9/11/2023
Discovering The Smith Center
When Ana Reyes hears people compliment how glittering clean The Smith Senter looks, it fills her with pride.
As Assistant Director of Housekeeping, Reyes and the rest of The Smith Center’s 20-member housekeeping department work hard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep the center spotlessly clean.
“We value impeccable standards in maintaining a clean, sanitized, tidy and pleasant environment for our patrons and our guests,” says Reyes, who has worked with the center for over 10 years. “I am proud of my team and my own work. I’m happy that the hard work is recognized.”
Their roles require no small effort.
The Smith Center encompasses an expansive campus, spanning three theaters, a winding backstage area and administrative offices. The housekeeping department keeps it all pristine, which The Smith Center honors this fall during International Housekeeping and Environmental Services Week.
Reyes dubs it all worthwhile, when she sees community members enjoying The Smith Center.
“I’m proud to be part of a company that enriches Las Vegas with world-class performances, and educational programs,” Reyes says.
More Than Just Spring Cleaning
Keeping The Smith Center spotless involves a highly coordinated effort, says Housekeeping Attendant Sonia Esparza.
She points to how housekeeping staff divides up different sections of campus between the morning, afternoon and graveyard shifts. They take great care with sensitive materials that must be cleaned carefully, such as the Italian marble of the Grand Lobby and the silver railings.
“It’s always nice when we hear compliments of how clean it is, when everyone says everything just sparkles,” says Esparza, who has also worked at The Smith Center for over 10 years.
She’s remained at the center because she simply loves her job, she adds, especially getting to glimpse the action backstage.
“Every show is different — they bring in different props, it’s a whole different set-up and exciting,” she says.
After working at The Smith Center for five years, Housekeeping Manager Jose Perez says “there is no other place I would rather be,” because he sees how the center brings the community together.
“It makes me feel good that people can come here and enjoy the facilities,” Perez says. “I am proud to be a part of the experience that guests have when they come to The Smith Center.”
Reyes always focuses on ensuring that performers’ dressing rooms are in “impeccable shape” with a comfortable and welcoming ambience, she notes.
“I see how hard (performers) work, and I get in there to help,” she says.
Like a Second Home
The housekeeping team can point to many favorite moments on the job.
Reyes looks back fondly on seeing her niece and nephew attending one of The Smith Center’s student matinees, where she has also met other staff members’ children.
The housekeeping staff often enjoys meals together, she adds, including Thanksgiving feasts.
“Some of my favorite memories during my time working for The Smith Center include having laughs with my team at the holiday parties,” Reyes says. “The best time is having everyone share their personal dishes at our birthday potlucks.”
Working at The Smith Center enhances her enjoyment when she attends a show there, she adds.
“Every event is special because I am spending time with my family and friends, but I’m also telling them about The Smith Center and the show behind the curtain,” she says.
Esparza feels thrilled when she takes her own children to shows at The Smith Center.
“It feels like I’m bringing them to my second home,” she says. “It’s comforting to know I’m coming to a place that I’m part of.”
Many housekeeping team members feel likewise, Perez says, and they feel proud telling friends where they work.
“They feel like these buildings (at The Smith Center) are theirs, just like their own homes,” he says. “They want to have a clean home and be proud of their home.”