Smith Center for the Arts

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.

The Smith Center for the Arts is pleased to announce its ArtSmart Educational Theatre lineup for 2024-2025. We have four 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!

MY FATHER’S DRAGON

Friday, November 15, 2024, 10 a.m.

The beloved Newbery Honor book about a resourceful boy named Elmer comes delightfully to life in this charming tale about compassion, courage and friendship. Join Elmer as he sets off on a daring adventure to rescue a baby dragon who’s being held captive by the ferocious animals of Wild Island. With pluck and ingenuity Elmer makes his way to the Island, outwits the wild animals and saves Boris, the dragon. But can they find their way back home? Using puppets, masks, magical scenic effects and original music, Enchantment Theatre Company brings Elmer’s marvelous quest to the stage, with an adventure that reminds us all that we are never too young to make a difference.

Grades: K – 5th

Based on “My Father’s Dragon” and “Elmer and the Dragon” by Ruth Stiles Gannett!

GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY BUNNY

Thursday, December 5, 2024, 10 a.m.

Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

Grades: Pre-K

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM

Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 10 a.m.

When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system.

Grades: K – 5th

Based on the original book series published by Scholastic!

DOT DOT DOT: A NEW MUSICAL

Friday, March 8, 2025, 10 a.m.

When Marisol (Sky Color), a young artist and curator of the Musee de Marisol, decides that her gallery requires more than her own art, her search for emerging talent leads her to Vashti (The Dot), whose dots inspire Ramon (Ish) to become an artist in his own right.

The musical follows Marisol’s journey to help her new friends, and her entire community, break free from self-criticism and learn to let their imaginations soar.

Grades: Pre-K – 2nd

Based on the “Creatilogy” trio of award-winning picture books by NYT best-selling author Peter H. Reynolds.

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.

One registration form is required for each show.

• After you have registered, we 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.

• Let us know if any of your students require accessible seating or if you will be bringing a sign language interpreter.

• 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 Susan Monagan 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!