I am a frequent flyer to Proctors, so I need to update my old review. Proctors is my favorite theatre in the area. I love the location, abundant free parking, plenty of fabulous restaurants within a block or two, easy in and easy out every time. I know if I have tickets to a show at proctors, it's going to be a great evening. I average about 4 shows a year if I can. I love the selection of musicals and plays they host. There is truly nothing like live entertainment. The reason why this is my favorite theatre in the area is the general etiquette of the crowd. Once a show is on, the crowd is quiet, most stay seated until intermission, there are no concessions while the show is going, the ushers do their job to control people coming in and out during the performance. The theatre is gorgeous and you are truly able to enjoy the show in this environment. I really love it here. Service is always amazing as well. Everyone working here is always so friendly and helpful. It's just such a good vibe. Could the seats be more comfy? Yes, but that's literally every theatre. I would love a cup holder too, but that's life. My only grief is that I can't afford more tickets to go to more shows. I love Proctors, and you will too. read more

Proctors Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I support Proctors by having been a subscriber to the KeyBank Broadway Series for the last 14 years. i get to sit in the same seat for the Thursday Matinee showing of the featured shows in each season. Pluses: --As a subscriber, I have access to the hottest tickets in town before the general public and the ability to purchase additional tickets before the general public at Proctors, Capital Repertory Theatre, and Universal Preservation Hall. --Great customer service on the phone provided by the staff in the Box Office. --Comfortable seating in a beautiful historic theater. --Competent management. --Friendly volunteers and frequent tours of backstage. --Nice snack bar and beverage stands. --Interesting items in the Proctors Gift Shop. Proud that Proctors is a gem in my hometown read more

The seats are far to small so no matter if youre skinny or fat if youre at or over 5'10" it's incredibly uncomfortable. Doesn't matter if youre in the front row its far to cramped to enjoy any show. Unless my lady demands it never again will i see a show here where im paying $100+ to collapse my shoulders so i can attempt to be considerate of others. Awful. Every place is so greedy about maximizing how many people fit it makes it an awful time. Not once have I gone here and enjoyed a show because im to focused on being smashed into the seat. And i say this at 230lbs 6ft im not a fat dude but i cant change my bone structure magically in my shoulders. Add to that the staff here is like a 50/50 shot if theyre going to be super rude. read more

I've seen so many wonderful concerts and musicals at Proctor's. Most recently, I saw Wicked there. The musical was remarkable and so were the special effects. The voices of the performers were among the best I've ever heard, especially those in the lead roles. The audience members were very friendly. As we arrived at the theater, some struck up conversations with us. Afterwards, a small group visiting from the Finger lakes stopped my friend and I as we were leaving the theater to tell us that the version of Wicked we just saw at Proctor's was every bit as good as what they saw on Broadway. I don't doubt that. I think the group was excited and just wanted to share their enthusiasm. It was a great evening. The decor is beautiful. The seats are comfy. The staff is very nice and so helpful. It's awesome to see such high quality performances without having to travel far. read more

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This was my 4th time coming to a show here, its wonderful. 1.5hr from home, worth the drive. This time took my grandson to see Wicked, I've seen it on bway and this cast was just as good. Love coming here read more

I've attended many shows at Proctors. The sound is exceptional, the staff is friendly and professional. Ticket prices are reasonable.

Fun night at Proctor's. I went to go see Riverdance which was amazing. The staff there was super helpful with finding our seats. They started right on the dot! They do offer snacks and beverages and there was an intermission. The place is pretty cool. They have little shops when you walk in that you can grab a coffee or view nostalgic theater items from shows past. We found parking pretty easy. Nice place to grab a show!! read more

Proctors Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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Got to experience Masterchef live at proctors this past Thursday. Thought the show was so cool to be able to see past winners cook live and interact with the audience. My husband splurged and got us VIP as my birthday present and it didn't disappoint. Got to ask questions, photos and even got to be a lucky enough to try one of the dishes. My only disappointment was the seating as the building was old the chairs were not meant for a bigger person. But otherwise love the place and the history of the building. read more

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Kinky Boots was amazing today at Proctor's! The sheer talent of all of the cast was unparalleled. The costumes and sets were beautiful too. I enjoyed it so much and I would see it again! read more

My daughter is a theatre nut. We go to NYC as often as we can to see shows and usually try and go to as many Proctor's shows as possible. My daughter is disabled and needs an aisle seat and sometimes it was hard to get one. In 2023 we signed up for a subscription on Friday nights. The box office was great, everyone I spoke with was helpful. We had to opt out of a second show due to her having covid and they just gave us a credit. This past year I renewed my subscription but realized afterward that since I'd retired I could switch to a weekday. When I called the box office the woman from Proctor's spent 20 minutes moving our tickets from Friday to Wednesday and finding us the best seats she could. It's a beautiful theatre with a 1930'a ambiance, great staff and great volunteers. read more

Poor communication skills at the back office. Received an email thanking me for buying a VIP ticket to a show. One problem; I hadn't bought any ticket for this concert. I thought fraud immediately, and had to check all of my credit cards and bank accounts. Nothing showed up. Called the box office as soon as they opened the next day and was told that the email was sent by mistake. Is it too much to ask to send another email out to let your customers know this? It would save a lot of stress and wouldn't take much time or effort. read more

Beautiful place. Shows are fantastic. Staff are always friendly. Place is clean. Highly recommend

The Whole Theatre experience!! Nostalgic and a treasure. The shows are classics and it feels Lille you are on Broadway itself. read more

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I have attended here many times over the years for both concerts/events (Lidia Bastianich; Alton Brown; Foreigner) and conventions (Board games) but I have never thought to write a review. I guess it is time. We were here recently for "An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes" and I paid for the full meet and greet experience. The theater itself was wonderful and the staff were very friendly, though there were lines to get in (naturally) and the main hallways leading into the theater are not really laid out well for huge groups of people. It gets loud... fast. Once you are inside, though, the seats are comfy and the accoustics were good. I find that some places get really cramped in the winter time when you have to bring coats and such (Troy Music Hall... I'm looking at you) but this place wasn't so bad. One thing to keep in mind if you park in the next door garage: it isn't uncommon to have cars broken into. I have had it happen to friends over the years, and a month before this event when I was at Proctors for a convention it happened to my car. No idea why my car was targeted (it was a nearly 20-year rust bucket with a broken CD player) but it is worth noting that you should hide any valuables you have from view. read more

Everything is always wonderful. The staff is very accommodating... Always clean and enjoyable read more

I was here for my daughter's performance in NYSSMA Zone 7 Area All-State Festival. She was one of 9 students selected from her school to represent in this festival. I'm so proud of her. This is my first time in Proctors. You can see the history in this building from the marble post holding up the structure, to the gold inlays spread throughout. The seating is comfortable for the most part. The acoustics in this place is awesome. They have many performances here and I'd come again to see more of them. Parking is spread throughout the community. Get here early and you can find a spot close by in the parking lot otherwise there is street parking all around. read more

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Love being able to see Broadway shows and other shows at Proctors and have visited many times. They have a fantastic variety of performances. The bathroom situation could be improved and the seating is old and crammed. read more

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I went to a certain site other than proctors not realizing it and I got phony tickets. Proctors had an account on me and honored my tickets anyway, but gave me better seats as also have a disability and they put me in such a great area. I have never seen a place go out of their way to help me in this manner. So I highly recommend it. read more

Beyond disappointed with Proctors. Not sure how long they've been doing this but they charge a 24% "service fee" now and it's 24% of the total cost of your purchase. How is that even legal? So if you buy a $100 ticket it's an additional $24 dollar fee, if you buy two of those tickets it would be a $48 fee. If you buy a single ticket that costs $200 it's a $48 fee. What the actual hell? read more

This review has NOTHING to do with the show. But about Proctors itself. Do not expect comfort. Expect to not enjoy the show to the fullest due to their seats. The owner of Proctors needs to sit in the balcony seats for 2.5 hours and see if he can move after. And too boot much depends on who sits next to you. In our case it was a large man who took up so much room. I had to sit sideways in my seat and on top of my son, who couldn't even watch the play due to the uncomfortableness. Old timey people were small. Proctors, you need to redo all your seating. Here is a pic of my two teen boys and husbands leg room. read more

Proctors Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

LOVE THE HISTORIC space. Old-school acoustics and architecture. TIP: arrive early to find parking in the garage nearby. You will need to walk a few blocks. read more

Proctors is a great venue! I've been here many times over the past 20 years to see Jerry Seinfeld, George Carlin, 50 Shades Musical and Cats today. There really isn't a bad seat in the house, every detail is beautiful, be sure to check out the ornate ceiling while you're there. I've sat in several different places but I do like the front row of the balcony as a favorite spot. Would 100% recommend seeing a show here. I'd wanted to see Cats since I was a kid and it didn't disappoint! Another show tonight and two more tomorrow, go check it out, not sold out yet, likely due to COVID. read more

I love Proctors and the variety of shows offered. The new seating is comfortable with a little bit more leg room. They offer a variety of musicals, films and other live entertainment. The only problem I had was with the subscription policy. I am a subscriber and needed to change my tickets to a different day. I was told I could do that but I was offered cheaper seats but was going to be charged an up-charge because the show was selling so well. That just doesn't make any sense to me. So you resell my tickets, make more money than what I paid and charge me more for less expensive seats??? Needless to say we kept our seats and we will have to miss a professional development class I was supposed to take. Not sure if I will subscribe next year. Don't want to take a chance of having difficulty changing tickets. read more

Proctors Theatre - GE Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Love being able to see broadway shows close to home. Every show has been top quality. Aside from the fantastic performances the staff that work for Proctors have been outstanding. As a season subscriber they have made sure I received every perk I was entitled to. They also were very responsive to my family members that need some assistance. It is a pleasure doing business with them. read more

We've been to Proctor's to see several shows, and it is always an unforgettable experience. This time, I saw Lion King with my husband and kids, ages four and six. We spent 50 dollars a piece for balcony seats, which I consider very reasonable. Proctors is situated in downtown Schenectady, which includes an abundance of bars and restaurants for theatre-goers before or after the show. We opted to eat at home and grab a drink for the adults, and snack for the kiddos inside Proctor's. There is a cute cafe inside Proctor's called Apostrophe that serves sandwiches, coffees, desserts and more. There is a lounge-like area that you can sit in to enjoy your food and beverage. The doors to the theatre open thirty minutes prior to the show. The line appeared daunting, but moved quickly. The staff is very kind and helpful, and moves the crowd along diligently. Our balcony seats offered a nice centered view of the stage. Although the seats do not offer a huge amount of leg room, our neighbors were friendly and considerate about ensuring our kids had a good view of the show. My daughters were in awe of the decor - rich colored wallpaper, velvety seats, hulking chandeliers. The show itself was amazing - the aesthetics were incredible and kept my kiddos engaged the whole time. Intermission was the perfect amount of time, allowing my family to go and come back from the bathroom in the right amount of time, as well as to grab a snack. My family thoroughly enjoyed our experience, we are looking forward to returning to see Annie in January! read more

Proctors Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Always a lovely experience. The establishment is always clean and the people are generally friendly. The little café inside is a delight. Bathrooms are kept pretty clean. read more

Proctors Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

Great place to see a show! Love Proctors. Just a great old school theater that has very few poor actual seats in the house. If you are sitting in the Balcony get upstairs early and use the drink and food sales upstairs. read more

Proctors Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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Old restored theater with CLASS! I've seen a number of wonderful shows here. Since they completed the renovations and expanded the stage and backstage area, the shows that perform here are equal to those in NYC. The beauty of the theater is remarkable. I attended a tour of the facility today and was both amazed and impressed with the history behind Frederick Freeman Proctor and the story of this "crown jewel." Sometimes movies are still shown in the Main Stage theater, but they also have separate theater room, the GE Theater, where live performances from throughout the world can be projected on a four-story high screen which also shows iWerks films. Note: There a few seats in the balcony that would benefit from having new springs in the lower cushions. read more

We had front row orchestra seats which should be the best seats in the house but when you are wedged into a space that is smaller then an economy seat in a plane that's a problem they have a metal fence around the orchestra that gives you less less leg room then any other seat in the theater. We live the theater but hard to enjoy when wedged knees against metal for 2 1/2 hours. the snack lounge and in the winter the market on Sunday is good but if they can not Do something to make it More comfortable then it will just go to their theaters read more

Proctors is the go-to theater in the Capital Region for the touring versions of broadway blockbusters along with many other shows and events. There's plenty of parking lots in the area and if you're amenable to paying a few bucks, you'll find a spot very close to the venue. There's a cafe/lounge/bar area in the "mall" area outside the actual theater entrance, so if you'd prefer to kill some time grabbing a latte...or a beer....or even a snack, grab a seat. The theater itself is lovely. I don't know what the experience was like prior to the renovations, but it definitely has broadway-esque qualities. Yes - the seats are small and not the most comfortable....but that's the way it is with most older theaters. I've seen several shows at Proctors and usually have a good experience. But here's my rant...and it has nothing to do with the venue itself. It's about the patrons. Or, perhaps it's about the decline of society.... While the large majority of theatre-goers are polite and considerate of others....it really only takes a few bad apples to ruin the experience for everyone else. First...if you have the plague...stay home. If you like getting wasted and become an angry, homophobic drunk that has no "off button" (I was lucky enough to sit next to that winner during Kinky Boots...he was freaked out by dudes in fabulous heels...)....stay home. Or....just go to the bar and yell in a place that doesn't mind your existence. If you MUST snack during a show, how about NOT rattling/crinkling your bags during the most quiet, intimate scenes (you know...like EVERY emotional death scene in Les Mis)?! Perhaps shove your face full of M&M's PRIOR to the show so that you're in a sugar coma...which will leave the rest of us to enjoy our somewhat expensive theater tickets? If you literally can't stay off your phone for an hour at a time....stay home. If you can't sit still for more than 20 seconds at at time or your children have zero span of attention and think the show "is boring"....stay home. I won't even get into man-spreading..... OK. Rant over. But seriously...I'm a theater nerd. That's my zen place. My church. My haven. Nothing is more amazing to me than watching a crowd of incredibly talented people performing a complex, choreographed, coordinated art form. And I know I'm not alone. So go to Proctors and enjoy some wonderful shows in a beautiful setting. But if you do....please recognize that you're not in your living room and that other human beings/paying customers exist outside of your little bubble. read more

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Love the architecture of this old theater. Temps can vary during shows, often find it very warm during shows. I am hoping it was the show that was playing last evening but the show felt more like a concert or ball game than a musical. Attendees were in and out of their seats throughout the show. People were standing for pictures during the show and there was a infant /small child behind us. There was no attempt by staff or volunteers to limit traffic in and out of the theater during the show. read more

Proctors Theatre - Set for Cruel Intentions - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

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DONT USE TicketSales.Com to purchase tickets for Proctors. TicketSales.com is nothing more than a glorified ticket scalping site! I paid 5 times the actual cost thinking I was getting the best seats in the house. To make matters worse, the tickets/seats sold didn't even exist. I was tuned away at the will call desk and was told by Proctors "this happens often" and "you should have purchased your tickets directly from ur site." My only complaint with Proctors is if this happens often, why not put out a public notice or pursue some sort of action by these third party sites? read more

Nice theater downtown Schenectady with multiple types of shows and events. Convenient parking at the garage around the corner and many restaurants close by for dinner before or after a show. There is also a small cafe inside. The seats are comfortable for an older theater and the acoustics are decent. read more

Proctors Theatre - Enjoying an evening concert. - Performing Arts Near Me - Schenectady, New York

I absolutely love this theater, it has the original architecture and updated seats that allow you a little bit more leg room.

I've been coming here for over 30 years- hard to believe. It's been through so many improvements over this time. Tonight I saw "Matilda." This is a sweet story adapted from a children's book. Basically, every one of us wants to know our parents love us. Unfortunately, that isn't what happens for everyone, but sometimes, sometimes, other adults can love us LIKE parents, even better than our actual biological ones. Life can still have a happy ending even if it didn't have a happy beginning. My favorite part? The swings! read more

Arrived about 30 minutes before the show "Once" it tells the story of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his love songs.... It was very surprising but people were up on the stage which was transformed into a bar... So needless to say my DD and I went up onstage. The musicians started playing music... Wonderful! I was transformed back to the days I was in Ireland! Just loved the whole thing brought back memories of the movie I had seen a few years back. Love love loved it! read more

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This is a beautiful venue but they need some serious system upgrades. Starting with the purchase of tickets online...the website took me around and around; I needed to google the seating chart separately (??) and go back and forth with two browsers open just to see the options. CLUNKY! The countdown to actual purchase time was also very sloppy, I am not a first timer to this process and literally could not tell if the "window " was open or not...needed to keep refreshing the screen to see if it was time to click through and purchase... Night of show was a real cluster with 2600 people milling around, no clear signage about where to pick up your tickets, and at 15 minutes to the show opening there were hundreds of people stalled in a line to get actual hard copies of the entry tickets, lines were broken into alphabetical groupings with 1 ( ONE) person managing each station, so if someone was having an issue ( it happens!) the entire line just stopped. How foolish! Finally all windows were open regardless of your last name and things clicked along after that. I paid for a VIP package that was not available at the venue, but that is going to be mailed. Called Proctor to see where my swag was and had to make 2 more phone calls, because they don't manage that part. OK... I saw Bob Dylan for the 7th time, and I would definitely go back, but don't expect a streamlined and seamless process to get to the show. read more

Just saw Come From Away. The show is wonderful, fabulous in every way. So the production is a definite five. But the seats are absolutely terrible with no legroom. We sat near the center in row "O", so these seats were typical. The only way I could sit down was to jam my knees into the indentation formed by the intersection of the two seats in front of me. Then I was not able to move my legs for the two hour duration of the show. I'm 6' 2" so I don't think unusually tall. I'm not sure what height person would be comfortable in these seats, but I'm thinking probably 5' 10" or less. I'm surprised and disappointed that Proctors would care so little for the comfort of their audience. read more

Proctors is special. There's no arguing that they have some great shows here; it's definitely the best option locally in terms of live theatre. It's a pretty location with a lot of history. Parking isn't bad, and there are many great spots nearby for food and drink. Sadly, the old seats at Proctors are just plain uncomfortable. It's a good thing they put all those bright lights and loud noises up on stage, because I need an intense distraction to avoid focusing on the small, hard seat beneath my sore tush. The seats are not only firm; they're also narrow. I can never, ever claim an armrest at Proctors... because I cannot physically steal an armrest from the broad-shouldered man to my right, and I cannot morally steal an armrest from the elderly lady to my left. So there I sit, with my shoulders hunched forward, elbows locked, and my hands in my lap while my legs fall asleep from a lack of circulation. And God forbid someone sitting on the inside of the row wants to get out of their seat before intermission, because they practically have to crawl across my lap to get past me. But don't let my description of the seats deter you... You really should go to Proctors. I keep going back, and I promise that the entertainment will stick with you more than the seats. I'm just a big whiner with a boney ass. read more

What a beautiful venue! Parking was excellent! Sound, price better than fighting my way down to Broadway!!! Support your local traveling productions!!!!! read more