By PAUL KIRBY | pkirby@freemanonline.com | Daily Freeman

KINGSTON, N.Y. – Susie Sofranko has been appointed as the new executive director of Stockade Works, a film and television training initiative co-founded by actress and director Mary Stuart Masterson.

“Susie lived and worked in New York City for a decade and returns to the Hudson Valley with valued experience in fundraising and non-profit management,” a press release said.

Sofranko, who grew up in West Shokan, is replacing Marie Nachsin, who serves on the nonprofit’s board.

Masterson said that Sofranko’s appointment comes at the right time for the organization.

“Susie is joining us at an exciting moment of organizational growth for Stockade Works as we look to expand our programs to provide increased training and job opportunities for Hudson Valley residents with a focus on members of the community who have faced barriers to employment and training opportunities – women, BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color), veterans, and those who are underemployed,” Masterson said in a statement.

Sofranko joins Stockade Works from the International Center of Photography, where she most recently led the fundraising team as the senior director of development.

“A passion for arts and culture–and commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion within those sectors–has guided Susie’s career through positions at the Frick Collection, the Public Theater, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and Gracie Mansion Conservancy,” the release said.

Sofranko holds a bachelor’s degree from the Macaulay Honors College and a master’s degree in art history from CUNY Hunter.

A mock shoot at Stockade Works Crew Boot Camp in 2021 (Charles Merrihew photo provided)

“Newcomers coming to the Hudson Valley is not a new trend by any means,” Sofranko said. “But with COVID-19 and other recent developments there is an influx of money quickly surfacing throughout the region in tourism, with new residents, and through TV and film productions.”

“It is essential the region handles this valuable capital responsibly by investing in areas that benefit the existing local economy, and especially in local people who are at risk of being pushed out,” she said.

A mock shoot at Stockade Works Crew Boot Camp in 2021 (Charles Merrihew photo provided)

Stockade Works offers programs

Meanwhile, Stockade Works announced that applications are now being accepted for two programs: “Hair and Makeup for Film and Television” and its upcoming “Crew Boot Camp.”

The hair and makeup workshop will be held from March 25 through the 27 and on May 22. It will be led by local stylist and Le Shag owner Jennifer Donovan at her 292C Fair St., Kingston, salon.

“(It) is fit for those who have cosmetology training or professional hair and makeup experience and are interested in working in the film and television industry,” the release said. “It will teach participants the skills and techniques needed for advancing in the industry, on-set etiquette, shoot day workflows, chain of command, and working with other departments on a production.”

The registration fee is $425. The workshop is limited to 12 participants.

A staple program since Stockade Works’ founding in 2016, the signature Crew Boot Camp will next take place May 19 through 22.

“The 3.5 day immersive training guides participants through the fundamentals of working in the industry and on a set, including script breakdowns, script continuity, who’s who on a call sheet, preparing for a day’s work, chain of command, and other key production assistant roles,” the release said.

The cost for the boot camp program is $699. The workshop is limited to 25 participants. The location for the program is yet to be announced.

More information about these, plus scholarships and all training programs is available at www.stockadeworks.org.

DAILY FREEMAN ARTICLE HERE