GENEVA, NY – The Smith Opera House announces the dedication of its 2024-2025 ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series to the late Ruth Anne Skinner Bennett, a beloved educator and community member who passed away earlier this year on her 90th birthday. Ms. Bennett left a generous bequest to The Smith, continuing her legacy of supporting the arts and education in the Finger Lakes region.
Ms. Bennett’s 36-year teaching career in the Waterloo Central School District was defined by her passion for literature and her dedication to nurturing young minds. Known for her elegance, warmth, and keen intellect, Ms. Bennett inspired countless students with her love of language, storytelling, and literature. This bequest, designated to support the ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series, will ensure that local students have access to enriching theatrical experiences that spark imagination and foster learning—a mission deeply aligned with Ms. Bennett’s lifelong commitment to education.
“This year, we honor a legendary educator through the ArtSmart series,” said Susan Monagan, Executive Director at The Smith. “Each ArtSmart production brings a work of literature to life, inspiring students to connect with stories and empathize with characters. Ms. Bennett’s generosity and vision will live on in the hearts and minds of this season’s ArtSmart students.”
The 2024-2025 Ruth Anne Bennett ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series at The Smith presents live theater productions designed for young audiences, introducing students to the world of performing arts and cultivating a love for learning through creative expression. This year’s lineup includes a range of productions that blend literature, music, and interactive storytelling, bringing curriculum-based themes to life in unforgettable ways.
The season kicks off this Thursday, November 14 at 10:00AM with My Father’s Dragon, a charming tale about compassion, courage and friendship. Following this, mark your calendars for:
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny on December 5, 2024 – Delight in a magical adaptation of these beloved children’s books, featuring playful puppetry and music that will captivate young imaginations.
The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System on January 22, 2025 – Hop aboard with Ms. Frizzle and her class for an out-of-this-world science adventure, making STEM subjects exciting and accessible.
Dot Dot Dot: A New Musical on March 8, 2025 – Celebrate the creative process in this inspiring story that encourages young audiences to explore self-expression through art and storytelling.
All shows begin at 10:00AM. Tickets are $7.50 and can be purchased here.
To find out more about leaving a lasting legacy of your support for Geneva’s Smith Opera House, please go here.
ArtSmart is additionally supported by Lyons National Bank and the Nelson B. Delavan Foundation.
The Smith Center for the Arts, stewards of the historic Smith Opera House, provides diverse arts and educational enrichment opportunities year-round for Finger Lakes residents and visitors. To learn more about events offered by The Smith Center for the Arts visit thesmith.org, or visit or call our box office for phone and in-person sales, 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Friday. The Smith Opera House is at 82 Seneca St. in Geneva, NY. Please email boxoffice@thesmith.org or call (315) 781-5483.
