Built in 1894 by local philanthropist William Smith as a vaudeville playhouse, the Smith Opera House was renovated in 1931 by Schine’s Amusement Company and transformed into an “atmospheric” movie palace. Architect Victor Rigaumount’s interior design incorporated a combination of Art Deco, Baroque, and Victorian influences. Spiraled gold and silver columns and ornate cartouches flank the proscenium arch, busts of Beethoven and Moliere rest in backlighted niches, and stars twinkle overhead creating the illusion of a Moorish courtyard at twilight.
Recognized nationally by major preservation organizations including the National Register of Historic Places and the Smithsonian, the Smith Opera House is among the oldest operating theatres in the United States.
Boasting unprecedentedly superb acoustics, The Smith hosts year-round musical, dance, and theatrical performances for all audiences including students during school hours and families on weekends. Recent performers have included Bela Fleck, Natalie Merchant, Bea Arthur, Bob Weir and RatDog, The Derek Trucks Band, Guster, the Black Eyed Peas, Gym Class Heroes, and The Glenn Miller Orchestra. Over forty foreign and independent films, along with Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, are shown on its 40’x30’ screen each year. The Smith is also host to speakers such as Elie Weisel and Ralph Nader, local graduations, class reunions, weddings and community meetings.
Since 1995, The Smith has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation to restore all 1,438 seats, install new carpeting to match the original 1931 pattern and manufacture, relocate and create a new concession stand, repair the outdoor stone and terra cotta facade, upgrade heating, plumbing and electrical systems, provide handicapped accessible rest rooms, rebuild fire escapes, acquire a Steinway grand piano, install new main entry doors, and renovate second and third floor offices. Recently completed projects include an upgrade of the stage rigging, restoration of the remaining store front and front entrance side doors, rest room expansion, stage floor replacement, and the establishment of a community cabaret. Air conditioning, lighting and sound upgrades, and digital video projection are in the planning stages.
You can help support The Smith’s restoration efforts by purchasing a brick, taking a seat, or adopting a star -- three ongoing fundraisers that allow supporters to take ownership of “The Center Stage of the Finger Lakes.” Information is available by contacting the theatre at 315-781-LIVE or toll-free 866-355-LIVE.
Kevin Schoonover was appointed Smith Opera House Executive Director in 2000. He lives in Geneva with his wife Mary and their two children. In addition to his responsibilities at the theatre, he is a board member and Treasurer for Seneca Community Players. He has appeared on stage with SCP and Phelps-Clifton Springs Community Theatre and took over as Geneva High School Drama Club Adviser and Director in 2005.
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