The Smith Center for the Performing Arts Introduces The Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through The Arts Program

After a successful first session, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to introduce The Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through The Arts education program to five new preschools. The internationally respected 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.

The Smith Center launched the program by establishing classroom residencies in ten local preschools and plans to work with a total of 20 classrooms. The residencies span seven consecutive weeks, pairing five local teaching artists with early childhood educators. Together they will develop, refine and evaluate new performing arts teaching strategies.

"We have seen a tremendous response from the students and teachers who participated in the first Wolf Trap program," says Candy Schneider, director of education and outreach for The Smith Center. "The children are more engaged and excited about learning and we are thrilled to introduce this outstanding program to new students."

Each teaching artist will visit their classroom twice a week in 30-minute sessions. The Smith Center selected the teaching artists earlier this year and each completed Wolf Trap residency training. All of the teaching artists are accomplished in their respective fields, which range from choreographer, dancer and author to violinist, actress and vocalist.

"Early learning programs can have a tremendously positive effect on children, families and the broader community," says MyRon Martin, president and chief executive officer of The Smith Center. "The Southern Nevada Wolf Trap program is just one of many programs that The Smith Center will offer to the community. Education is at the heart of our mission."

The Smith Center will develop The Southern Nevada Wolf Trap Early Learning Through The Arts resident program to reach additional preschools through classroom residencies and offer professional development workshops for local teachers.

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 4.75-acre cultural complex will feature inviting lobbies with beautiful balconies, refined acoustics and a tastefully landscaped plaza linking surrounding hotels, restaurants, shops and offices in downtown's 61-acre urban development, Symphony Park. Home to the 2,050-seat Reynolds Hall and the Boman Education Building, 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. The Smith Center broke ground in May of 2009 and is projected to open in 2012. For more information about The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, please visit http://www.thesmithcenter.com.

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