About ArtSmart Educational Theatre
The ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series provides educational shows specifically designed for school groups and are open to the general public.
Children’s picture books and classic literature, United States history and world history, relevant social issues and experiences are all transformed by nationally touring, professional companies. This series is designed to encourage thinking, creativity and fun while complementing students’ classroom education. Each year, The Smith presents an exciting series that students of all ages are sure to enjoy.
ARTSMART UPDATE!
For the 2023-2024 school year, ArtSmart will be offered both in-person and virtually, with multiple delivery options, including pre-recorded and live-streamed events. Please click below to learn more about this exciting, entertaining, and educational series for schoolchildren of all ages!
See our Virtual ArtSmart line up here!
The Smith Center for the Arts is pleased to announce its ArtSmart Educational Theatre lineup for 2023-2024. We have five awesome live shows this season that offer a stimulating add-on to the classroom learning experience (and the kids will love them!).
LIVE AT THE SMITH!
FRINDLE
Friday, October 13, 2023, 10 a.m.
Based on the book by Andrew Clements. Nicholas Allen has plenty of ideas. When he ends up in Mrs. Granger’s language arts class, he has his best idea ever. He decides to create his own word…FRINDLE! Before long Nick’s word creates a buzz in his school, his town and then to his surprise it spreads all around the country, and a power struggle erupts with the strict Mrs. Granger. Will the word “Frindle” win? Based on the multiple award-winning, best-selling novel by Andrew Clements, this quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words will have your young audience inventing their own words.
Grades: 3rd – 7th
Based on the book by Andrew Clements!
THE LIGHTNING THIEF TYA EDITION
Friday, November 17, 2023, 10 a.m.
When teenager, Percy Jackson, discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book, The Lightning Thief, features an exciting rock score.
Grades 3rd – 6th
Based on the book by Rick Riordan!
INTO THE LIGHT
Friday, December 15, 2023, 10 a.m. and Saturday, December 16, 2023, 11 a.m.
Lucia journeys from her village into the cold, haunted forests of the Winter Star. In her darkest moment, she is helped by a kind old Bear, who guides Lucia around the world to see how people everywhere keep the light of hope alive in the winter season.
The performance celebrates many of the world’s traditions: bringing light, joy and beauty into the darkest time of the year. Into the Light honors such holidays as Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Winter Solstice, Sankta Lucia (Sweden), and Diwali (India) through dance and music.
All Ages
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE
Thursday, March 7, 2024, 10 a.m.
All the animals in the jungle know their own special dance, but Gerald the Giraffe can’t seem to move without a clumsy step. But with the help of a wise cricket, he finds his own song, and dances to the beat of his own drum! In this stage adaptation of the beloved children’s book, with puppets, African rhythm, and lots of dancing, Gerald learns that his differences are what make him special.
Grades Pre-K – 2nd
Based on the book written by Giles Andreae and illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees!
THE RAINBOW FISH
Thursday, March 21, 2024, 10 a.m.
The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colors of the rainbow. He is admired – and resented – by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as The Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors who are eager to make his acquaintance. The underworld wonderland is the setting for an introduction to the concept of opposites. As a fitting finale, the story ends with the most satisfying opposite of all—give and take—as Rainbow Fish shares one of his shining scales with a friend.
Grades Pre-K – 3rd
Based on the book by Marcus Pfister!
Information for the live shows:
- All shows are at the Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva. School groups should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before the performance to ensure that the show can begin on time. Each show is approximately one hour in length.
- Tickets for all ArtSmart shows are $7.50 per person, including teachers and chaperones.
- Educators can register their groups here: http://forms.gle/hDJfgZWNvB4ZBPmf6
One registration form is required for each show.
- After you have registered, Smith ArtSmart Coordinator, Jennifer Kuplinski Wick, will be in touch to confirm payment plans and attendance numbers. If applying for reimbursement through BOCES Art-in-Education, educators will need to fill out an Art-in-Education request form from their principal. Once approved, that form will be forwarded to the BOCES Art-in-Education administrative office where a purchase order will be issued to The Smith. The Smith will then send an invoice to BOCES Art-in-Education, and BOCES will issue a check to The Smith.
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Let us know if any of your students require accessible seating or if you will be bringing a sign language interpreter.
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Please note that payment for all shows is due two (2) weeks before the performance date, unless other arrangements have been made with Smith staff.
- Any questions, please contact ArtSmart Coordinator, Jennifer Kuplinski Wick, at artsmart@thesmith.org. You may also call us at 315-781-5483. Please note that we only answer the phone during Box Office hours, 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday-Friday.
We hope to see you this year at one of our ArtSmart Educational Theatre performances!