Smith Center for the Performing Arts facts for kids
Photo of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in February 2012
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| Location | 361 Symphony Park Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada |
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| Coordinates | 36°10′7″N 115°9′8″W / 36.16861°N 115.15222°W |
| Type | Performing Arts Center |
| Capacity | 2,050 |
| Construction | |
| Built | 2009-2012 (David M. Schwarz) |
| Opened | March 10, 2012 |
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a special place in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. It's a big center where you can enjoy many kinds of shows. These include music, dance, and theater performances. It's located in a large area called Symphony Park.
The center has a unique look, called Neo Art Deco. This style reminds people of the Hoover Dam, which is nearby. The Smith Center also has a tall, 17-story tower. This tower holds 47 bells, making it a carillon. It was the first performing arts center in the U.S. to get a Gold LEED certification. This means it was built in a very eco-friendly way. The Smith Center first opened its doors on March 10, 2012. It is home to the Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nevada Ballet Theatre.
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How the Smith Center Began
Before the Smith Center, Las Vegas was one of the biggest cities without a main performing arts center. There were shows in hotels, but not a place for big touring acts. These included large Broadway shows or symphony orchestras. A smaller venue at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas was not big enough.
People started thinking about a new center around 1994. In 2005, the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation gave a huge gift of $150 million. This was one of the largest gifts ever for performing arts in the U.S. Also, a small fee was added to car rentals in Clark County. This money helped pay for the building. The center was named after Fred and Mary Smith. They were big supporters of the project. The city of Las Vegas also planned a new downtown area. This area, called Symphony Park, became the perfect spot for the center.
In 2010, it was decided that the Discovery Children's Museum would move here. It took the place of a smaller theater that was planned earlier. This was because Las Vegas already had many small venues in hotels. The Smith Center also works with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. They offer classes and learning chances for young people. The center hopes to help downtown Las Vegas grow. It also aims to make more people interested in the arts.
Building Design and Art
The people in charge of the Smith Center wanted a design that would last. They chose architect David M. Schwarz for the job. He got ideas from the Hoover Dam's Art Deco style. This style is an important part of Las Vegas history. The building uses white Indiana limestone on the outside. Many small details inside also come from the Hoover Dam and the 1920s. For example, a winged statue in the lobby looks like the famous statues at the dam.
A flower design was also added in some places. This was because Mary Smith's favorite flower is the Blue Iris. Art from local artists is also shown at the center.
The Smith Center has a large concert hall and two smaller theaters. The 17-story tower with 47 bells is a key part of the design. It stands out in the downtown skyline. Special sound experts made sure the sound is perfect in all the rooms. They added things like curtains that can move and doors that close quietly. These help control how sound travels. The main hall is also extra soundproofed from outside noise. There is also an outdoor park area. This can be used for concerts outside. It has a special artwork by Tim Bavington. This art is inspired by Aaron Copland’s "Fanfare for the Common Man".
Places to See Shows
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The Smith Center has three main places for performances. These are the Reynolds Hall, Myron's Cabaret Jazz, and the Troesh Studio Theater. Reynolds Hall is in its own building. The other two are in the Boman Pavilion.
- Reynolds Hall seats 2,050 people. The seats are close to the stage, on 5 different levels.
- Myron's Cabaret Jazz seats 240 people. It's made for smaller, more personal shows.
- Troesh Studio Theater seats 250 people. It's also used for rehearsals.
- The 2-acre Donald W. Reynolds Symphony Park lawn is for outdoor shows.
Other Cool Features
- A 47-bell carillon in a 17-story tower. These are cast brass bells that play many musical notes.
- The Elaine Wynn Studio for Arts Education, where kids can learn about art.
- A beautiful Grand Lobby.
- The Founder's Room and Mezzanine Lounge for special guests.
What You Can See
The Smith Center brings the best music, dance, and Broadway shows from all over the world. Famous Broadway shows like Book of Mormon, Wicked, The Lion King, and Hamilton have been performed here.
Home Companies
- Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra
- Nevada Ballet Theatre
Discovery Children's Museum
The Smith Center campus also includes the new home of the Discovery Children's Museum. This museum is a great place for kids to explore and learn.
See also
In Spanish: Smith Center for the Performing Arts para niños
