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Proctors Announces New Arcade Marquee and Gala Headliner

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A century of entertainment deserves a celebration to remember, and Proctors officially kicked off its 100th anniversary festivities Tuesday, Oct. 13, with three exciting milestones: the opening of the 2026-27 KeyBank Broadway Subscription Series, the unveiling of a brand-new Arcade Marquee, and the announcement of the headliner for its Centennial Celebration Gala.

The celebration coincided with opening night of “BOOP! The Musical,” which launched the historic theatre’s milestone Broadway season. The production, featuring the beloved Betty Boop character, marked the beginning of a year dedicated to celebrating 100 years of live entertainment in downtown Schenectady.

One of the day’s highlights was the unveiling of a new marquee inside the historic Proctors Arcade. Made possible by GNH Lumber & Home, the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority, and the Collaborative Scene Shop, as well as Fenimore Asset Management as the sponsor of the 100th season at Proctors, the addition honors the theatre’s history while welcoming audiences into its next century. The marquee serves as a new focal point in the Arcade, a space that has connected generations of theatregoers to performances and experiences at Proctors.

The excitement continued with the announcement that two-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Tony Award nominee Sara Bareilles will headline the Proctors Centennial Celebration Gala Thursday, March 4. Known for hits including “Love Song” and “Brave,” as well as her work composing the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical “Waitress,” Bareilles will take the MainStage for a special performance as part of a building-wide celebration. The gala will begin with a pre-show gathering in Key Hall, followed by Bareilles’ performance on the MainStage, and a post-show celebration in the GE Theatre.

The announcements marked the beginning of a milestone year for Proctors, which first opened its doors Dec. 27, 1926, as a silent movie and vaudeville palace. Over the past century, the theatre has grown into a cultural cornerstone of the Capital Region, welcoming generations of audiences for Broadway productions, concerts, comedy, films, and community events. With a new Broadway season underway, a refreshed marquee, and a star-studded gala on the horizon, the Oct. 13 celebration offered an exciting first glimpse at what promises to be a memorable centennial year.

Take a look at the photo gallery below for highlights from the celebration as Proctors begins its next 100 years.

Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady, presents a key to the city to Frank Deming II, Company Manager for the National Tour of “Boop!”, during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady, presents a key to the city to Frank Deming II, Company Manager for the National Tour of “Boop!”, during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Anne Putnam, CEO of Fenimore Asset Management, speaks during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Fenimore Asset Management is the title sponsor for Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Ray Gillen, Chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Corporation, speaks during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Metroplex is one of the sponsors of the new Arcade Marquee and also secured funding for various renovations and improvements to Proctors historic Arcade. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Ray Gillen, Chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Corporation, speaks during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Metroplex is one of the sponsors of the new Arcade Marquee and also secured funding for various renovations and improvements to Proctors historic Arcade. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Ray Gillen, Chairman of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Corporation, speaks during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Metroplex is one of the sponsors of the new Arcade Marquee and also secured funding for various renovations and improvements to Proctors historic Arcade. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative, speaks during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative, speaks during a press conference marking the start of Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Season in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative, and Marisa Flyn, Vice President of Programming, Marketing, and Commuications, at Proctors Collaborative, announce singer Sara Bareilles as the performer for Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Gala during a press conference in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative, and Marisa Flyn, Vice President of Programming, Marketing, and Commuications, at Proctors Collaborative, announce singer Sara Bareilles as the performer for Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Gala during a press conference in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative, announces singer Sara Bareilles as the performer for Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Gala during a press conference in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Jean Leonard, President of Proctors Collaborative, announces singer Sara Bareilles as the performer for Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Gala during a press conference in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.
Sara Bareilles is anounced as the performer for Proctor’s 100th Anniversary Gala during a press conference in the Arcade at Proctors in Schenectady, NY on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Photo by Kevin Montano for Proctors Collaborative.