An exciting year awaits Collaborative School of the Arts students

School programs, live theatre help ignite creativity

SCHENCETADY—As autumn creeps in and classes loom over the horizon, Collaborative School of the Arts prepares for its upcoming programs. This year, they take “Pure Poe: Three Tales of the Macabre” on the road with On-the-Go Touring Productions and performances across Proctors Collaborative venues. CSOA also offers two after-school programs throughout the year, MediaLab and Acting Academy, for Schenectady students in grades 6-8.

This fall, On-the-Go takes “Pure Poe” across the Capital Region to bring students the magic of a live performance. An exciting way to bring theatre to students, the production will tour schools as well as public performances at Proctors, Capital Repertory Theatre, and Universal Preservation Hall. The program helps eliminate costs and logistical concerns and can be performed in almost any space.

Director of Education Christine Sheehan said, “By bringing theatre directly into schools, On-the-Go brings live theatre directly to students — opening minds and proving that important stories don’t need a big stage to make a big impact.”

“Pure Poe” is a world of passion, madness, and chilling mystery as Edgar Allan Poe’s unforgettable characters burst to life. Witness lost loves, gruesome murders, and a desperate prince fighting his deadly fate as the legendary master storyteller himself, Edgar Allan Poe recites his iconic poem “The Raven,” alongside the spine-tingling “The Tell-Tale Heart,” and the haunting “Masque of the Red Death.”

“Pure Poe” is playing at theREP Oct. 15 and 18, Proctors Oct. 25 and 29, and UPH Oct. 22 and Nov. 1.

In the spring, On-the-Go Touring Productions will take “They Built America: Workers of the Erie Canal” on the road with performances at Proctors Collaborative venues. Teachers can still book performances for their school for both productions. Reach out to onthego@capitalrep.org for more information.

MediaLAB

In partnership with Schenectady City School District, CSOA offers after-school program MediaLab for students in grades 6-8.

The innovative and dynamic program is crafted to immerse students in the captivating realm of modern media. This creative laboratory aims to foster media literacy, sharpen journalistic skills, master the art of storytelling, and hone the technical prowess of shooting and editing. MediaLAB strives to empower students to produce a diverse range of captivating content, including talk shows, webcasts, interviews, advertisements, and news features. 

Program manager Jacob Frenyea said, “The program offers students an engaging and hands-on introduction to the world of filmmaking, creative writing, and digital editing.” 

“A key component of MediaLab is its focus on providing access to professional equipment. Students have the opportunity to work with digital cameras, audio recording tools, and editing software, giving them real-world experience with the tools used in today’s media industry. This not only builds their technical skills but also boosts confidence and creativity.”

 All cameras, editing equipment, and software provided.

Acting Academy

One of CSOA’s most popular programs, Acting Academy, is back for another exhilarating year – a place where imaginations can run wild and self-confidence is promoted. Acting Academy strives to create a safe space for students from the Schenectady School District, grades 6-8, to explore and expand their minds in a personal and professional manner while learning skills to use in and outside of the classroom.

Highlights include a role in the spring musical, workshops in dance, improv, and makeup, and a chance to see a Broadway show on the MainStage at Proctors.

Collaborative School of the Arts also hosts student matinees throughout the school year. These special experiences for students fill up quickly. For a full list of offerings visit collaborativeschoolofthearts.org.