SLOC Musical Theater

### About Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC) The Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC) is a venerable institution in the world of musical theater, located at 427 Franklin Street, Schenectady, New York. With a rich history dating back to 1926, SLOC has evolved from a small group known as the Bellevue Young People’s Chorus into a prominent company presenting a wide range of musical theater productions. Initially directed by Mrs. Etta Moore, a music teacher in the Schenectady Schools, the group began by performing concerts and short operettas, eventually transitioning to Gilbert and Sullivan shows with productions of "Trial by Jury" and "Patience" in 1933-1934. The name Schenectady Light Opera Company was adopted in 1936, marking a new era for the ensemble. During World War II, the company disbanded due to a shortage of male members but reformed in 1946 with a performance of "H.M.S. Pinafore." Despite challenges such as the need for more male performers and storage for costumes and sets, SLOC found a home at the old Craig School on Balltown Road, which became known as the Opera House. The 1950s saw SLOC presenting "The Mikado" at the Erie Theater, which became a tradition until the venue's closure in 1956. The company continued to perform at various schools and ventured into modern opera with productions such as "The Telephone," "Down in the Valley," and "Amelia Goes to the Ball." The transition from operetta to American musical theater was marked by productions of "Brigadoon," "Carousel," "Showboat," and "Oklahoma." The 1960s and 1970s brought modern musical comedies and classics to SLOC's repertoire, including "The Music Man," "My Fair Lady," and "Fiddler on the Roof." In 1971, SLOC moved to the Beth Israel Synagogue at 826 State Street, transforming it into a new theater. This venue hosted cabaret shows and a variety of other performances. The company also utilized a nearby building for costume storage and a facility on Taurus Road for set construction. A significant milestone was reached in April 2010 when SLOC purchased several buildings from the Albany Catholic Diocese, creating a new theater complex that is handicapped accessible and located in Schenectady's arts district. This complex also houses the Northeast Ballet Company as a lease tenant, aligning with SLOC's vision of a performing arts complex for local groups. The inaugural production at the new complex was "The Drowsy Chaperone" in February 2011, which received high praise and set a new standard for SLOC's productions. The company has since presented acclaimed shows such as "Les Miserables" (all youth cast), "Hairspray," and "Fiddler on the Roof," among others. SLOC is committed to offering opportunities for youth to develop their skills in performing arts through productions and workshops. With plans to improve facilities and a strategic plan for operational enhancements, SLOC continues to strive for excellence and enrich the cultural landscape of Schenectady and the broader Capital Region. For more information on SLOC's history, board leadership, past productions, and how to get involved, please visit their official website or contact them at 518-730-7370.