Jump to content

Smith Center for the Performing Arts: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 36°10′7″N 115°9′8″W / 36.16861°N 115.15222°W / 36.16861; -115.15222
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
GreenC bot (talk | contribs)
Bots
2,213,667 edits
m 1 archive template merged to {{webarchive}} (WAM)
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit iOS app edit
(38 intermediate revisions by 27 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada}}
{{Coord|36|10|7|N|115|9|8|W|region:US-NV_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Coord|36|10|7|N|115|9|8|W|region:US-NV_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{Infobox venue
{{Infobox venue
| name = The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
| name = The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
| image = [[File:The Smith Center for the Performing Arts & DISCOVERY Children's Museum.jpg|250px]]
| image = [[File:The Smith Center for the Performing Arts & DISCOVERY Children's Museum.jpg|250px]]
| image_caption = Photo of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in February 2012
| image_caption = The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in February 2012
| nickname =
| nickname =
| location = 361 Symphony Park Avenue<br>[[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
| location = 361 Symphony Park Avenue<br>[[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]]
| coordinates = {{Coord|36|10|7|N|115|9|8|W}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|36|10|7|N|115|9|8|W}}
| type = Performing Arts Center
| type = Performing Arts Center
Line 22: Line 23:
}}
}}


The '''Smith Center for the Performing Arts''' is located in [[Downtown Las Vegas]]'s 61-acre [[Symphony Park]] and is a five-acre performing arts center consisting of three [[theaters]] in two buildings;<ref name=varity20090520/> groundbreaking for the $470 million project was May 26, 2009.<ref name=varity20090520>{{cite news |first=Barbara |last= Scherzer |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Vegas' Smith Center given greenlight |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004015.html?categoryid=16&cs=1 |work=[[Variety (magazine)]] |publisher= |date=2009-05-20 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref><ref name=lvrj20090525>{{cite news |first=Alan |last= Choate |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Smith Performing Arts Center project gets city go-ahead |url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/44476322.html |work=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |publisher= |date=2009-05-06 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> The [[Art Deco|Neo Art Deco]] design style was chosen by [[David M. Schwarz]]<ref>[http://www.dmsas.com/#/portfolio/single/22 Schwarz Architects about the Smith Center]</ref> to echo the design elements of the [[Hoover Dam]], just 30 miles to the southeast. It also shares design features with the [[Will Rogers Memorial Center]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]]. The center features a 17-story [[carillon]] tower containing 47 bells and is the first performing arts center in the nation to be Gold [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] certified. It opened on March 10, 2012.<ref>[http://www.thesmithcenter.com/building/overview ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324123612/http://www.thesmithcenter.com/building/overview |date=March 24, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Your Name Here |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/explore/faq/ |title=Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Thesmithcenter.com |date=2013-01-24 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
The '''Smith Center for the Performing Arts''' is located in [[Downtown Las Vegas]]'s {{convert|61|acre|adj=on}} [[Symphony Park]] and is a {{convert|5|acre|adj=on}} performing arts center consisting of three [[theaters]] in two buildings;<ref name=varity20090520/> groundbreaking for the $470 million project was May 26, 2009.<ref name=varity20090520>{{cite news |first=Barbara |last=Scherzer |title=Vegas' Smith Center given greenlight |url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004015.html?categoryid=16&cs=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130205133409/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118004015.html?categoryid=16&cs=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-05 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2009-05-20 |access-date=2009-05-25 }}</ref><ref name=lvrj20090525>{{cite news |first=Alan |last= Choate |title=Smith Performing Arts Center project gets city go-ahead |url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/44476322.html |work=[[Las Vegas Review-Journal]] |date=2009-05-06 |access-date=2009-05-25}}</ref> The [[Art Deco|Neo Art Deco]] design style was chosen by [[David M. Schwarz]]<ref>[http://www.dmsas.com/#/portfolio/single/22 Schwarz Architects about the Smith Center]</ref> to echo the design elements of the [[Hoover Dam]], just {{convert|30|mi}} to the southeast. It also shares design features with the [[Will Rogers Memorial Center]] in [[Fort Worth, Texas]]. The center features a 17-story [[carillon]] tower containing 47 bells and is the first performing arts center in the nation to be Gold [[Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design|LEED]] certified.<ref>{{cite web|title=A World-Class Center|url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/building/overview |author=<!--not stated-->|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324123612/http://www.thesmithcenter.com/building/overview |archive-date=March 24, 2010 }}</ref> It opened on March 10, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--not stated--> |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/explore/faq/ |title=Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Thesmithcenter.com |date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


The Smith Center features international music, and dance companies and is the home of the [[Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra|Las Vegas Philharmonic]] and Nevada Ballet Theatre. The Center is under the leadership of President and CEO Myron Martin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lvpacfoundation.org/ |title=The Smith Center for the Performing Arts|accessdate=2009-01-10}}</ref>
The Smith Center features international music, and dance companies and is the home of the [[Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra|Las Vegas Philharmonic]] and Nevada Ballet Theatre. The center is under the leadership of President and CEO Myron Martin.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lvpacfoundation.org/ |title=The Smith Center for the Performing Arts|access-date=2009-01-10}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Smith Center - West - 2010-03-05.JPG|thumb|The Smith Center construction site in March 2010]]
[[File:Smith Center - West - 2010-03-05.JPG|thumb|The Smith Center construction site in March 2010]]
Prior to The Smith Center opening, Las Vegas was one of the largest cities in the country without a performing arts center. Some highly customized production shows and venues have long existed at various resorts on the [[Las Vegas Strip]] but none were geared towards the variety of performances that a stand-alone center would provide, such as that required for touring Broadway productions or major symphony orchestras. A smaller performing arts venue at the [[University of Nevada Las Vegas]] was inadequate for these purposes.
Prior to The Smith Center opening, Las Vegas was one of the largest cities in the country without a performing arts center. Some highly customized production shows and venues have long existed at various resorts on the [[Las Vegas Strip]] but none were geared towards the variety of performances that a stand-alone center would provide, such as that required for touring Broadway productions or major symphony orchestras. A smaller performing arts venue at the [[University of Nevada Las Vegas]] was inadequate for these purposes.


Plans were initially conceived for a new center around 1994. The [[Donald W. Reynolds|Donald W. Reynolds Foundation]] made a donation of $150 million in 2005, the second largest donation to performing arts in United States history. A car rental fee was also initiated by Clark County and the State of Nevada to repay bonds of $105 million. These two factors together moved the [[public-private]] project towards construction. The building was named after Fred and Mary Smith, the chairman of the Reynolds Foundation and his wife, as the largest benefactors. The City of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] began separate plans around 2000 to build a [[Downtown Las Vegas|downtown]] urban district called [[Symphony Park]], which was selected as the site for the Center.<ref>{{cite web|author=Your Name Here |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/about/history/ |title=History - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Thesmithcenter.com |date=2013-01-24 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref><ref name="weeklyseven.com">{{cite web|last=Bornfeld |first=Steve |url=http://weeklyseven.com/ae/2012/03/08/how-lineup-stacks |title=How the Lineup Stacks Up &#124; Vegas Seven |publisher=Weeklyseven.com |date=2012-03-08 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
Plans were initially conceived for a new center around 1994. The [[Donald W. Reynolds|Donald W. Reynolds Foundation]] made a donation of $150 million in 2005, the second largest donation to performing arts in United States history. A car rental fee was also initiated by Clark County and the State of Nevada to repay bonds of $105 million. These two factors together moved the [[public-private]] project towards construction. The building was named after Fred and Mary Smith, the chairman of the Reynolds Foundation and his wife, as the largest benefactors. The City of [[Las Vegas, Nevada|Las Vegas]] began separate plans around 2000 to build a [[Downtown Las Vegas|downtown]] urban district called [[Symphony Park]], which was selected as the site for the center.<ref>{{cite web|author=Your Name Here |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/about/history/ |title=History - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Thesmithcenter.com |date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref><ref name="weeklyseven.com">{{cite web|last=Bornfeld |first=Steve |url=http://weeklyseven.com/ae/2012/03/08/how-lineup-stacks |title=How the Lineup Stacks Up &#124; Vegas Seven |publisher=Weeklyseven.com |date=2012-03-08 |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


In 2010, it was announced that the [[Lied Discovery Children's Museum]] would move to the Smith Center, replacing an originally proposed 600-seat theater that was scrapped from the plans in 2008. The reasoning was that the city already had numerous similarly sized venues in the various hotel resorts. A partnership with the [[Kennedy Center]] and some classrooms onsite provide educational opportunities for local youth. The planners expect the center to foster arts awareness and help to revitalize the downtown area with the Center's opening in 2012.<ref name="weeklyseven.com"/><ref>{{cite web|author=sevenhills |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/aug/11/childrens-museum-plans-smith-center-expansion/ |title=Children's museum plans for Smith Center expansion - Las Vegas Sun News |publisher=Lasvegassun.com |date=2010-08-11 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
In 2010, it was announced that the [[Lied Discovery Children's Museum]] would move to the Smith Center, replacing an originally proposed 600-seat theater that was scrapped from the plans in 2008. The reasoning was that the city already had numerous similarly sized venues in the various hotel resorts. A partnership with the [[Kennedy Center]] and some classrooms onsite provide educational opportunities for local youth. The planners expect the center to foster arts awareness and help to revitalize the downtown area with the center's opening in 2012.<ref name="weeklyseven.com"/><ref>{{cite web|author=sevenhills |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/aug/11/childrens-museum-plans-smith-center-expansion/ |title=Children's museum plans for Smith Center expansion - Las Vegas Sun News |publisher=Lasvegassun.com |date=2010-08-11 |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


== Architecture and artworks ==
== Architecture and artworks ==
[[File:Smithcenterlv.jpg|thumb|View towards the tower featuring Neo [[Art Deco]] design]]
[[File:Smithcenterlv.jpg|thumb|View towards the tower featuring Neo [[Art Deco]] design]]
The Smith Center Board wanted a timeless and elegant design, selecting architect [[David M. Schwarz]] to design the center, using inspiration from the [[Hoover Dam]]'s [[Art Deco]] style as a major and lasting historical influence in the Las Vegas area. The building is a pastiche of [[Bertram Goodhue]]'s 1922 design for the [[Nebraska State Capitol]] at Lincoln, and John & Donald Parkinson's 1929 [[Bullocks Wilshire]] in Los Angeles. White Indiana limestone for the facade (as at Lincoln), as well as numerous detail elements based on the Hoover Dam and 1920's motifs feature throughout the facility, including a winged sculpture in the Center lobby modeled after the dam's famous Winged Figures of the Republic statues. A prominent flower theme was also added in select places since Mary Smith's favorite flower is the [[Blue Iris]]. In addition, artwork by local artists from the Las Vegas Art Museum have been loaned to the center to be displayed.<ref name="Jones">{{cite news| url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/04/travel/la-tr-lasvegas-smith-center-20120304 | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Jay | last=Jones | title=Las Vegas: Curtains to open on Smith Center for the Performing Arts | date=March 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/feb/24/las-vegas-art-museums-collection-finds-new-place-h/ |title=Las Vegas Art Museum's collection finds new place to hang, at Smith Center |publisher=Las Vegas Weekly |date= |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
The Smith Center Board wanted a timeless and elegant design, selecting architect [[David M. Schwarz]] to design the center, using inspiration from the [[Hoover Dam]]'s [[Art Deco]] style as a major and lasting historical influence in the Las Vegas area. The building is a reinterpretation of [[Bertram Goodhue]]'s 1922 design for the [[Nebraska State Capitol]] at Lincoln, and John & Donald Parkinson's 1929 [[Bullocks Wilshire]] in Los Angeles. White Indiana limestone for the façade (as at Lincoln), as well as numerous detail elements based on the Hoover Dam and 1920s motifs feature throughout the facility, including a winged sculpture in the center lobby modeled after the dam's famous Winged Figures of the Republic statues. A prominent flower theme was also added in select places since Mary Smith's favorite flower is the [[Blue Iris]]. In addition, artwork by local artists from the Las Vegas Art Museum have been loaned to the center to be displayed.<ref name="Jones">{{cite news| url=https://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/04/travel/la-tr-lasvegas-smith-center-20120304 | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Jay | last=Jones | title=Las Vegas: Curtains to open on Smith Center for the Performing Arts | date=March 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/feb/24/las-vegas-art-museums-collection-finds-new-place-h/ |title=Las Vegas Art Museum's collection finds new place to hang, at Smith Center |publisher=Las Vegas Weekly |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


A large concert hall and two smaller theaters were designed as the main venues. At the corner is a 17-story tower featuring 47 bells and providing a new focal point for the downtown skyline, as well as the Center. Audio design firm Akustiks worked with Schwarz to ensure optimum sound quality in all the venues, installing high tech sound enhancing features like retractable drapery and auto closing doors to reflect or absorb sounds based on the performance type. The main hall is also double soundproofed against outside noises. An outdoor park plaza was also built, serving as an additional outdoor concert venue if needed. It features an artwork by Tim Bavington, representing [[Aaron Copland]]’s “[[Fanfare for the Common Man]].”<ref name="Jones"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/mar/08/can-smith-center-connect-cultural-dots/ |title=Can the Smith Center connect the cultural dots? |publisher=Las Vegas Weekly |date= |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vegasmagazine.com/living/articles/the-talent-behind-the-smith-center-for-the-performing-arts?page=4 |title=The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Rises :: Articles |publisher=Vegas Magazine |date= |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/mar/10/brightly-colored-sculpture-outside-smith-center-it/ |title=That brightly colored sculpture outside the Smith Center? It's music to artist's eyes - Las Vegas Sun News |publisher=Lasvegassun.com |date= |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
A large concert hall and two smaller theaters were designed as the main venues. At the corner is a 17-story tower featuring 47 bells and providing a new focal point for the downtown skyline, as well as the center. Audio design firm Akustiks worked with Schwarz to ensure optimum sound quality in all the venues, installing high tech sound enhancing features like retractable drapery and auto closing doors to reflect or absorb sounds based on the performance type. The main hall is also double soundproofed against outside noises. An outdoor park plaza was also built, serving as an additional outdoor concert venue if needed. It features an artwork by Tim Bavington, representing [[Aaron Copland]]'s "[[Fanfare for the Common Man]]".<ref name="Jones"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2012/mar/08/can-smith-center-connect-cultural-dots/ |title=Can the Smith Center connect the cultural dots? |publisher=Las Vegas Weekly |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vegasmagazine.com/living/articles/the-talent-behind-the-smith-center-for-the-performing-arts?page=4 |title=The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Rises :: Articles |publisher=Vegas Magazine |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/mar/10/brightly-colored-sculpture-outside-smith-center-it/ |title=That brightly colored sculpture outside the Smith Center? It's music to artist's eyes - Las Vegas Sun News |publisher=Lasvegassun.com |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


== Entertainment venues ==<!-- redirect anchor -->
== Entertainment venues ==<!-- redirect anchor -->
[[File:The Smith Center, Las Vegas, United States (Unsplash).jpg|thumb|The main stage inside Reynolds Hall.]]
⚫
The three main venues at the Smith Center are the '''Reynolds Hall''', '''Cabaret Jazz Theater''', and the '''Troesh Studio Theater''', the first of which is located in its namesake building and the latter two in the Boman Pavilion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Your Name Here |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/book-your-event/venues/ |title=Venues - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Thesmithcenter.com |date=2013-01-24 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
[[File:The 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 8, 2019.jpg|thumb|The 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall in 2019]]
⚫
The three main venues at the Smith Center are the '''Reynolds Hall''', '''Myron's Cabaret Jazz ''', and the '''Troesh Studio Theater''', the first of which is located in its namesake building and the latter two in the Boman Pavilion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Your Name Here |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/book-your-event/venues/ |title=Venues - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Thesmithcenter.com |date=2013-01-24 |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


*2,050-seat Reynolds Hall is designed to keep the seats close to the stage, seating is on 5 levels<ref name=varity20090520/><ref name=lvrj20090525/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/shows-tickets/seating-charts/ |title=REYNOLDS HALL SEATING CHART |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Smith Center for the Performing Arts |accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref>
*2,050-seat Reynolds Hall is designed to keep the seats close to the stage, seating is on 5 levels<ref name=varity20090520/><ref name=lvrj20090525/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/shows-tickets/seating-charts/ |title=REYNOLDS HALL SEATING CHART |publisher=Smith Center for the Performing Arts |access-date=March 3, 2012}}</ref>
*258-seat Cabaret Jazz [[cabaret]] style theater for more intimate performances<ref name=varity20090520/><ref name=lvrj20090525/><ref name=sc1>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/shows-tickets/events-by-venue/ |title=Events By Venue |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Smith Center for the Performing Arts |accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref> Clint Holmes performs on the weekend of each month in the cabaret which has two levels of seating.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/events/genres/cabaret-jazz/ |title=CABARET JAZZ - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Smith Center for the Performing Arts |accessdate=March 3, 2012}}</ref>
*240-seat Myron's Cabaret Jazz is designed for more intimate performances.<ref name=varity20090520/><ref name=lvrj20090525/><ref name=sc1>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/shows-tickets/events-by-venue/ |title=Events By Venue |publisher=Smith Center for the Performing Arts |access-date=March 3, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/events/genres/cabaret-jazz/ |title=CABARET JAZZ - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |publisher=Smith Center for the Performing Arts |access-date=March 3, 2012}}</ref>
*250-seat Troesh Studio Theater rehearsal theater<ref name=varity20090520/><ref name=lvrj20090525/><ref name=sc1/>
*250-seat Troesh Studio Theater rehearsal theater<ref name=varity20090520/><ref name=lvrj20090525/><ref name=sc1/>
* The {{convert|2|acre|sing=on}} Donald W. Reynolds Symphony Park lawn for outdoor performances<ref>March 2, 2012 KLAS special on the Smith Center</ref>
* The {{convert|2|acre|adj=on}} Donald W. Reynolds Symphony Park lawn for outdoor performances<ref>March 2, 2012 KLAS special on the Smith Center</ref>


=== Other Features ===
=== Other features ===
* 47 [[Bell (instrument)|bell]] [[carillon]]; is a 17 story tall tower containing cast brass bells that ring over 4 octaves.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.verdin.com/about/news-page-03.php |title=Verdin Carillon Completes World-Class Performing Arts Center |author= |date= |work= |publisher=[[Verdin]] |accessdate=March 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/2011/08/04/carillon-tower/ |title= Carillon Tower |author= |date= |work= |publisher= |accessdate=March 8, 2012}}</ref> The carillon was originally planned as a 36 bell instrument with a 3 octave range.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newlandcommunities.com/News/NewsPost.aspx?post=46299 |title=Groundbreaking held for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts |author= |date= |work= |publisher= |accessdate=March 8, 2012}}</ref>
* 47 [[Bell (instrument)|bell]] [[carillon]]; is a 17 story tall tower containing cast brass bells that ring over 4 octaves.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--not stated--> |url=http://www.verdin.com/about/news-page-03.php |title=Verdin Carillon Completes World-Class Performing Arts Center |publisher=[[Verdin]] |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205120219/http://www.verdin.com/about/news-page-03.php |archive-date=December 5, 2011|access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thesmithcenter.com/2011/08/04/carillon-tower/ |title= Carillon Tower |access-date=March 8, 2012}}</ref>
* Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education
* Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education
* Grand Lobby
* Grand Lobby
Line 55: Line 58:


== Productions ==
== Productions ==
Best of music, dance and Broadway from around the world. Broadway productions include blockbusters such as Book of Mormon, Wicked, The Lion King and Hamilton.


=== Resident Companies ===
=== Resident companies ===
* [[Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra|Las Vegas Philharmonic]]
* [[Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra|Las Vegas Philharmonic]]
* Nevada Ballet Theatre
* [[Nevada Ballet Theatre]]


== Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center ==
== Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center ==
Part of the Smith Center campus includes the new home of the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, to be renamed the [[Discovery Children's Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|author=sevenhills |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/aug/11/childrens-museum-plans-smith-center-expansion |title=Children's museum plans for Smith Center expansion - Las Vegas Sun News |publisher=Lasvegassun.com |date=2010-08-11 |accessdate=2013-03-23}}</ref>
Part of the Smith Center campus includes the new home of the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, to be renamed the [[Discovery Children's Museum]].<ref>{{cite web|author=sevenhills |url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/aug/11/childrens-museum-plans-smith-center-expansion |title=Children's museum plans for Smith Center expansion - Las Vegas Sun News |publisher=Lasvegassun.com |date=2010-08-11 |access-date=2013-03-23}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|35em}}
{{Reflist|35em}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
Line 73: Line 77:
{{Downtown Las Vegas}}
{{Downtown Las Vegas}}
{{Music venues of Nevada}}
{{Music venues of Nevada}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Concert halls in Nevada]]
[[Category:Concert halls in Nevada]]
[[Category:Music venues in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Music venues in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Performing arts centers in Nevada]]
[[Category:Performing arts centers in Nevada]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in the Las Vegas Valley]]
[[Category:Downtown Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Downtown Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Symphony Park]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Culture of Las Vegas]]
[[Category:Culture of Las Vegas]]
Line 84: Line 90:
[[Category:New Classical architecture]]
[[Category:New Classical architecture]]
[[Category:Art Deco architecture in Nevada]]
[[Category:Art Deco architecture in Nevada]]
[[Category:Bell towers in the United States]]
[[Category:Carillons]]
[[Category:Towers completed in 2012]]

Revision as of 13:19, 28 August 2023

36°10′7″N 115°9′8″W / 36.16861°N 115.15222°W / 36.16861; -115.15222

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in February 2012
Map
Location361 Symphony Park Avenue
Las Vegas, Nevada
Coordinates36°10′7″N 115°9′8″W / 36.16861°N 115.15222°W / 36.16861; -115.15222
TypePerforming Arts Center
Capacity2,050
Construction
Built2009-2012 (David M. Schwarz)
OpenedMarch 10, 2012
Website
www.thesmithcenter.com

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is located in Downtown Las Vegas's 61-acre (25 ha) Symphony Park and is a 5-acre (2.0 ha) performing arts center consisting of three theaters in two buildings;[1] groundbreaking for the $470 million project was May 26, 2009.[1][2] The Neo Art Deco design style was chosen by David M. Schwarz[3] to echo the design elements of the Hoover Dam, just 30 miles (48 km) to the southeast. It also shares design features with the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The center features a 17-story carillon tower containing 47 bells and is the first performing arts center in the nation to be Gold LEED certified.[4] It opened on March 10, 2012.[5]

The Smith Center features international music, and dance companies and is the home of the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Nevada Ballet Theatre. The center is under the leadership of President and CEO Myron Martin.[6]

History

The Smith Center construction site in March 2010

Prior to The Smith Center opening, Las Vegas was one of the largest cities in the country without a performing arts center. Some highly customized production shows and venues have long existed at various resorts on the Las Vegas Strip but none were geared towards the variety of performances that a stand-alone center would provide, such as that required for touring Broadway productions or major symphony orchestras. A smaller performing arts venue at the University of Nevada Las Vegas was inadequate for these purposes.

Plans were initially conceived for a new center around 1994. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation made a donation of $150 million in 2005, the second largest donation to performing arts in United States history. A car rental fee was also initiated by Clark County and the State of Nevada to repay bonds of $105 million. These two factors together moved the public-private project towards construction. The building was named after Fred and Mary Smith, the chairman of the Reynolds Foundation and his wife, as the largest benefactors. The City of Las Vegas began separate plans around 2000 to build a downtown urban district called Symphony Park, which was selected as the site for the center.[7][8]

In 2010, it was announced that the Lied Discovery Children's Museum would move to the Smith Center, replacing an originally proposed 600-seat theater that was scrapped from the plans in 2008. The reasoning was that the city already had numerous similarly sized venues in the various hotel resorts. A partnership with the Kennedy Center and some classrooms onsite provide educational opportunities for local youth. The planners expect the center to foster arts awareness and help to revitalize the downtown area with the center's opening in 2012.[8][9]

Architecture and artworks

View towards the tower featuring Neo Art Deco design

The Smith Center Board wanted a timeless and elegant design, selecting architect David M. Schwarz to design the center, using inspiration from the Hoover Dam's Art Deco style as a major and lasting historical influence in the Las Vegas area. The building is a reinterpretation of Bertram Goodhue's 1922 design for the Nebraska State Capitol at Lincoln, and John & Donald Parkinson's 1929 Bullocks Wilshire in Los Angeles. White Indiana limestone for the façade (as at Lincoln), as well as numerous detail elements based on the Hoover Dam and 1920s motifs feature throughout the facility, including a winged sculpture in the center lobby modeled after the dam's famous Winged Figures of the Republic statues. A prominent flower theme was also added in select places since Mary Smith's favorite flower is the Blue Iris. In addition, artwork by local artists from the Las Vegas Art Museum have been loaned to the center to be displayed.[10][11]

A large concert hall and two smaller theaters were designed as the main venues. At the corner is a 17-story tower featuring 47 bells and providing a new focal point for the downtown skyline, as well as the center. Audio design firm Akustiks worked with Schwarz to ensure optimum sound quality in all the venues, installing high tech sound enhancing features like retractable drapery and auto closing doors to reflect or absorb sounds based on the performance type. The main hall is also double soundproofed against outside noises. An outdoor park plaza was also built, serving as an additional outdoor concert venue if needed. It features an artwork by Tim Bavington, representing Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man".[10][12][13][14]

Entertainment venues

The main stage inside Reynolds Hall.
The 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall in 2019

The three main venues at the Smith Center are the Reynolds Hall, Myron's Cabaret Jazz , and the Troesh Studio Theater, the first of which is located in its namesake building and the latter two in the Boman Pavilion.[15]

  • 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall is designed to keep the seats close to the stage, seating is on 5 levels[1][2][16]
  • 240-seat Myron's Cabaret Jazz is designed for more intimate performances.[1][2][17][18]
  • 250-seat Troesh Studio Theater rehearsal theater[1][2][17]
  • The 2-acre (0.81 ha) Donald W. Reynolds Symphony Park lawn for outdoor performances[19]

Other features

  • 47 bell carillon; is a 17 story tall tower containing cast brass bells that ring over 4 octaves.[20][21]
  • Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education
  • Grand Lobby
  • Founder's Room and Mezzanine Lounge

Productions

Best of music, dance and Broadway from around the world. Broadway productions include blockbusters such as Book of Mormon, Wicked, The Lion King and Hamilton.

Resident companies

Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center

Part of the Smith Center campus includes the new home of the Lied Discovery Children's Museum, to be renamed the Discovery Children's Museum.[22]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Scherzer, Barbara (2009-05-20). "Vegas' Smith Center given greenlight". Variety. Archived from the original on 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
  2. ^ a b c d Choate, Alan (2009-05-06). "Smith Performing Arts Center project gets city go-ahead". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2009-05-25.
  3. ^ Schwarz Architects about the Smith Center
  4. ^ "A World-Class Center". Archived from the original on March 24, 2010.
  5. ^ "Frequenty Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts". Thesmithcenter.com. 2013-01-24. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  6. ^ "The Smith Center for the Performing Arts". Retrieved 2009-01-10.
  7. ^ Your Name Here (2013-01-24). "History - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts". Thesmithcenter.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  8. ^ a b Bornfeld, Steve (2012-03-08). "How the Lineup Stacks Up | Vegas Seven". Weeklyseven.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  9. ^ sevenhills (2010-08-11). "Children's museum plans for Smith Center expansion - Las Vegas Sun News". Lasvegassun.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  10. ^ a b Jones, Jay (March 4, 2012). "Las Vegas: Curtains to open on Smith Center for the Performing Arts". Los Angeles Times.
  11. ^ "Las Vegas Art Museum's collection finds new place to hang, at Smith Center". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  12. ^ "Can the Smith Center connect the cultural dots?". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  13. ^ "The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Rises :: Articles". Vegas Magazine. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  14. ^ "That brightly colored sculpture outside the Smith Center? It's music to artist's eyes - Las Vegas Sun News". Lasvegassun.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  15. ^ Your Name Here (2013-01-24). "Venues - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts". Thesmithcenter.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
  16. ^ "REYNOLDS HALL SEATING CHART". Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  17. ^ a b "Events By Venue". Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  18. ^ "CABARET JAZZ - The Smith Center for the Performing Arts". Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Retrieved March 3, 2012.
  19. ^ March 2, 2012 KLAS special on the Smith Center
  20. ^ "Verdin Carillon Completes World-Class Performing Arts Center". Verdin. Archived from the original on December 5, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  21. ^ "Carillon Tower". Retrieved March 8, 2012.
  22. ^ sevenhills (2010-08-11). "Children's museum plans for Smith Center expansion - Las Vegas Sun News". Lasvegassun.com. Retrieved 2013-03-23.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Smith_Center_for_the_Performing_Arts&oldid=1172657224"