians put on a great performance displaying their many talents.

In Albany, theREP and Black Theatre Troup of Upstate NY collaborated to produce “She Kills Monsters” by the Summer Stage Young Acting Company, for students aged 10-16.

During SYAC, students dove into character development, movement and got a headshot for future auditions. “She Kills Monsters” was co-produced by Jean Remy Monnay and Margaret Hall and directed by Hettie Barnhill.

“This program is crucial as it involves children from all demographic backgrounds and gives them the opportunity to be on stage and experience theatre even if they have never done so before,” Acosta added about SYAC.

Beyond staging great performances at three venues across the Capital Region, Proctors Collaborative is a catalyst for excellence in education, providing the highest caliber of training programs in the region. The Collaborative School of the Arts offers programs that inspire and elevate skills to the next level in addition to providing the knowledge needed to be an industry professional.

CSOA hopes to continue to see students in programs that help them pursue their pre-professional training and gain invaluable experience offered in our theatres! Registration and auditions for next year’s summer program begin in Feb. 2025 and offers tuition assistance for those in need. Stay up to date with our newsletter.