Get to know Jessica Cameris, Training Manager & Board Liaison

Jessica Cameris grew up in the Hadley-Luzerne area, where a positive experience in music class as a child led her to doing her first musical as a teenager. This fall will mark her tenth year working at Proctors. She is responsible for ensuring proper and thorough training in the organization’s utilized software during the onboarding process. Providing a proficient and consistent continuum of training. As Board Liaison, she manages all aspects of board communication for Proctors, Capital Repertory Theatre, Universal Preservation Hall, 440, and Upstate Coalition for a Fairgame.

Fun Fact: She played an Elf on “The Polar Express” train ride for three years in college!

1. What musical/play impacted you the most? How?
   In my 20s, I participated in a production of “The Vagina Monologues,” an experience that was deeply impactful. Performing a show centered on women, alongside a diverse group of women, encouraged me to become more comfortable and confident in my own body.
   
2. What is your favorite Broadway song to sing in the car or shower? 
   “Morning Person” from “Shrek the Musical.”
   
3. If you could meet anyone, who would it be? Why?
   Freddy Mercury. A hero.
   
4. What is one word you’d want people to use to describe you? 
   Kind.
   
5. What’s your favorite thing about working for Proctors Collaborative? What is a career highlight? 
   I love the staff. One of the highlights of my career was during my time as Event Coordinator. I was a part of throwing a party for Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill’s retirement as Artistic Director of theREP. It was nice to celebrate a fellow staff member who had put in years of hard work and dedication.
   
6. What is one of your favorite memories working at Proctors Collaborative?
   Last summer we hosted a staff picnic. It was nice to give a brief moment to my coworkers to let loose and connect with one another. I loved seeing everyone playing lawn games, laughing, and enjoying themselves.
   
7. Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met through your work? 
   I met Alan Tudyk while organizing Fandom Fest.
   
8. In your opinion, why are the arts so important to our culture?
   For me, the arts have always been a safe haven for self-expression. In a world where even stepping outside can feel unsafe, creating spaces where people can feel comfortable being themselves-even just for an hour-feels incredibly important.
   
9. What is one thing you want the Capital Region to know about Proctors Collaborative? 
   The people that work here give everything they have to creating the best experience possible to our patrons. The staff truly cares.
   
10. What do you see for Proctors in the next 100 years? 
    I see expansion. Continued community outreach and home for the Capital Region.