Echoes of the Past: Haunted Encounters at Proctors

Step into a world where friendly ghosts and intriguing histories intertwine in a beloved theater.

Many believe Proctors to be a haunted place, citing reports of unexplained noises, ghostly sightings and bizarre occurrences. To accept this tale as fact, you need to embrace the supernatural—though even skeptics may find it a delightful, spooky read.

Since its inception, the century-old building has welcomed countless patrons and has become home to some friendly spirits.

House Manager Judie Bouchard suggests that these spirits have formed attachments to the theatre for one reason or another, and she claims many enjoy watching the performances.

Several years ago, renowned paranormal investigator Jack Kenna who teaches at Hudson Valley Community College contacted Bouchard to bring one of his classes to explore the theatre’s haunted tales. Since then, Kenna has returned many times, most recently this October when he held classes at both Proctors and Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga.

Bouchard, who is sensitive to the paranormal, participated in the overnight explorations and shared insights about their discoveries. One of the most popular stories involves the spirit of a former employee, said to wander the halls and occasionally interact with staff and visitors. Other reports include eerie sounds and voices, cold spots and lights flickering on and off unexpectedly.

These ghost stories add an intriguing layer to the theatre’s charm and history, capturing the interest of both locals and visitors. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, these tales enrich the theater’s unique atmosphere!

The Tools of the Trade

During ghost tours and overnight visits, investigators typically use a variety of tools to gather evidence and enhance their experiences. Kenna, experienced in investigations at other historic and reportedly haunted locations, often employs digital voice recorders to capture electronic voice phenomena or EVP, EMF meters which measure electromagnetic fields believed to indicate paranormal activity and dowsing rods used for divination or communication with energy sources.

These tools, along with smartphone apps and other technology, help investigators delve into the paranormal and document their findings.

Meet the Spirits

Charles, the Traveling Stagehand

Have you ever sat in the balcony or alone up by the projection booth and heard whistling? No? Lucky you!

If you have, maybe you were in the presence of Charles, the Traveling Stagehand. He likes to watch the shows from the projection booth. His whistle has been reported by many visitors to the theatre and was recorded using EVP.

Dan, Mr. Proctor’s Assistant

On the third floor resides Mr. Proctor’s office. Frederick Freeman Proctor opened the theater we know today as a vaudeville house in 1926. This office is notorious for its cold spots. When Bouchard entered with dowsing rods, she connected with Dan, Mr. Proctor’s assistant.

Dan, who shared the office with Proctor, was 42 years old, single and enjoyed playing games. As Bouchard tells it, she glanced at a portrait of Proctor hanging in the office and asked Dan, “Was Mr. Proctor a stern boss?” Without hesitation, the copper rod swung right, indicating a resounding yes. According to their conversation, Dan enjoys watching the shows at the theatre. Though he admitted not liking every title, he is said to prefer shows with a lot of dancing.

Azzy, the Dog

Backstage, Robb Alley and Key Hall, stagehands and producers have reported hearing a dog barking but when they look around, there’s no dog in sight. Long ago, a police dog names Asbestos became an unofficial mascot of Proctors.  Affectionately known as Azzy and beloved by the community, he received his own obituary in the Schenectady Gazette on Jan. 19, 1939.

Kenna and his team were able to vividly record Azzy’s bark during one of their overnight sessions.

Tales from Beyond

A report from Kenna’s last investigation is still being compiled. Have you had any paranormal experiences at Proctors? Head to Facebook and let us know!