Empire Training Center for the Arts (ETCA) at Chance Theater Brings New Opportunities to Performing Arts Careers
The Empire Training Center for the Arts (ETCA) in Poughkeepsie offers innovative training for behind-the-scenes performing arts roles, creating accessible career pathways and supporting underrepresented communities.
The Empire Training Center for the Arts (ETCA), a nonprofit initiative based in Poughkeepsie’s iconic Chance Theater, is breaking new ground by training adults for the vital behind-the-scenes roles that keep performances alive. This historic venue is set to become a launchpad for a fresh approach to workforce development in the performing arts.
Co-founded by industry veterans, ETCA targets a critical gap in arts education: technical and administrative careers that rarely receive the spotlight but are essential for every show. The center focuses on preparing students for roles such as stagehands, audio and video technicians, and production administrators—jobs that offer stability and growth without requiring a college degree.
Highlight from “The Dirty Dutchess” benefit event at The Chance Theater — a vibrant celebration of vaudeville, burlesque, and Broadway that supported the Empire Training Center for the Arts’ mission to train performing arts professionals. Courtesy of ETCA
Hands-On Training Meets Community Impact: ETCA’s Path to Inclusive Arts Careers
Offering a hands-on, comprehensive 10-month curriculum, ETCA combines skill-building with professional networking, mental health support, and cultural enrichment. The goal is to provide not just training, but a clear, achievable pathway into sustainable arts careers.
Backed by local real estate leaders who envision The Chance Theater as a cornerstone of Poughkeepsie’s cultural and economic revival, ETCA also prioritizes inclusion. Its programs actively reach out to underrepresented communities, career changers, and those facing employment barriers, reflecting a commitment to breaking down historic obstacles to arts industry access.
As Poughkeepsie positions itself as a rising hub for arts workforce development, ETCA stands at the forefront—ready to equip the next generation of essential arts professionals and reshape the landscape of creative careers beyond the stage lights.
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