Theatre/Media Arts

Since its 1998 debut, the Sayles School of Fine Arts Blue Roses Theatre Co. (BRTC) has put on more than 40 performances in its impressive 250-seat Black Box Theatre. From classics such as A Raisin in the Sun and A School for Scandal to a series of original short plays by SHS students. The plays continue every year. Various interdisciplinary units have occurred. For example; while BRTC was in production with Crumbs From the Table of Joy, students in English classes read and studied the play. A mural for Crumbs from the Table of Joy was created by students in Set Design, Drawing 1, and Study Hall. Theatre/Media Arts courses taught during the school day include – Introduction to Theatre; Acting I, II, III, and IV; Video Production; Filmmaking I; Electronic News Gathering; Perspectives on Air; and Economics in Action

The Media Arts program at the Sayles School of Fine Arts (SSFA) includes TV and video production, filmmaking, and news gathering. It is home to the Schenectady City School District TV (SCSTV), the district’s TV station on cable channel 17. The students from the station have produced a training video for Price Chopper Supermarkets and Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Center. SSFA students and staff produced full length film capturing the Patriots’ (The Schenectady High School Basketball Team) passion, pride in “Rebound.” This film followed the Schenectady High School Basketball Team and premiered at Proctor’s Theatre. The Fine Arts Showcase which airs on SCSTV highlights the artwork and achievements of our visual arts students from all grades. Each summer since 2002, The SSFA offers a Summer Film Festival. This project, in cooperation with Proctors Theatre, offers students the opportunity to write, direct, edit, and star in their own films.  

The Blue Roses Theatre Company

What's in a name? Jim: ...Being different is nothing to be ashamed of. Because other people aren't such wonderful people. They're one hundred times one thousand. You're one times one! They walk all over the earth. You just stay here. They're as common as - weeds, but - you, well you're - Blue Roses!                    from The Glass Menagerie, by Tennessee Williams

On October 21, 1998, The Blue Roses Theatre Company made its official debut with a performance of Williams' lyrical masterpiece, The Glass Menagerie. As part of the Schenectady City School District's John Sayles School of Fine Arts, the BRTC continuously strives to present something unique and beautiful to its audiences in Schenectady's schools and the surrounding region as well. At the core of its mission lies the belief that students learn best while working side by side with artists of varied backgrounds and levels of experience. For this reason, Blue Roses incorporates the collaborative efforts of student and adult artists, from both within the school district and the regional artistic community at large, in every production it takes on. Accomplished performers, designers and technicians, that often bring years of professional credits with them, work with our students on every show. We at The Blue Roses Theatre Company hope to continue bringing something worthwhile, pleasing and perhaps just a bit out of the ordinary to theatre audiences in our community.  Blue Roses Theatre Co. produces four major theatre productions annually. Productions are supported in various courses throughout the school and continue afterschool with daily rehearsals –2009-10 season includes The Bluest Eye, Over the Tavern, The Diary of Anne Frank, and The Fantasticks.

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