Get to know: Diana Chabai- Booker, programming coordinator

From Winnipeg, Canada, Diana Chabai-Booker has been in her position for nearly three years. She originally came to the Capital Region with her husband to watch her nephew and niece grow up. While Diana did not grow up as a “theatre kid,” she connected with the path later in life. 

1. What is a brief explanation of your role at Proctors Collaborative?
   • I do a little bit of everything in the programming department: I read contracts and pull out the parts that other departments need to know, I build events in our ticketing system, I do settlements when shows are completed, and make sure our internal processes are documented and running smoothly.
2. Do you remember the first moment you realized you wanted to be involved in the arts?
   • Shortly after I moved away from home, I found myself stage managing community theatre and have done that ever since. My job at Proctors is very similar to stage management; it’s a lot about asking clarifying questions, anticipating needs, and clear communication in both cases. I have never really had a “dream job” or a “Ring of Keys” realization moment, but I will say that my theatre habit began with the 2012 “Les Misérables” movie. Yes, the one with Russell Crowe. That launched a full-blown Les Mis obsession, to the point where I now have a Les Mis tattoo, and I’m so glad that it turned into a career!
3. What is your favorite Broadway song to sing in the car or shower?
   • “The Ladies Who Lunch” from “Company.”
4. What, or who, is your dream performance to see at one of our venues?
   • I got to see David Byrne here recently and that was a complete dream, so I feel pretty lucky that I was here for that.
5. What is one word you’d want people to use to describe you?
   • Reliable.
6. What is your favorite thing about working for Proctors Collaborative? What is a career highlight?
   • Too many favorites to count. My team, the location, the history of the building, getting to read artists’ riders, and seeing how the sausage is made. My job is so fun. We transitioned our ticketing system at the beginning of the year, and while we’re not out of the weeds yet, I’m very proud of our team for coming through on the other side.
7. Who has been the most interesting person you’ve met through your work?
   • I occasionally host the Theatre Talks after our Thursday matinees, so I’ve gotten to interview a lot of really cool actors and tech folks that come through our building. Once I literally bumped into Rob McClure getting coffee!
8. In your opinion, why are the arts so important to our culture?
   • Human society is nothing without art. Storytelling is built into our history. From the dawn of time, we have gathered together to pass down stories and morals that we have felt strengthened us. Art is how we express ourselves. Art is how we translate the language that our soul wants to speak but does not have the words for. Art is everything: theatre, yes, but books, movies, television, painting, knitting, embroidery, performance, music, Play-Doh, coloring books, murals, dance, speech. Art is everywhere. What is our purpose without it?
9. What is one thing you want the Capital Region to know about Proctors Collaborative?
   • Proctors is so much more than Broadway. I recently talked to a friend who didn’t even know Proctors “could do” concerts. We “can do” anything! Our staff works really hard to make sure there is a wide variety of programming across the board, including music, comedy, movies, magic – anything you can see on a stage, we’ve had it on our stages.
10. What do you see for Proctors in the next 100 years?
    • Proctors is a pillar of the Schenectady community and economy and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. It will continue to be a gathering place for our local and national storytellers, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.