We’re catching up with Chad Rabinovitz this week, who you’ll most certainly recognize from the Adirondack Theatre Festival and Adirondack Film Festival! He shares some fun facts about himself (did you know he’s a triplet?!), some favorite memories from his six years in Glens Falls, chats about pandemic pivots, and answers the big question - what’s In the Box?!
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Chad Rabinovitz and I’m a Producing Artistic Director. I’m a triplet – my brother lives in Hershey, PA (works for Hershey’s Chocolate) and my sister lives in Vienna, VA (works in PR).
I love candy, space, and entertainment. So even though I just turned 40, my interests are holding steady from childhood.
Oh, also ice cream. Is it too late to add that to the list? Ice cream! Specifically Martha’s ice cream. And cake. I occasionally sculpt cakes.
Oh, alsoooo magic. I almost forgot that. That’s how I first fell into theater. And now I specialize in creating and directing original magic shows. I think that’s it. For now.
On Life in Glens Falls
I’m originally from Eldersburg, MD. I went to school in Pittsburgh. And I’ve lived all over the country – from Connecticut to Colorado and many places in between – working at various theaters. Before moving to Glens Falls I was in Bloomington, IN where I was the Producing Artistic Director of the Bloomington Playwrights Project, the only professional theatre in the state of Indiana focused solely on new works. I still run that company (been there 11 years) and fly between the two locations.
ATF brought me here about 6 years ago. I flew out here for the first time to meet with the Board of Directors and tour the city and the theater. I was blown away by all of it. I couldn’t believe that a theater like the Wood existed in a small downtown like Glens Falls. Then I read articles in The Chronicle about the ten year anniversary of the renovation and listened to stories from the Board, staff, and patrons about how ATF & The Wood revitalized downtown Glens Falls. I wanted to be a part of it. I have a dual degree in Theater and Business, so that hits my sweet spot. It’s inarguable the impact that the arts have had on the economy and the quality of life in Glens Falls and I wanted to hop on that train and take it further. I love creating great shows, but there’s no better feeling than knowing you’re a part of making the place you live a better place to live.
I live above the ATF offices. That’s where every ATF artistic leader has lived! Mark Fleischer before me and David Turner and Martha Banta before him. So whenever my place gets a little messy, I like to blame it on them.
I love being able to walk downtown to grab a bite or get to the theater. It’s also nice that I’m just two doors down from Charles Peltz, so if I ever don’t like one of Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra’s concerts, I can easily egg his house.
My absolute favorite thing in Glens Falls is to be sitting on the Park 26 patio by one of their fire pit tables, drinking a Moscow Mule, and looking out onto City Park after a successful ATF show.
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
I think my perfect day involves visiting every ATF sponsor location, which is a packed day! So maybe breakfast at Park 26, then I’d go shopping at Rude Betty to get some awesome stuff (I love that place!), followed by lunch on the patio at Davidson Brothers (I’m definitely getting the buffalo chicken soup), then a late afternoon Adirondack Thunder game at the Cool Insuring Arena. After that I’d drive over to Jonathan Reid to get fitted for a new suit, then to dinner at DT Social, followed by a show at the Wood, Fenimore’s for a drink by the fire pit (and probably a charcuterie plate), then to Martha’s for ice cream. If I’m feeling crazy, I’ll get a late-night grilled cheese at New Way Lunch before collapsing back at The Q to spend the night. In the morning I’ll go back to Jonathan Reid to get re-fitted for the suit after so much eating. And in between all of that, I’ll be stopping by all the other sponsors I love but neglected to mention! And seriously, that really is my ideal day – I’m genuinely obsessed with all of those places.
On the Past
I just have so many incredible memories in my first 6 years. Many of them are related to shows. Like TESLA will always stand out as one of the best times for me – seeing how much the community embraced it was amazing. But it’s hard to give a favorite memory without mentioning the film festivals. Especially the first one. We were creating something completely new and didn’t know if anyone would even show up. Seeing the lines out the door and the fun our patrons and our filmmakers were having was incredibly fulfilling. As it grows bigger each year that feeling only grows with it. When people stop me on the street to talk about how they enjoyed the film festival or an ATF show, that’s my favorite memory. I hold onto all of them.
On the Future
One of my dreams for the future of Glens Falls is to fill it with public art. I’ve been working with some passionate folks involved with the Arts District of GF to make it a reality. We imagine our city filled with murals and sculptures and photo ops and artistic surprises all around that would not only beautify Glens Falls, but help drive more tourism. We’re not far from finally breaking ground and making that dream a reality. I can’t wait! Oh, also, can we have a candy and fudge shop downtown? Please?
On Pandemic Pivots
Well it’s no surprise that the live performing arts sector has taken a devastating hit during this time. But the silver lining is that it’s given us a chance to innovate and invent an entirely new form of theatre that’s never been done before. So we’ve created IN THE BOX ENTERTAINMENT.
“What’s IN THE BOX ENTERTAINMENT, Chad?” I’m glad you asked! It’s the world’s first season of virtual interactive entertainment. In the week before the show you’ll receive a box on your doorstep. That box remains sealed until the moment the show begins. At the time of the show – keep in mind, this is a live, ticketed event – you’ll log on by simply clicking a link and just like that you’ll be watching our live state-of-the-art show that’s been designed specifically for your in-home entertainment. Throughout the hour long performance, you’ll use the items in the box to experience the show in an all-new dimension. It’s designed to keep you entertained, engaged, and having more fun than you ever thought possible while still at home. Think of it less as a webcam and more like something brand new: interactive TV.
There are four shows in our subscription package. We start in October with a magic show featuring renowned mentalist, Max Major, who is currently starring on America’s Got Talent. In it, Max will read your mind from thousands of miles away. This show is insanely cool. It is legitimately the best magic show in the world right now.
You can purchase the shows individually or save on all four by buying a subscription package for a ridiculously cheap price.
In October is our Film Festival in a Box – once again we are the first in the world to offer this unique take on a film festival. You’ll not only get more than 120 films that you can’t see anywhere else, but you also receive a box filled with AFF swag, plenty of popcorn, and other surprise items that will bring not just the films, but the festival experience into your home.
You’re used to me asking you to see new shows, but this is the first time I’ve ever been able to invite you to an entirely new art form. What you’re seeing literally has never been seen before. Join me and be the first. You can find out more info, purchase tickets, and subscribe at ATFestival.org.
Special thanks to The Queensbury Hotel for making this story possible!
Exciting news! The Park Patio Music Series has been extended! That means five more weeks of live music to enjoy on Wednesday evenings on the patio. Crisp fall air, early autumn foliage, delicious dishes, cocktails, and music to enjoy - it doesn’t get much better! Book your reservation here.
Thanks for supporting the businesses that support Glens Falls Living.