Stanley Manager John Faust part of "It Takes a Village" Theatre Restoration Forum At Proctors, Schenectady
Date Posted: October 28th, 2009
UTICA, NY (October 28, 2009) - The League of Historic American Theatres hosted their annual Fall Forum at the Proctors Theatre in Schenectady October 18 and 19, 2009.
As a part of the forum on the local impact of the restoration and operation of historic theatres, John Faust was part of a panel discussion. The topic was how to grow the use of a historic theatre while at the same time respecting the historic character of the theatre.
Also on the panel with Mr. Faust was Frank Gilmore, the architect for the expansion of the Proctors theatre complex. Both panelists traded insights on each of their projects, and additional comments were made by Philip Morris, the CEO of Proctors; Fran Holden, the Executive Director of the League, and other forum attendees.
The discussion ranged from the gamut of branding (and re-branding) of historic theatres, the types of events staged in these venues, and how audience expectations of theatres is changing and how historic theatres can adapt to these changes.
Over twenty-five participants from all over the US attended this forum, from theatres the size of the Stanley and Proctors (2,500 + seats) to smaller theatres in smaller markets, all in various stages of restoration and re-use. There were representatives from Rome, NY; Essex, NY; Oneonta, NY; Elmira, NY; Boston, MA; Covallis, OR; Galveston, TX; Lakeland, FL; and Pittsburg, KS.
"This was a splendid opportunity to get our message out," said Mr. Faust. "The Stanley is living proof that the expansion of both the physical plant and its programming can have a positive impact on downtown economies, but both can be done in a manner respectful of the architectural and historic character of the original theatre. This was also an opportunity to exchange ideas and success stories with other leaders in the field."
Mr. Faust is a board member of the League of Historic American Theatres.
