10/1/2020
Inside the Theater
A few simple words embody one of the most important parts of a performance: the load-in. This process entails unloading and setting up everything a touring production needs for its performances. Load-ins can involve building sets, installing special lighting and effects, organizing costumes and props and more, often conducted a mere day before opening night.
10/1/2020
Discovering The Smith Center / Retrospective Series
If you think designing a world-class performing arts center happens overnight, think again. Before a single shovel broke ground for The Smith Center’s construction, the project team members needed to nail down just how the facility of their dreams should look. This quest would take them around the world before finding inspiration right here in Southern Nevada.
9/29/2020
Education and Outreach
When Kelly Wagner first heard about the Oct. 1 mass shooting, the teacher immediately thought, “I could’ve been there.” Wagner had faithfully attended the Route 91 Harvest music festival every prior year, she explains, and decided to take a break in 2017. Wagner says, “I knew we had to do something.”
9/28/2020
Inside the Theater
The pandemic not only brought about the temporary closure of The Smith Center and numerous other performance venues, but many other arts activities remain on hold under public health guidelines. To fill this void for now, The Smith Center offers a few ideas for staying social with the arts, while still keeping a safe distance.
9/23/2020
Inside the Theater
The words Broadway and musical have nearly become synonymous since the mid-19th century. Broadway productions now set the highest standard for musical theater, with many performers aspiring to take part as a lifelong ambition. This grand tradition launched with one paradigm-shifting show — the first Broadway musical. And it happened by accident.
9/23/2020
Inside the Theater
When audiences experience touring Broadway productions at The Smith Center, they relish the booming and sweeping melodies flowing from the hidden compartment beneath the stage. But little do many realize, the musicians tucked in this underground space must grapple with numerous challenges to provide a polished, flawless sound.
9/21/2020
Discovering The Smith Center / Retrospective Series
You have probably made special memories at The Smith Center over its first eight years. This would never have happened without a group of community leaders who met over 20 years ago. This small band of visionaries convened at the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas to discuss founding a world-class performing arts center in their community.
9/16/2020
Inside the Theater
Most theater and dance performances feature live musicians tucked in a sub-stage orchestra pit, blasting and crooning melodies that enhance the show without audiences often realizing it. But this wasn’t always so. As part of The Smith Center’s ongoing blog series exploring the history of theater magic, discover how the orchestra pit originated.
9/14/2020
Education and Outreach
After initial weeks of conquering technology and building student relationships through screens, teachers have a strong grasp of what helps students thrive during at-home learning… And what does not. The Smith Center polled award-winning educators for insights to help us all navigate the remote learning environment.
9/14/2020
Education and Outreach
Kim Law cares for as many as 150 animals in her role as head of the Zookeepers Club at Mabel Hoggard Elementary School, a club that teaches students compassion and more. To celebrate her inspiring work, The Smith Center honored Law as one of the top 20 teachers for its fifth-annual Heart of Education Awards.