Getting to know Collaborative School of Education’s Director of Education Christine Sheehan

This is the first installment of a series getting to know the senior staff at Proctors Collaborative. They are the faces you see at our venues and events, and their leadership guides us along our mission. The following Q&A has been edited for clarity.

Tenacious leader has ushered program to new heights

SCHENECTADY— If you have been involved at the Collaborative School of the Arts you have encountered Christine Sheehan in some capacity. Sheehan is the force behind growing the school to its 24 programs, increased annual scholarships from $20K to over $100K, increasing participation to 35,000 students and establishing a vibrant career training program. She is the leader behind the scenes and has been the director for the past 22 years. CSOA works in association with Proctors, Capital Repertory Theatre and Universal Preservation Hall.

1. What is a brief explanation of your role at Proctors Collaborative?
As Education Director of the Collaborative School of the Arts, I’m responsible for the outreach and engagement programming, strategic initiatives, development and assessment of new programs, regional partnerships, scholarship programs and services to new populations. 

2. How long have you worked with the organization?
Over 25 years.

3. Where did you grow up?
I’m a small-town girl, from St. Johnsville, NY, right amidst farming communities and sunflower fields.

4. What brought you to the Capital Region/Proctors Collaborative? 
I got an internship through college that landed me here at Proctors in the 90s, as the organization was launching fund raising and restoration campaigns. It was an exciting time to be part of the transformation from an organization that was surviving, to a world-class performing arts center. 

5. Do you remember the first moment you realized you wanted to be involved in the arts? 
I was active in the arts as a young student, but the first time I came to Proctors back in the 80s was a pivotal moment in my arts journey. My high school came to see Orchestra de Paris, and I never forgot the experience and impression of Proctors.

6. What is your favorite Broadway song to sing in the car or shower?
“For Good” from Wicked.

7. What’s your favorite color? 
Red. I’m an Aries, what can I say.

8. The most interesting fact, or thing that you’ve done. What are people surprised to learn about an interest of yours or something you’ve done?
I toured Europe with the United States Youth Chorale in 1987. It fueled my love of the arts to combine singing in the most beautiful churches and historic sites in the world and experience a cultural immersion I’ve never forgotten.

9. What is one word you’d want people to use to describe you?
Authentic.

10. What’s your favorite thing about working for Proctors Collaborative? What is a career highlight? 
That my work impacts so many students and their career trajectories. It’s like a full circle moment from my own humble beginnings. Connecting world class artists with students never gets old or bridging the gap for students to have opportunities they otherwise would never have.

11. Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met through your work?
My boss, Philip Morris. He’s never what you expect and has shocked and surprised me more times than anyone in my life. I never thought I’d pursue an entire career here, but I’ve never stopped learning from him and all the ongoing projects we have happening. 

12. What’s your dream performance to see at one of our venues? 
I’d love to see Andrea Bocelli at Proctors.

13. In your opinion, why are the arts so important to our culture?
Personal expression, cultural identity, shared experiences. But above all, they make us better humans.

14. What is one thing you want the Capital Region to know about Proctors Collaborative?
That it has profoundly shaped the career aspirations of hundreds of thousands of youths over the years. Everyone’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of the arts and education, and reflecting on the collective impact of these efforts is both humbling and magnificent.
Proctors Collaborative is dedicated to nurturing talent and inspiring future generations, one by one, making a significant difference in our community and beyond.  We hear from our alumni every day the stories of how we impacted their lives.

15. If you could describe the Collaborative in one word, what would you use and why?
Resounding. This word captures the profound and far-reaching impact the organization has had on the community. The effects of its work in fostering youth aspirations and nurturing talent resonate, creating lasting and meaningful changes that echo throughout the lives of those it touches.