3/1/2022
Discovering The Smith Center
Millions of Southern Nevadans enjoy magical experiences at The Smith Center, but many don’t realize the wide variety of professionals who make that magic possible. Hundreds of workers across several departments work behind the scenes on performances, maintain the campus, organize special events, provide impactful outreach and more.
With The Smith Center celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2022, the center shines a spotlight on longtime employees from many of its departments.
Learn more about each department below, and read what it means to these employees to have been a part of The Smith Center family from the very beginning.
Education and Outreach Department
Many often hail that education is in The Smith Center’s DNA – and nothing makes this more true than the center’s Education and Outreach Department. This dedicated team provides numerous arts education experiences for over 1 million students and teachers across Southern Nevada.
This includes presenting student matinees in the center’s theaters, organizing master classes and workshops with leading performers, and helping at-risk schools create musical-theater programs.
“More than 15 years ago, I was invited to join the team to help create and build the vision of The Smith Center, and now I am truly living a dream. Nothing is quite as magical as watching school buses surround the building to deliver young people who will experience live performances for the very first time. These inspirational experiences are truly creating lifelong memories for young people who are our future artists, musicians, doctors, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs and community leaders.”
– Candy Schneider, Vice President, Education and Outreach
“It has been a wonderful experience to see The Smith Center evolve and grow since its opening. Being able to be a part of its history is a true honor. I'm looking forward to what comes next!”
– Shaquida Vergo, Teaching Artist Program Manager, Education and Outreach
Patron Services / Ticketing Departments
With The Smith Center presenting approximately 400 shows each year, work in the Patron Services and Ticketing departments never ceases. These team members constantly assist patrons with ticket purchases, exchanges, upgrades and any other show-related needs. As most people interact with these employees to procure tickets, they represent the face of The Smith Center.
“Working at The Smith Center has been great for me. I’ve been very fortunate to meet some really wonderful people who have helped me a lot professionally. Being surrounded by great people makes working at The Smith Center even more enjoyable.”
– Maxwell Guy, Manager, Patron Services Department
“It’s such a privilege to be working at The Smith Center. What makes it so meaningful for me are the people I have worked with and continue to work with throughout the years. They’re irreplaceable, and have left a positive impact on me and who I am today. This place wouldn’t be the same without them.”
– Edwin Porciuncula, Specialist, Ticketing Department
Housekeeping Department
Most who enter The Smith Center catch their breath at the Grand Lobby’s sparkling marble floors, the polished silver banisters and the elevators’ reflective sheen. Keeping the center’s three theaters and additional facilities immaculately clean requires tremendous time and effort, and the center’s devoted housekeeping team never fails to keep the campus thoroughly pristine.
“I am blessed to be here for over 10 years. I love The Smith Center — it is my home away from home! My second family is here. I love it when people ask me where I work, because I am very proud to say I work at The Smith Center. I enjoy working with everyone here.”
– Ana Reyes, Assistant Manager, Housekeeping Department
Engineering / Facilities Departments
No Smith Center visitor will ever spy a scratched wall, fading paint, stained carpet or dim light bulb. The scrupulous team members with the Engineering and Facilities departments see to that, by maintaining all of the center’s facilities and mechanical systems every day. This includes servicing all electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, mechanical, lighting, flooring, finishes, signage, furniture repair and refinishing, locks, fire-and-life safety systems, and much more.
“I love what I do and those I work with! We’re a family here. Being a part of something that brings so much joy to so many, you can’t get better than that. This has been the most amazing experience in my work career.”
– Mandy Ashcraft, Coordinator, Facilities Department
Development Department
Many don’t realize that as a nonprofit, The Smith Center relies on community support to achieve its mission of making the arts accessible to all – and the Development Department helps connect with the community to find generous supporters. With ticket sales funding 75 percent of the center’s operations, philanthropic support covers the remaining 25 percent.
“It was my first week on the job when construction on The Smith Center broke ground in downtown Union Park, and the excitement at the event was invigorating! That was nearly 14 years ago. In March 2022, we will celebrate our 10-year anniversary. I am so grateful to all of our donors and community partners for their ongoing support of Southern Nevada’s Heart of the Arts.”
– Emma Durant, Director of Philanthropy, Development Department
Parking Department
When lines of cars snake through The Smith Center campus, the vigilant team members with the Parking Department ensure every vehicle and pedestrian arrive at their destination safely. Many rely on these workers to provide directions, and even sometimes a ride to the entrance in the center’s golf carts.
“I’ve enjoyed working at The Smith Center since its opening. The work is worth the effort every time I see our patrons or school kids arrive excited for a show, and leave thrilled for having come to The Smith Center.”
– Joseph Sandoval, Manager, Parking Department
Theater Operations Department
As audiences experience uplifting performances, top professionals make each show’s elements come together seamlessly, including the lighting, sound, special effects and set pieces. These experts comprise the Theater Operations Department, who work closely with every show to understand and support their technical and infrastructure needs.
“I can hardly believe it’s been 10 years since I first walked through the doors of The Smith Center in the fall of 2011. I remember thinking what a wonderful present it was for Las Vegas to get a few years after its 100th birthday. The Smith Center has become one of Southern Nevada’s center points for culture, and I couldn’t be happier and prouder to walk through these doors nearly every day to contribute to it.”
– Robert Brassard, Head Lighting, Theater Operations Department
Groundskeeping Department
Most visitors to The Smith Center take pleasant strolls around the campus to admire Symphony Park and the center’s gleaming exterior. Visitors can thank the Groundskeeping Department for this beautifully manicured campus, which requires constant vigil and maintenance.
"As a groundskeeper here for 10 years, I see the compassion of everyone working here. I am grateful to be part of such a company that truly values its employees. I am happy to say that I enjoy my time in here."
– Carlos Viray, Groundskeeping Lead, Groundskeeping Department
Hospitality Department
The Smith Center hosts a wide range of special events, including weddings, meetings and community events. These elegant occasions are made possible by the fastidious team members of the Hospitality and Events Department, who help guests make lifelong memories.
“It has been a great privilege to have been with The Smith Center since opening. Exposure to the arts is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Being born and raised in Las Vegas, I grew up without that exposure locally. Fortunately, the landscape is much different now. The impact that The Smith Center has had on our community is priceless, and I for one cannot be more thankful to our community for its support so that we can continue to enrich lives.”
– Stephanie Kremer, Director, Hospitality Department