Smith Center Welcomes Michael Ruppert As The New Director of Patron Services

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts appoints Michael Ruppert to the vital role of Director of Patron Services. Formerly with Paciolan, Inc., a leading ticketing, marketing and fund development software and services provider, Ruppert brings with him more than 20 years of experience managing a variety of customer service organizations and complex projects, with a strong focus in the performing arts.

"The experience of a performing arts event is not limited to what happens onstage or even within the walls of the auditorium," says Michael Ruppert, Director of Patron Services for The Smith Center. "All aspects of a patron's interaction, including ticket purchase, ushers, food and beverage, ambience and even the restrooms play a role. My goal is to ensure each and every experience at The Smith Center is an exceptional one."
As Director of Patron Services for The Smith Center, Ruppert manages all areas of patron services, including ticketing, ushers, food and beverage, facility rentals, retail, groups and more. Impacted by the arts since childhood, Ruppert believes the performing arts are an especially crucial element of a healthy society. In an effort to ensure the arts play that role for Southern Nevada, his goal is to make the performing arts at The Smith Center accessible to everyone in the community.

Prior to his tenure at Paciolan, Ruppert served as Ticket Sales Manager for the Minnesota Orchestral Association, including both the Minnesota Orchestra and its home venue, Orchestra Hall. Ruppert holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Arts (Film) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and Art History from the University of Minnesota.

About The Smith Center

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is a public/private partnership that will become the centerpiece of cultural life in Las Vegas offering a blend of performances by resident companies as well as first-run touring attractions. The 5-acre cultural campus will feature three performance spaces including the 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall with refined acoustics and the Boman Pavilion housing a cabaret jazz space and a studio theater, all complemented by the DISCOVERY Children's Museum. The Smith Center will be a living room for Las Vegas; a place that will educate, entertain and excite the citizens of our great community. Located in downtown's 61-acre urban development, Symphony Park, The Smith Center broke ground in May of 2009 with a ceremonial carillon bell casting and ringing. In February 2010, it celebrated its "Topping Out" with the raising of 50 tons of steel and is projected to open in March 2012. For more information about The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, please visit www.thesmithcenter.com. Keep up with news and events on Facebook.