Empire Training Center for the Arts (ETCA), a new arts workforce development program, has been announced. Co-founded by Trish Santini and Frank Butler, the Poughkeepsie-based nonprofit will provide training in technical and administrative positions in the performing arts.
ETCA was created in response to a need for training programs for communities that are historically underrepresented in non-performance careers in the arts. ETCA allows individuals to earn training, experience and job placement in the arts without having to attend a four-year college program.
The 10-month long program will take place three days a week at Poughkeepsie’s Chance Theater. Applications will open in November for ETCA’s first cohort, which will begin in spring 2025.
The stagecraft and technology track will focus on stagehands, audio technicians, and video technicians; the arts administration track will focus on company management, fundraising and communications.
“We’ve had many conversations over the last few years about the value of vocational training and the opportunity to apply those principles to a variety of jobs in the performing arts,” Santini and Butler said in a statement. “While our industry is making progress, until there is equitable representation in every room every time, there is much work to do, and our goal is to meaningfully contribute to sustainable change,” they added.
ETCA will provide a unique entry point for older individuals looking for exposure, experience and training in the arts. While several other organizations, such as Black Theatre United (BTU) and Black Theatre Coaltion (BTC), make an effort to build the theater pipeline through internships and fellowships, their focus is on university-level students, recent college graduates and early career artists. ETCA will open access to additional communities and generations.
Both Santini and Butler have been deeply entrenched in the arts industry for years. Santini, ETCA’s executive director, served as executive director of Little Island NYC in addition to a previous tenure with Broadway agency the Marketing Group. Butler, who will be ETCA’s head of stagecraft and technology, previously served as director of production at the Shed and other venues.
Broadway notables also have a strong presence in ETCA’s board of directors and advisory board.
In addition to Santini and Butler, ETCA’s board of directors includes Chris Boneau, founder and partner of Broadway press agency Boneau/Bryan-Brown, and Peter Flynn, a director and actor whose performing credits include roles in the Broadway productions of “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”
Tony Award-honored Michael McElroy, the founder of Broadway Inspirational Voices and founding member of Black Theatre United, and Joey Parnes, the Tony-winning producer of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” are members of ETCA’s advisory board alongside Jody Elff, Seena Hodges, Christine O’Connor and Henry A. J. Ramos.
“This innovative organization is building programs based on individual and industry need, with a holistic approach to curriculum and a commitment to fostering inclusive perspectives and talents,” said McElroy. “Their alumni will begin their careers with marketable skills, a passion for the work and an understanding of the business, providing increased opportunity for their long-term success and greater representation throughout the arts sector.”
ETCA is a partnership with real estate development firm Walkway Group.
