We sincerely hope you and your loved ones remain healthy as we weather this devastating pandemic. Because you have been a loyal supporter of The Smith, we thought you would appreciate an update on our current situation. The Smith is in need of your support to sustain a bare bones operation while we wait for the ban on mass gatherings to be lifted. You may make a tax-deductible donation here.
We fully recognize that you may not be in position to help right now. But if you can help, please consider donating to keep The Smith hanging on during this most difficult time. Also, please read below about relevant provisions to the CARES Act that may effect your donation.
On March 16th, following the New York State Governor’s orders, The Smith closed its doors to the public and cancelled or postponed all scheduled events "until further notice." Closing the Smith has meant that the organization has no way to generate income through ticket sales, rentals, and auxiliary services such as concessions and merchandise sales.
As it became clear that this closure may last weeks or months, The Smith took measures to reduce fixed expenses. These measures included: revising our insurance policies, taking actions to reduce our heat and water costs, and reducing staffing hours while retaining staff. At the same time, The Smith has ramped up its presence on social media by providing no-cost, digital programming (Smith Film Club, Smith Sessions, Ghost Light Tours) to keep our patrons connected and entertained.
We have kept a close eye on the relevant provisions of the CARES Act and the relief it may afford organizations such as ours. We have submitted applications for SBA Emergency funds and for a loan through the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program). We continue to search for sources of emergency funding.
We know we are not alone; others in our community are facing perhaps the greatest challenges of their lives. We encourage you to support our local restaurants and businesses—they need your help, too. As for our performers, please consider buying their music or merchandise online, or putting a tip in their virtual tip jar. Every purchase helps.
It is heartbreaking for us to close our doors when we know what a balm connecting through the arts can be in times of trouble. We take solace in the fact that the 125-year-old Smith Opera House has seen two world wars and a previous global pandemic. She amazes and inspires us.
Please stay well and keep us in your thoughts as we all do what we can to support our region in this time of dire need.