OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU
2018/2019 REPORT TO THE COMMUNIT Y
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP
EVERYTHING
The Smith Center provides as Southern Nevada’s
HEART OF THE ARTS is made possible by generous
SUPPORT ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY.
We thank you all for
MAKING OUR HEART BEAT STRONGER. OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF MYRON MARTIN - President and CEO, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Looking back on our amazing past year of serving as Southern Nevada’s Heart of the Arts, one thing is clear:
our heart beats stronger because of YOU. Let me explain. This year saw major milestones at The Smith Center that took our role in the community to a whole new level. For instance, we successfully presented our first Broadway Las Vegas Series® with 10 shows, the highest number of productions ever in one season. With the incredible support of Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie and the Southern Nevada Ford dealers, this season offered a mix of Broadway’s hottest new hits with acclaimed classics, providing an exciting follow-up to our presentation of “Hamilton” in its first national tour last season. It gives me great pride to report that we maintained 11,570 season ticket holders. We also expanded our education and outreach initiatives, which have now impacted over 700,000 Southern Nevada students and teachers since The Smith Center’s opening in 2012. This included presenting our very first sensory-friendly performance of a Broadway production, Disney’s “The Lion King.” Over 1,000 families attended this special performance, designed for audiences with sensory sensitivities and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also transformed our annual Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards this year. For the first time in the award program’s history, we added 12 new award categories and featured large-scale ensemble performances from high school shows, with the goal of celebrating all of the collaborative efforts involved with high school productions. And I can’t forget to mention our fourth-annual Heart of Education Awards. On top of honoring over 700 outstanding Clark County School District educators, this year’s event featured a special, surprise keynote speaker: former First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush.
Who made all of this possible? YOU DID. As a nonprofit, everything The Smith Center provides as Southern Nevada’s Heart of the Arts is made possible by generous support across our community. We thank you all for making our heart beat stronger. We offer our sincere thanks for the role that you play with advancing our mission to make the performing arts accessible to all. We have much more in store, and thanks to you, Southern Nevada’s Heart of the Arts continues to beat strong.
Myron Martin President and CEO
EDUCATION Along with academics, trade, technical and athletics,
ARTS EXPERIENCES
are part of developing well-rounded students AND
FUTURE
community leaders. OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF BONNIE LEMERT
- Smith Center Broadway Season Subscriber and Carillon Circle Donor
Disney Musicals in Schools: Several new schools joined The Smith Center’s Disney Musicals in Schools program. This initiative helps elementary schools create their own musical theater programs at no cost to the school. This year, students at Doris Hancock Elementary put on their first production, “The Jungle Book KIDS.” Teacher Rebecca Anderson was amazed by her students’ newfound confidence and collaboration skills as they learned choreography, songs and theater technology.
6 311 37 schools with
students and
OUR
teachers participated in the Disney Musicals in Schools program during the school year
KIDS ARE STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU
“I have seen the GROWTH IN THESE CHILDREN in so many ways this year. Theater teaches them so much more than song and dance. It creates critical thinkers whose contributions have lasting impacts on our communities.
– REBECCA ANDERSON, Teacher at Doris Hancock Elementary
“You inspire students to follow their dreams and guide them on a path to success. You’re making a BRIGHTER FUTURE not only for Clark County, but for all of the United States.” – LAURA BUSH, Former First Lady of the United States
3,376
teachers nominated by the community for the fourth-annual Heart of Education Awards
The Heart of Education Awards: Over 700 outstanding teachers were honored at The Smith Center’s fourth-annual Heart of Education Awards. The night of celebration in Reynolds Hall included a keynote address by former First Lady Laura Bush. Funded by The Rogers Foundation, this annual event honors Clark County School District teachers who go above and beyond for their students and schools. The top 20 receive a $5,000 cash prize and a $1,000 donation to a school program of their choice.
1,965
“I was skeptical if he could sit and enjoy full-length performances. I wasn’t sure if my autistic son could enjoy the shows as much, given certain conditions. I am elated. I want my son to experience life to the fullest and have him grow to his full potential. Exposing him to the beauty of theater is one of them.” – THERESE ARGUELLES-LUZ, Southern Nevada parent attendees for sensory-friendly performances
Photo Gerald Caesar as Simba in THE LION KING North American Tour. © Disney. Photo by Deen van Meer
Sensory-Friendly Performances: The Smith Center presented its first-ever sensory-friendly performance of Disney’s “The Lion King.” Sensory-friendly performances are designed to accommodate audiences with autism spectrum disorders and other intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Smith Center also presented sensory-friendly performances of “The Phantom Tollbooth,” and organized sensory-friendly performances by illusionist Kevin Spencer for local schools and community groups like Opportunity Village.
73,295
students and teachers attended student matinee performances
Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards
Camp Broadway Shining Stars
Camp Broadway Mainstage
Student Matinees: Students and teachers attended student matinee performances, at no cost to schools. Performed by local, regional, national and international artists, these matinees give many students their first introduction to live theater.
150
Camp Broadway: Southern Nevada children participated in The Smith Center’s seventh-annual Camp Broadway, a summer musical theater program where they learn theater skills from professionals with Broadway and television experience. Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts: An affiliate of the internationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, this program placed professional teaching artists in classroom residences to train early childhood educators in arts-based teaching methods.
58
Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards: The Smith Center expanded the Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards to celebrate all performers and talents that contribute to high school theater productions. We added 12 new award categories, honoring community high school productions, and showcasing full ensemble performances by high school musical casts. Teaching Artists: The Smith Center’s professional teaching artists provided creative and stimulating tools for teachers in schools across Southern Nevada with in-classroom residencies, classroom visits, and helping launch productions through Disney Musicals in Schools.
691
students and teachers across the valley participated in the seventh-annual Nevada High School Musical Theater Awards program
Very Hungary Caterpillar Student Matinee
Nevada High School Musical Theater Award winners
Teaching Artists In Motion
“THEATER BOLSTERS ALL OF THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LEARNING: Reading and literacy skills, problem-solving skills, public-speaking skills, self-discipline. The biggest thing I believe these children learn is empathy.” – KATHY ORTIZ, Teaching Artist
841
Southern Nevada educators participated in professional development sessions presented by the Kennedy Center and visiting teaching artists
WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCES
“I sometimes can’t believe IT’S ACTUALLY ME THERE IN SUCH A
PERFECT
SETTING,
watching and listening to such
AMAZING TALENT. OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF LAURI THOMPSON - Smith Center Broadway Season Subscriber
The cast of COME FROM AWAY, Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2016
11,570
Jackson Browne. Photo by Cristina Arrigoni
subscribers to the 2018 – 2019 Broadway Las Vegas season
The Smith Center presents the very best of music, theater and dance to Southern Nevada audiences. This year had an incredible diversity of acclaimed performances with hits fresh off Broadway, such as "Come From Away" and "Dear Evan Hanson." There were stunning dance performances, including international percussion dance troupe Mayumana. Legendary musicians and singers, such as Bernadette Peters and Jackson Browne, lit up the stage. Global phenomenons Mexican folkloric ensemble Ballet Folklorico and Japanese taiko drumming group Kodo, took the crowd on a musical journey. Brilliant speakers, like celebrity astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and acclaimed Egyptologist Kara Cooney, inspired the audience.
325,736
Sarah Brightman. Photo by Simon Fowler
tickets sold to patrons Bernadette Peters
Mayumana
"The Smith Center Rivals the Met. – KRISTIN CHENOWETH, Renowned Broadway Performer
433 Dr. Kara Cooney. Photo by Marissa Stevens
performances at The Smith Center
Bell, Isserlis, Denk Trio
Ballet Folklórico de México
OUR
PERFORMANCES ARE STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Being able to see the
LOOK OF AWE and excitement on the faces of Smith Center guests,
that's why I
VOLUNTEER. OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF SCOTT CLISH
- Smith Center Volunteer
14,685
248
combined volunteer hours
volunteers at The Smith Center
As a focal point of Las Vegas, The Smith Center is woven into the fabric of the Southern Nevada community. The campus brings people from all walks of life together to make lasting memories, whether as volunteers with the organization or to experience special events such as weddings, fundraisers, awards and commencement ceremonies and more.
22,267
guests attended special events
Cast of THE LION KING visiting UMC Children's Hospital
91
Equipo Academy Graduation
private and special events
“We like to call The Smith Center the living room of Las Vegas, because that really is the center’s purpose, to serve as a GATHERING PLACE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL WALKS OF LIFE. You don’t see this more clearly than at the events we host for the community.” – HARRISON HARVEY, Associate Director of Hospitality and Events Organizing
11
couples said “I do”
Indy Talks: with Jon Ralston: A conversation with Gov. Steve Sisolak. Photo by Daniel Clark
Fanfare at Femmes of Rock
OUR
COMMUNITY IS STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU
The Smith Center donors enjoyed a wide variety of special events this year, giving them exclusive opportunities to experience The Smith Center and its performances on a deeper level. These included mingling with The Smith Center leadership at the annual Chairman’s Celebration, featuring a special dinner and performance from film-and-Broadway star Bernadette Peters. Donors also attended a private reception at the Season Showcase event for the 2019-2020 Broadway season, experienced an elegant night on stage in Reynolds Hall at the Behind the Scenes Celebration, and enjoyed VIP meet-and-greets with top performers like the cast of hit Broadway musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” Members of the Fanfare! affinity group explored Southern Nevada’s arts and culture scene, including an exclusive experience with the beloved Vegas group Femmes of Rock.
DONORS
ARTS MATTER.
They help economies thrive,
help individuals connect with one another and make communities that much
STRONGER.
WE SEE OUR INVESTMENT IN THE SMITH CENTER
as an investment
in
SOUTHERN NEVADA
OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF DAN GIRALDO - Senior Vice President - Global Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Bank of America
OUR FOUNDERS AND VISIONARY DONORS These generous philanthropists provided the crucial initial funding support to help others believe in the promise of The Smith Center. Donald W. Reynolds Foundation Don and Dee Snyder and Family Nancy and Kell Houssels Fred W. and Mary B. Smith William S. and Judy Boyd Beverly and Jim Rogers Wendy and Richard Plaster Johnny A. Ribeiro, Jr. Family Trust Keith G. Boman, M.D. Cirque du Soleil Thomas & Mack Company Pierre and Pamela Omidyar Jacqulyn C. Shropshire The Caesars Foundation The Fertitta Family Eileen and Allen Anes Norman M. Forrester and William R. Griffin Richard T. and Jeri S. Crawford Don and Susan Ackerman Drs. M. Nafees and Shamim N. Nagy
3,252
MGM Resorts International Jerry and Maryanna Herbst NV Energy Boyd Gaming Corporation Wells Fargo Theodore, Doris, Greg, Dana and Ernest Lee Clark County School District Fred and Harriet Cox Charles L. Atwood Las Vegas Review-Journal The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company The Knauss Family Dennis and Carol Troesh Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Lori and Mark James and Phyllis Frias Mary C. Cashman Cox Communications, Inc. Elaine Wynn Bennett Family Foundation
donors gave
Janice and Fred Allen and Gary L. Haupt Tony Hsieh Diane and Robert Bigelow Madeleine and Don Andress Bonnie and Bill Paulos The Charles N. Mathewson Foundation John and Nancy Shepherd Las Vegas Sands Lovee and Bob Arum Wynn Resorts Cliff and Donna Findlay Family Carolyn and Gary Hanna The John C. Kish Foundation Stella and Rob Roy City of Las Vegas Clark County State of Nevada The Engelstad Family Laurie and Curtis Alexander Windsong Trust
$4,643,828
in membership and corporate support
CAPSTONE CAMPAIGN DONORS Desert Radiologists Leonard and Linda Eckhaus GCA Sheryl and Rob Goldstein Madison and Susan Graves Jeanne G. Greenawalt and The Cahlen Families Robin and Danny Greenspun Joe Hollis J. Randall and Kathleen Jones
Tina and Harold Lewis / Lewis Family Foundation Sue and Paul Lowden and Family Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Foundation The Matthews Family Nevada Orthopedic and Spine Center Phillip C. Peckman and Schafer E. Peckman Larry and Audrey Plotkin Ted and Maria Quirk
Tony and Chris Rose and Family The Siegfried and Roy Foundation Pauline Collins Sells Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada Dr. and Mrs. Leon H. Steinberg E. L. Wiegand Foundation Buck and Aurora Wong
MEMBERS PLATINUM Charles Atwood and David Dedmon Disney Worldwide Services, Inc The Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Foundation Windsong Trust Elaine P. Wynn & Family Foundation
GOLD
Peter and Angela Dal Pezzo Carolyn Hanna The Walt Disney Company
SILVER
Janice Allen Anderson~Miller~Pinkelman - Morgan Stanley Michael F. Bolognini Keith G. Boman, M.D. Anne and Glenn Christenson Paula Ann Degner Richard Ditton and Deborah DeLanoy Christina and Alan Feldman Betsy Fretwell and Christine Robinson Randy and Staci Garcia Richard M. Haddrill Nancy and Kell Houssels John C. Kish Foundation Bonnie Lemert Todd-Avery Lenahan Lark McCarthy and Michael Thomas, M.D. Jerry Nadal John Nelson and Milo Miloscia Richard Plaster Benson and Lee Riseman Tony and Christine Rose Don and Dee Snyder and Family Roger Thomas and Arthur Libera Mark and Sandra Tratos and Greenberg Traurig Union Pacific Foundation Diane and Gerald Wendel Wynn Resorts, Limited Renee and Michael Yackira
BRONZE
Helen B. Arnold Lovee and Bob Arum Gloria, George, Dana, and BJ Balaban Bank of America Charitable Fondation Selma Bartlett Wood-Bitterman Charitable Trust Heidi and Lawrence Canarelli and Family Gary and Cindy Ellis Rhonda C. Evans Financial Services Inc. The Robinson and Frankoff Families Friedman Charitable Foundation Jane and Jeff Gale and Family Myra and Brian Greenspun J. Stuart Haldan Fund held at Parasol Tahoe Community Foundation Daniel Hamilton and Mary-Ann Winkelmes Heather and Brian Harris Barbara and Greg Heinrich
Betty and Irwin Helford Terry Helms Elaine A. and Lawrence J. Hodgson Deborah Jacob and Dow Timmen Bob and Alison Kasner Shirley Keenan Chris and Marianne Lane In Memory of Richard Larsen Robert E. Lewis Real Estate Corporation Scott Y. MacTaggart, Esq. Deborah Smith Magness David and Rachel Mason Gary L. McCreary and Damon M. Lang Thomas and Barbara McDonald Dr. Mark and Amy McKenzie Mike and Maureen Mekjian Rabbi Yocheved Mintz Linda and David Mizrahi and Family National Endowment For The Arts Nevada Arts Council Marsha Newman and Stan Pollack David Redfearn and Carol Reinhardt Linda Schimberg Miriam Shearing Les J. Silver and Andrea Rothschild-Silver Steinberg Family Foundation The Stewarts - Todd, Carol, Joseph and Jillian Daisy John and Carol Taylor Francisco "TJ" Tejeda Towbin Automotive George S. Tu and Amy Kao Virtus Companies Tim and Shari Wong Robb, Alisa and Sydney Worth
$5,000+
Anonymous Dr. Sherif and Nahed Abdou Daniel and Ginger Anderson Sharyn and David Applebaum Bank of Nevada Perry and Gae Basch The Beef Jerky Store BNY Mellon Janet Clark Krista and Rick Darnold Rene de Guzman The Hon. Kathleen E. Delaney Desert Medical Equipment Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation John and Marie Ellerton Kathie and Al Faccinto, Jr. Susan Greenspun Fine and Max Spilka Kathryn and Herman Fox Marlene and Ivan Friedmutter Lana and Victor Fuchs Mary and Tom Gallagher Mark and Marianne Haley Bruce and Carol Herren Joyce Carol Kessler
Michael and Jo Ann Knapp Dr. John and Carole Lepore Paul and Sherry Loewe Justin and Laura Long Judy MacGilvary-Glispie and Benford Glispie Greg and Karen McKinley Dr. and Mrs. Robert Merrell Millan Family Fund Edward and Gail Miller Joan Morris Brian and May Murphy Zach and Tanya Murray, Rosenbluth Family Foundation Joe and Helen Nutting Angela and Paul Otto David and Carol Paderski Ellen Whittemore and Jeff Patterson Family Josh, Jaime, and Nora Rexing The Roesener Family Fund Roxy and Alise Roxborough The Salvucci Family Trust Jared and Claire Shafer Pat and Joy Shalmy Joel Silverman Jack and Marcy Simon Smart Software Solutions Wes and Stacie Smith Symphony Park Vegas Charles Sapp and Saundra Vance Margie and Steve Wilkinson Dr. Randall and Jennifer Yee
$2,500+
Ellen and Jeff Adler Suzanne and Darren Altreche L. Eddie Ball Donna Balon Elizabeth Britton Justin Bruni Leah E. Cashman Marcia and George Chami Bryan J. Cohen Diamondback Land Surveying LLC Connie and David Dierking Samantha Duvall William and Gloria Filbert Gloria and Mark Fine Deanna Forbush and Douglas French Bill and Nancy Fullerton Ivy Gage Galatz Family Trust The Honorable Mayors Carolyn and Oscar B. Goodman Paul Gordon Patricia and Andrew Gotelli William and Stephanie Graham Victoria Higgins Drs. Craig and Alexis Iwamoto Ronald Koe, MD and Zugeith Koe Philip and Anne Kohn Peter and Marilee Kovacs
Patricia E. Kujawa Ellis and Yvette Landau John and Linda Leach David H. and Doreen B. Lee Edward and Tracy Maas Cheryl Martin Christy and Alan Molasky Joseph and Jessie Louise Murphy Anthony and Amy Ng Joan and Dr. Steven Palmer Andree and Richard Reed Veronica Richards Barbara Robinson, J.D. and Andres Costas, M.D. The Ian and Irmalee Ross Family Ronald Sage Sharon Von Tobel Schmitt Arthur Schuetz Dorothy Shepherd Karen Shier Clifford Silverstein and Carolyn Kleih Bob and Sandy Smith Sheila and Marvin Strusser Barbara Tapp Transamerica Audio Group, Inc. Carol Bontrager Wagers Nicole Weissman Sharon and Wydell Williams Elizabeth Woolard-Jones
$1,000+
Anonymous (2) Renie Alverson Clyde Atkisson and Max Gray Leigh and Phil Aurbach Paul and Judy Bartolo Carol Benchley Shelley Berkley Linda and Bruce Berry Gary and Wendy Jo Black Tony and Linda Bonnici Louis and Barabara Bradfield Ms. Sandra Brannum Patricia and Robert Brinton The Bujack Family Margaret Carnell Annette and Larry Carter Frank Casullo Ed and Judy Cebulko Dwayne and Carol Chesnut Robert E. Clark Pauline Collins Sells L. Collins Dr. Susie Costa Cox Charities Terian and Diana Lynn Day Yvette DeZalia and Carlos R. Espinoza Whitney and Larry DuBoef Jeff and Mary Ehret Vincent Joseph Engerer Bob and Jamie Evans Christine Faber Forgotten Song Foundation, Inc Steve and Shauna Forsythe Suzyanne Nancy Fowler
Deborah Franklin George and Nancy Gingerelli Herb and Joan Goldman Hank, Honorine, Andrea and Richard Gordon Steve and Grace Greathouse Hilarie Grey Chuck, Jon and Megan Halsey Jacqueline Harris-Smith John and Sheila Hicinbothem Wayne and Kathleen Hillock Carol Hovenden and Connie Hill Patrice Hoyt Debbie Huber Dawn and Christopher Hume Pam Ivey Edward Janov Judy and Terry Jones Larry Jurgensen and Dolores Shindle Tom and Liz Kaplan Kaethe Kauffman Drs. Brian and Cindy Kawasaki Buffie and Tom Kerestesi Shana and Robert Kim Mac King and Jennifer Sils-King John Klai and Jon Sparer Bette LaCombe Mary Laub Lane Lee Elizabeth A. Letzler Bob and Melody Lind Bob Linden Barry and Betty Marrus John Marz James and Priscilla McCarty Kathyryn McQuade Wendy and Raul Meoz Betty J. Miller Curt and Eliane Miller Terry Murphy Boyd Nelson Forrest Newman Dr. Linh Nguyen and Lich Tran Ryan M. Nishiuchi Kathleen Nylen In Memory of Thomas O'Dou The Palmer-Wolf Corporation Bob and Carole Papper Daren Perlstein John Pezzullo and Joanne Curry Steve and Susan Philpott Mike and Peggy Polosky Jon Ralston Anita Rivkin-Carothers Kenneth and Mary Rowley Sanders-Krick Family Foundation, a Donor Advised Fund of the U.S. Charitable Gift Trust Wayne and Jo Schlekewy Candy and Mike Schneider Brian Schumacher Mike, Kathy, Kyle and Kori Shalmy James Sikora
Terry and Diana Smith Dr. Michael and Jennifer Tenby Dr. Robert and Peggy Thalgott Helen Thayer Lauri Thompson, Allen Bracken, Nik and Alex Dennis and Diane Tilton Michael Trigg Caryn and Robert Tyre Cynthia Vallar Regina Von Tobel Ronald and Maryellen Wallace Barbara and Fred Wasserspring Arnold Wax and Susan Nye Stanley and Adele Weiner Wayne and Beth Weiten George and Maureen White Lois Widell John Wohlwend, MD and Candice Tung, MD Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts The Richard S. Worthington Family Loretta Zahn Brent Zatezalo Sandra Zobrist
ENCORE SOCIETY DONORS
Brian Abbott Curtis and Laurie Alexander Madeleine and Don Andress Eileen and Allen Anes Charles L. Atwood Perry and Gae Bash Carol Benchley Allison Bonanno Mary C. Cashman Douglass and Brownell Cochran Harriet Cox Leonard and Linda Eckhaus Susan Eifert Heather Estus Norman M. Forrester and William R. Griffin Jonathan and Kari Halkyard Tim Hanlon and Anthony Merel Carolyn Hanna Mary Beth Hartleb Judy and Terry Jones Irwin, Sharon and Joanna Kishner Bonnie Lemert Mark and Lynne Lerner Judy MacGilvary-Glispie and Benford Glispie Connie M. Melcher Heather Mongie Larry and Audrey Plotkin Don and Dee Snyder and Family Tony Stephens, M.D. Steven and Sharon Strasser Barbara Tapp Ruth and Andy Urban and Family Margie and Steve Wilkinson Robert and Sharon Wiviott AS OF 6/30/2019
LOOKING AHEAD I want to make sure The Smith Center
IS A FOREVER GIFT TO
our
COMMUNITY. The Smith Center will be here for
100 or 150 years, and we need to be able to sustain that.� OUR HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF DON SNYDER
- Smith Center Board of Directors Chairman
Explosive New Growth Around The Smith Center - Reflecting Southern Nevadans’ enthusiasm for enjoying downtown Las Vegas, several anticipated construction projects are moving forward at Symphony Park, the 61-acre development downtown that includes The Smith Center. Many expect these projects to attract new audiences to The Smith Center, plus offer exciting new experiences for guests to enjoy. This fall marks the completion for the City of Las Vegas’ two new parking garages adjacent to The Smith Center, which provide over 1,200 parking spaces and 30,000 square feet of new retail space. That’s just the start. Southern Land Company broke ground in the spring on a luxury, 5-story, midrise apartment community just north of The Smith Center. An additional apartment complex, Aspen Heights, is slated off South City Parkway. An AC Hotel by Marriott is also planned along Grand Central Parkway. Meanwhile, World Market Center Las Vegas - located across from The Smith Center on Grand Central Parkway - continues to construct a new, 315,000-square-foot exhibition facility scheduled to open in summer 2020.
AVE LLE EV NN BO
A Packed Broadway Season - The top goals upon The Smith Center’s opening in 2012 included bringing the best of Broadway productions to Southern Nevada. The center continues to provide this each year with its popular Broadway Las Vegas Series®, showcasing beloved Broadway classics alongside fresh, Tony-winning hits on their first national tours. Broadway productions remain a top draw for Smith Center audiences — and to meet this demand, The Smith Center will offer a 10-show Broadway season for the second time in its history, with its 2019-20 Broadway Las Vegas Series®. This anticipated season includes smash Broadway hits such as “Wicked” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” as well as the hottest new Broadway shows like “Mean Girls” and 10-time Tony winner “The Band’s Visit.”
Photo by Pete McBride
Jesus Christ Superstar. Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade
Acclaimed National Geographic Speaker Series Returns - Southern Nevada audiences can discover the secrets of the world, without leaving home. The Smith Center takes pride this upcoming season in presenting its second “National Geographic Live!” series, a globally acclaimed speaker series featuring captivating presentations by leading explorers, scientists and photographers.
Delightful Family Shows for All Ages - Patrons offered input on what they wanted to see, and The Smith Center’s team will happily provide. In response to high demand, The Smith Center will present several family shows this season that feature thrilling audience participation, as well as beloved characters who kids will recognize from books and television. These will kick off in October with “Double Dare Live!,” an interactive theater show adapted from the hit Nickelodeon television series. This will follow with whimsical productions such as “Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure,” featuring large-scale moving puppets, smash Broadway musicals, “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” “The Spongebob Musical,” and “What Do You Do With an Idea?” based off the bestselling children’s book by Kobi Yamada.
Philip Huffman as The Grinch and the 2016 Touring Company of Dr. Seuss HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS The Musical
Nickelodeon's Double Dare Live!
OUR
FUTURE IS STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU
A Special, Inclusive Theater Experience - This winter will see a valuable next step in The Smith Center’s ongoing mission to make the performing arts accessible to all. For the second time ever, The Smith Center will present a sensory-friendly performance of a hit Broadway production, “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” This special performance will be designed for audiences with sensory sensitivities and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. With this performance offering specially trained staff, comprehensive pre-show guides, designated quiet areas and additional support, The Smith Center team looks forward to helping Southern Nevadans with special needs make holiday memories with their families and friends.
ENSURING THE SMITH CENTER’S LEGACY When Southern Nevada community leaders came together in the early ‘90s to create a world-class performing arts center, they envisioned it would serve as a cultural resource for many years to come. “From the very beginning, we said ‘this is not just for those of us who live here today, but for our children and our grandchildren, and our grandchildren’s children,’” says Don Snyder, chairman of The Smith Center board, who played a pivotal role with fundraising and opening the center. This serves as the basis for the Campaign to Sustain The Smith Center. With a goal to grow The Smith Center’s endowment fund to $100 million and secure its future for generations, this is the opportunity to give a forever gift to the community. This campaign welcomes contributions of every size, inviting all Southern Nevadans to play a part to ensure the center’s legacy. “Someday people are going to look back at all the things that have been done because of The Smith Center,” Snyder says. “The cultural arts will have been helped substantially by The Smith Center.”
LOOKING AHEAD
TICKET SALES ONLY COVER 75% OF WHAT IT TAKES TO SERVE AS SOUTHERN NEVADA’S HEART OF THE ARTS.
DONOR SUPPORT PROVIDES
25%
OUR
HEART BEATS STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOU
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pictured left to right: Benson Riseman, Michael Bolognini, Todd-Avery Lenahan, Vice Chairman Dr. Keith Boman, Roger Thomas, Rory Reid, Nancy Houssels, Richard Plaster, Matthew Frazier, Secretary Mark Tratos, Chairman Donald D. Snyder, Craig Miller, John Nelson, Scott MacTaggart, Member at Large Alan Feldman, Treasurer Michael Yackira, Betsy Fretwell, Myron Martin, Randy Garcia, Jerry Nadal, Tony Rose. Not pictured: Lark McCarthy, Richard Haddrill
EXECUTIVE TEAM Myron G. Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Beard, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Burnett, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Suzanne Chabre, Vice President, Marketing and Communications Glenn Medas, Vice President, Sales and Programming Daniel Neel, Vice President, Development Candy Schneider, Vice President, Education and Outreach
2 0 1 8 – 2 0 1 9 S E ASO N S P O N SO RS