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Current Programming
Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts
This regional program, serving Clark County, is in cooperation with the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts in Virginia. The internationally respected arts program provides innovative arts-based teaching strategies and services to early childhood educators, parents and children up to five years old through the disciplines of drama, music and movement.
The Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts is one of 16 regional programs of Wolf Trap and is in partnership with United Way of Southern Nevada Success By 6 and Citi in Nevada.
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program
This national program fosters partnerships among arts, organizations, schools and communities. The Smith Center is proud to be a member of the program offering a variety of opportunities to students and teachers including:
- • Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers
- • Demonstration Teaching in Classrooms
- • Developing Arts Integration Schools
- • Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour
Past Programs and Performances
Ailey II
In February 2008, The Smith Center further displayed its commitment to cultural education in Las Vegas by sponsoring a series of Ailey II workshops, master classes, and a public performance as part of its education outreach program. Activities were scheduled at various locations around the valley including the Nevada Ballet Theatre, West Las Vegas Library Theatre, Andre Agassi College Preparatory Charter School and West Preparatory Institute. Ailey II is the second company of The Ailey Organization, created to help bridge the gap from the classroom to the stage. This modern dance company based in New York City is known for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most distinguished choreographers, Ailey II showcases modern dance techniques and provides dance performances, training and community programs for people of all ages.
Between The Lions Residencies
In the fall of 2008, The Smith Center was a partner in the pilot program “Between the Lions Live in Las Vegas.” The pilot program enabled Clark County teachers to use the literary resources of the award-winning PBS television series “Between the Lions.” The series is designed to foster the literacy skills of kids three to seven years old in order to become successful readers. The pilot program was in cooperation with Young Audiences Art for Learning, a leading national source of arts education services.
Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour
Candy Schneider, Director of Education and Outreach for The Smith Center, facilitated a partnership with the Clark County School District and the UNLV Performing Arts Center to bring Kennedy Center productions to Las Vegas.
Blues Journey
Told through song and storytelling, Blues Journey is a play about a uniquely American form of music, the blues. Blues Journey traces the history of the blues from its humble beginnings in the South rooted in the African-American community to its impact on the world’s music scene. In January of 2009, students of Clark County schools were treated to a free performance of the play. Held at Artemis Ham Hall at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, more than 5,000 students saw the 60-minute performance.
Brand New Kid
More than 10,000 Clark County students attended a theater performance of “The Brand New Kid,” a musical based on the children’s book of the same title written by Katie Couric.
Poetry In Motion / Scientific Thought In Motion
Kennedy Center teaching artist and educator, Randy Barron held several classroom demonstrations and conducted two teacher workshops on “Poetry In Motion” and his science-based program “Scientific Thought in Motion.” With nearly sixty public and private schools teachers in attendance, the after school workshops focused on strategies to support students learning in language arts and science through the integration of creative movement.
Exploring World Cultures through Music
In December of 2008, Kennedy Center teaching artist and jazz vocalist Imani Gonzalez visited valley schools teaching students and teachers alike in world music. Accompanied by a small drum and a booming voice, Gonzalez’ workshop “Exploring World Cultures through Music” gave audiences a visual, musical and kinetic experience of the cultures of India, West Africa and Brazil. The workshop included demonstration teaching, professional development sessions for teachers and a family concert that was held at the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum.
Bringing Literature To Life
In 2007, Baltimore-based author, educator and Kennedy Center artist Lenore Blank Kelner, held several workshops at valley schools, introducing drama strategies into the classroom to boost the reading comprehension skills of students.
The Soweto Gospel Choir
On March 16, 2005, The Smith Center hosted 1,200 students from around the Clark County School District for a Las Vegas premiere performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir. These students learned about African culture and traditions prior to experiencing the live performance at the House of Blues.
