Smith Center for the Arts

What Smith Center for the Arts does

Smith Center for the Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts venue operating the historic Smith Opera House in Geneva, New York, in the Finger Lakes region. Constructed in 1894 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the venue features a Moorish design interior and star-lit ceiling, and is operated across multiple spaces including a 1,405-seat main theater, a cabaret, a dance studio, a lobby, and offices. The organization marked its 125th anniversary in 2019, underscoring its long-standing role as a regional cultural anchor.

The center serves the Finger Lakes community through a diversified programming slate that includes touring artists, concerts, films, educational theater (ArtSmart), family programming (Family Performance Series launched in 2025), community collaborations, and private event rentals. Revenue is generated through a mix of ticket sales, memberships, facility rentals, donations, sponsorships, advertising, concessions, and grants from sources including the New York State Council on the Arts, the Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, and the Wyckoff Family Foundation. Ticketing and promotion are conducted through box office channels, Eventbrite, and WEOS radio partnerships.

The business model is characteristic of a community-based nonprofit arts organization: earned income (tickets, rentals, concessions, advertising) is supplemented by contributed income (grants, donations, sponsorships, legacy giving). The organization maintains institutional relationships with local colleges, cultural organizations, and community groups to extend programming reach without proportional capital outlay. Current strategic priorities include family/youth programming expansion, accessibility upgrades (Wyckoff-funded balcony handrails), legacy giving program development, and office rentals to professional tenants as a non-programmatic recurring revenue stream.

Name

Smith Center for the Arts

Legal name

Smith Center for the Arts

Website

https://thesmith.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1894

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Smith Center for the Arts is a nonprofit performing arts venue operating the historic 1894 Smith Opera House in Geneva, NY, serving the Finger Lakes community with live performances, films, educational theater, and event rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Venue

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (71111), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Historic Venues (Landmarks, Estates) (THAHAAAK), Concert Halls & Music Venue Operations (Symphony Halls, Recital Venues) (MPAGALAC), Performing Arts & Cultural Event Venues (Theaters, Museums) (THAHAAAG), Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)

Keywords

• Live performing arts
• Historic theater venue
• Event space rentals
• Educational theater programs
• Community arts nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Geneva

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling tickets to live performances, concerts, movies, and other events at the Smith Opera House. Tickets range from approximately $7.50 to $160 depending on the event.
2. Membership Dues: Recurring membership program with annual levels ranging from $60 (Individual) to $2,500+ (Ovation Circle), providing benefits such as advance notice, early ticket access, beverage perks, and behind-the-scenes tours.
3. Facility Rentals: Rental income from renting various spaces including The Theater, The Cabaret, Dance Studio, Lobby, and Offices to individuals, organizations, and businesses for events, rehearsals, meetings, and performances.
4. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable contributions from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Includes outright cash gifts, gifts of appreciated stock, planned giving, and bequests. The Mary Lienk Circle honors planned giving supporters.
5. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship revenue from businesses sponsoring specific shows, programs, building maintenance projects, or contributing in-kind products and services in exchange for brand visibility.
6. Message Board Advertising: Revenue from the Seneca Street Message Board, a 3-sided digital display visible to motorists and pedestrians. Rates range from $30/day for 1 slide to $5,475/year for 2-3 slides.
7. Concessions and Bar Sales: Food, beverage, and alcohol sales during events including beer, wine, canned cocktails, popcorn, and snacks.
8. Brick, Seat, and Star Purchases: One-time donations for named bricks ($100), theater seats ($500), or stars ($1,000) as permanent recognition in or on the building.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Smith Center for the Arts operates the historic Smith Opera House (opened 1894) as a multi-space performing arts venue in Geneva, New York, hosting live theater, concerts, film screenings, dance recitals, and community events for the Finger Lakes region. The venue is rented to outside promoters and event organizers, supplemented by membership programs, educational theater for school groups (ArtSmart), concessions, donations, and corporate sponsorships. The organization functions as a private not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community arts institution.

Product overview

Smith Center for the Arts operates the historic Smith Opera House (built 1894) as a performing arts venue with multiple distinct spaces and programs. The core offering is the Smith Opera House main theater, complemented by intimate spaces including The Cabaret (432 sq ft speakeasy-style venue), Dance Studio (1,900 sq ft with lake views), and The Lobby (Art Deco event space). The organization runs the ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series for school groups and offers flexible office rentals. Revenue streams include event programming (concerts, plays, films, dance), facility rentals, membership programs at multiple tiers ($60-$2,500 annually), Seneca Street digital message board advertising, and legacy giving options (brick, seat, and star sponsorship programs). The venue also offers volunteer opportunities and community support initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Smith Opera House Main Theater The historic main theater venue with 1,405 fixed seats across three levels, Moorish-inspired 1930s design with star-lit ceiling, 40' x 30' movie screen, Steinway D Grand Piano, and professional lighting and sound equipment. Hosts concerts, plays, dance recitals, film screenings, and community events. Available for rental to outside promoters and event organizers.
• The Cabaret Venue Rental An intimate 432 sq ft venue with a cozy speakeasy vibe featuring a copper-top bar, high-top tables, and stage space. Available for small parties, meetings, rehearsals, and intimate performances such as comedy acts or poetry slams.
• Dance Studio Rental An open-floored 31' x 60' (1,900 sq ft) dance studio with SoHo loft vibes, featuring huge windows with unobstructed Seneca Lake views, hardwood floors, and a wall of mirrors. Suitable for exercise classes, dance, rehearsals, auditions, and meetings.
• The Lobby Venue Rental A renovated Art Deco-style open lobby with gold walls, ornate carpet, and access to the ticket booth and concessions. Wheelchair accessible on the main level with access to a catering kitchen. Suitable for fundraisers, silent auctions, book signings, and parties.
• Office Space Rentals Private office spaces on the 2nd and 3rd floors ranging from 122 sq ft to 793 sq ft, featuring southern-facing windows, lake views, Wi-Fi, and heating and air conditioning. Available for short or long term rental to professionals and creative entrepreneurs.
• ArtSmart Educational Theatre Series An educational theater series providing engaging shows tailored for school groups, featuring nationally touring professional companies performing adaptations of children's picture books, classic literature, and STEM-powered adventures. Includes study guides and BOCES Art-in-Education reimbursement options for schools.
• Live Event Programming The Smith Opera House hosts a year-round calendar of live theater productions, concerts across all genres, movie screenings, community gatherings, dance recitals, and educational performances. Tickets are sold in-person at the box office, by phone, and online via Eventbrite, with prices ranging from $7.50 to $160.
• Membership Program Tiered annual membership program offering benefits including advance notice of shows, early ticket access, members-only newsletter, beverage vouchers, movie passes, behind-the-scenes tours, and cabaret use. Levels range from $60 Individual to $2,500 Ovation Circle, with monthly billing options.
• Seneca Street Message Board Advertising A 3-sided digital message board visible to motorists and pedestrians on Seneca Street, allowing businesses to advertise with messages rotating every 4 seconds. Offers daily ($30-$45), weekly, monthly, and annual rate packages.
• Legacy Giving Recognition Programs Donor recognition programs including Buy a Brick ($100) with custom inscription, Take a Seat ($500) with personalized nameplate on a theater seat, and Be a Star ($1,000) with star plaque recognition in the lobby and on the auditorium ceiling. Includes planned giving options such as wills, IRA rollovers, and Donor Advised Funds with the Mary Lienk Circle recognition society.
• Concessions and Bar Sales Food, beverage, and alcohol sales during events including beer, wine, canned cocktails, popcorn, and snacks. Available to event attendees.

Quantifiable outcome

• One of the oldest operating performing arts theaters in the United States
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and supporting.

• Beginnings Credit UnionmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 August 2025Presenting sponsor of the new Family Performance Series. Helps bring high-quality live entertainment to families from all walks of life.
• Geneva Light OperacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal opera company that presents productions at the Smith Opera House, including 'La Fille du Regiment'. The Smith serves as their performance venue.
• Geneva ConcertscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization that originally helped save the theater in 1978 and continues to present performances. Founded by community members who became the 'Fearless Five' to preserve the venue.
• Hobart and William Smith CollegesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal colleges that use the venue for performances and events. Professor Dr. Chris Woodworth serves as the theater's historian leading weekly history tours.
• WEOS Finger Lakes Public RadiosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal public radio station serving as official media sponsor for the Smith Center for the Arts.
• Seneca County Chamber of CommercesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Smith to host 'Board Speed Dating' event connecting community organizations with potential board members.
• Geneva Business Improvement DistrictsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business organization that supports the Smith and is listed among donors at the $500-$999 level.
• Finger Lakes Federal Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band performance and other events at the Smith.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/smithoperahouse
• Instagraminstagram.com/smithoperahouse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smith-opera-house

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Smith Center for the Arts