Getting to know Proctors Operations Director Dan Sheehan

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

Operations Director’s knowledge shines behind the curtain for over 30 years

SCHENECTADY— Since 1991, Dan Sheehan has been an employee–in some capacity–at Proctors. From rigging lights and audio production, to running the backstage, he has played crucial roles in successful performances, night after night, year after year. Ensuring all day-to-day operations run smoothly and efficiently is not an easy feat and Sheehan has been at the helm through some of Proctors biggest projects. In 2003, Proctors embarked on an exciting $40 million expansion. A new stage house, three times the size of the previous stage, was completed in December 2005 to accommodate the largest touring Broadway shows and include some of Sheehan’s favorite memories working at Proctors. His oversight and expertise guarantee every tour, and show goes off with success.

1. What is a brief explanation of your role at Proctors Collaborative?
I’m responsible for front-of-house which includes house managers, volunteers, security and the box office. Also, for all production and back-of-house management except for at Capital Repertory Theatre, where production is under the artistic director. Lastly, I’m responsible for the Collaborative Scene Shop in Rotterdam.

2. How long have you worked with the organization?
On staff for just over 31 years. If you count when I worked as a freelancer, then it’s closer to 33. No two days are the same, and I love the human interaction, watching people enjoy what we do.

3. What is one of your favorite memories working at Proctors Collaborative?
The first time the chandelier came crashing down in “Phantom of the Opera,” February 2006. That was the moment we really arrived.

4. Where did you grow up and what brought you to Proctors Collaborative?
Born in Lynn, MA and lived in Greenville, SC from ages 4-11, and then after college, I moved to Burnt Hills where I was looking for a job in the audio industry.

5. What is one word you’d want people to use to describe you?
I have two; friendly and reliable.

6. Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met through your work?
The first to my mind is Alice Cooper. One of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, famous or otherwise.

7. What’s your dream performance to see at one of our venues?
Peter Gabriel.

8. In your opinion, why are the arts so important to our culture?
Arts are what make us truly human. Art crosses all human boundaries. It’s the only true universal language.

9. What is one thing you want the Capital Region to know about Proctors Collaborative?
That we are so much more than Broadway. We have fabulous education programs, we house high school students year-round, we have an awesome new concert venue in Saratoga Springs and a fabulous new venue for Capital Repertory Theatre in Albany. We also have the coolest scene shop in the region. Most importantly, we strive to be welcoming to all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation or wealth.

10. If you could describe the Collaborative in one word, what would you use and why?
Inclusive. We strive to be places where everyone and anyone feels welcome.