PREVIEW: SLOC Celebrates Their 100th Season
**This article originally appeared in our September 2026 issue**
Photos by Best Frame Forward
“Schenectady Light Opera is 100 years old, which we are just thrilled about, but as we move into our next 100 years, we are doing something we're calling ‘Staging the Future,’ and it’s… let's call it an encore!”
Schenectady Light Opera Company, known as SLOC, is about to start their 100th season in their home theater on Franklin Street in Schenectady this September. This milestone is an absolute triumph, but SLOC wants to ensure everyone can celebrate with them. Connie Rauhauser, the president of the board of directors of SLOC, spoke with me about their exciting upcoming season and the future of SLOC.
“Schenectady Light Opera is 100 years old, which we are just thrilled about, but as we move into our next 100 years, we are doing something we're calling ‘Staging the Future,’ and it’s… let's call it an encore!” Rauhauser started, her enthusiasm absolutely infectious even through the phone.
While SLOC has achieved a wonderful centennial’s worth of shows, their building has become a bit dated. Most notably, the building is not ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. You can enter the building with a wheelchair — though the ramps need an upgrade — and a performer in a wheelchair would not be able to access the dressing rooms.
“We received a grant from the New York State Assembly of 2.5 million dollars to help with converting our theater to be ADA compliant. We have launched a very large campaign [Staging the Future]. It’s no small undertaking!” Rauhauser expressed. “We need to raise about 1.5 million more to move forward [on] construction, which we would love to start in May of 2027.”
Not only would the dressing rooms become ADA accessible, but the bathrooms and lobby will be far more accommodating and comfortable for all.
“The public would see most of the revitalization of our lobby, including public entrances, additional restrooms, and a waiting area layout to enhance the guest experience, more efficiently eliminating congestion. Our theater seats around 250, that would not change, but certainly opens it up to more opportunities.”
As this is the theater’s 100th year and many bright changes are ahead, this year’s lineup of shows is appropriately stacked with undeniable crowd pleasers, appealing to every corner of musical theater interest.
“Normally for our theater, we request directors to submit shows. That has been our normal process. Submit your show, what you're thinking, what your vision is, and then we interview people that we would like to bring in,” Rauhauser notes. “This year, we did it differently, knowing it's our 100th season, knowing that we wanted something that appealed to everybody.”
She explains to me that the season opens with a fresh, musical take on a chilling classic perfect for fall, “Jekyll & Hyde,” followed by the children’s show, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (one of Disney’s best)! After that, “A Chorus Line,” a foundational favorite for dancers, “Company,” a Sondheim classic (who hasn’t tried to see if they could nail the speed of “Getting Married Today?”), and ending on a high note — The Capital District's premier of “Something Rotten!” with local adult talent.
“I had an opportunity this past week to sit in on part of a ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ rehearsal and they’re just going to blow people away.” And, in terms of the rest of the season: “I have yet to talk to a dancer that doesn't say to me, ‘Oh, I can't wait to do ‘A Chorus Line,’” she says with a laugh.
If you are interested in supporting SLOC’s upcoming renovations, or obtaining a closer look at what will be in store, single and recurring donation tiers are outlined on their website along with the blueprints and other visuals for the future look of SLOC.
SLOC is showing “Jekyll and Hyde” from September 11 to September 20. Tickets to that show, as well as their calendar, announcements, opportunities to donate, and more information on Staging the Future are all available at sloctheater.org.
