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 2022-2023 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 2022-2023. 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!
HOT PEAS ‘N BUTTER Friday, October 14, 10 a.m.
Saturday, October 15, 11 a.m.
Hot Peas ‘N Butter is an award-winning, multicultural family music band that wows thousands of young audiences across the nation every year with their highly energetic and interactive musical style. Named for the playground game they played as kids, Hot Peas ‘n Butter incorporates many languages into their performances – English, Spanish, French, Korean and Hebrew just to name a few. Songs like “Number 1” and their signature Latin beat tracks “Somos Familia,” “Amistad,” “Que Llueva,” and “Round the World” enjoy radio play nationwide. By combining an interactive, invigorating approach to performance with mature, multicultural music, Hot Peas ‘n Butter has developed a distinct way of inspiring care and creativity in kids and adults alike!
Grades: Pre-K – 2nd
As seen on Nick Jr. and Nickelodeon TV!
GRACE FOR PRESIDENT Friday, November 4, 2022, 10 a.m.
When Grace’s teacher reveals that the United States has never had a female president, Grace asks, “Where are the girls?”, as her third-grade teacher rolls out a poster of all 44 U.S. presidents. Frustrated by the lack of female faces in the White House, Grace decides she wants to be the first female president. Grace immediately starts off her political career as a candidate and initiates a mock school election. She seems the likely winner until the most popular boy runs against her.
In this timely story, the basics of elections, from campaigns to the complexity of the electoral college are explained in a way that is clear and age appropriate. Offering an inspiring example of perseverance, courage, and independent thought of how to choose our leaders. Join Grace and her classmates on a musical theater journey through the throes of campaigning and pep rallies, service projects and posters as Grace and her classmates discover what it takes to be the best candidate.
Grades: 1st – 4th
Based on the book by Kelly DiPucchio!
PETE THE CAT’S BIG HOLLYWOOD ADVENTURE Monday, March 27, 2023, 10 a.m.
Lights! Camera! Action! When Pete the Cat and his buddy, Callie, sneak into the Hollywood Studios, they get lost in the world of the movies, Join Pete, Callie, Ethel the Apatosaurus, and Robo-Pete in this rockin’ new musical adventure that features several fun-filled Pete the Cat books including Cavecat Pete, Pete the Cat and the Treasure Map and The Cool Cat Boogie.
Grades: Pre-K – 3rd
Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean
IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT Friday, April 21, 2023, 10 a.m.
Saturday, April 22, 2023, 11 a.m.
Told with Todd Parr’s signature wit and wisdom, “It’s Okay to Be Different” cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and confidence in an accessible, child-friendly format. The book features the bold, bright colors and silly scenes that made Todd a premier voice for emotional discussions in children’s literature. Targeted to young children first beginning to read, this book will inspire kids to celebrate their individuality through acceptance of others and self-confidence – and it’s never too early to develop a healthy self-esteem.
The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s interpretation of “It’s Okay to Be Different” encourages early literacy, enhances emotional development, celebrates multiculturalism and diversity, and promotes character growth. The show uses an innovative approach to puppetry manipulation and construction, combined with playful original music for which the company has earned worldwide praise.
Grades: Pre-K – 3rd
Based on the book by Todd Parr!
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.
- Tickets for all ArtSmart shows are $6.50 per person.
- Educators can register their groups here: https://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 your 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. Smith bookkeeper, Jocelyn VanGelder, will then send an invoice back to BOCES Art-in-Education, and BOCES will then 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 ArtSmart Coordinator, Jennifer Kuplinski Wick, at artsmart@thesmith.org or Jocelyn VanGelder at jvangelder@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 and your students this year at one of our ArtSmart Educational Theatre performances!