100th Anniversary Season at Proctors brings return of backstage tours

Behind-the-scenes tours are returning to the historic theatre, powered by volunteers dedicated to preserving its stories for future generations

As Proctors prepares to celebrate its 100th Anniversary Season, the historic theatre is also reviving one of its most beloved traditions: behind-the-scenes tours that bring visitors through every corner of the landmark building.

The return of public tours later this year marks an important moment for the theatre, which first opened in 1926 and has long been treasured not only as a performance venue, but also as a living piece of local history. For decades, visitors have been fascinated by what lies beyond the audience seats — the stage, dressing rooms, crossover hallways, and architectural details hidden throughout the building.

Much of that history has been preserved through the work of Proctors Historical Committee, which was formed after the theatre reopened in 1980. Volunteers spent years researching the theatre’s past, building exhibits, and creating a small museum in what was originally the theatre manager’s office in the mezzanine. Exhibits are updated regularly, and volunteers continue uncovering new stories about the nearly century-old venue.

Historical Committee Chair and tour guide Marilyn Sassi, who has overseen public and private tours for years, said the tours grew naturally from the work of the Historical Committee. “There were a lot of people that wanted to see the theatre behind the scenes — the stage, the dressing rooms,” she said. “So, the same team that started putting the history committee together started the tours.”

In earlier years, tours were staffed by a small but dependable group of volunteers. Over time, however, many longtime guides stepped away.

Now, as Proctors prepares for its centennial celebration on Dec. 27, the need for new tour guides has become more urgent. While many volunteers are eager to participate in the anniversary festivities, the theatre is seeking people willing to help sustain tours throughout the year.

“I tell people, ‘Don’t worry, you don’t have to memorize everything at once,’” Sassi said. “It’s up to you to tell what interests you.”

The tours themselves offer a rare look inside one of the Capital Region’s architectural treasures. Guests learn about founder Frederick Freeman Proctor, the theatre’s restoration, and the elaborate Greek, Roman, and Egyptian-inspired motifs that decorate the interior. Visitors also explore backstage spaces, dressing rooms, the mezzanine museum, and the famous unsupported balcony that once worried city inspectors when the theatre was built.

According to Sassi, many of the stories shared on tours come directly from ongoing discoveries made by volunteers.

For volunteers, the reward is less about perks and more about passion. Tour guides volunteer primarily out of love for the building and its history but also receive benefits including tickets and discounts to select shows. Guides are trained gradually using detailed binders filled with historical information, architectural notes, and stories gathered over decades of research.

Sasso believes that connection to the theatre is what keeps people involved. She still remembers visiting Proctors as a four-year-old child with her grandfather and being awestruck by its grandeur. Decades later, she says simply walking through the theatre remains meaningful.

“I just love the building,” she said. “Every time I’m there — and I’m there a lot — I find something new to appreciate.”

As the centennial season approaches, Proctors hopes more volunteers will step forward to help continue sharing those experiences with the public. The success of the renewed tours — and the preservation of the theatre’s stories — depends on people willing to guide visitors through the spaces audiences rarely see, ensuring the history of Proctors remains alive for its next hundred years.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit here or reach out to Volunteer Coordinator Tasha Hudson at thudson@proctorscollaborative.org.