Our History

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center was first opened in 1932 as a 500 seat movie house and has been showcasing talented artists, music, plays, movies, musicals and more for 90 years!

As the center of cultural life in Smithtown, SPAC continues to provide stellar musicals, plays, music, comedy, educational classes and summer camps.

The Smithtown Performing Arts Center is now under new management. Our new Board of Directors is committed to breathing new life back into the theatre, build new relationships and serve our community. As a not for profit, we are a board of professionals who volunteer our time to make this happen. This is our Passion Project for you - our community.

1932

Theater Opens

 

The Smithtown Theatre opens as a one-screen movie house with over 500 seats, including a balcony.

1932

1968

United Artists Purchases Building

United Artists purchased the theatre and ran second run movies.

1968

2001

Theater Goes Up For Sale

United Artists put the theatre up for sale. Smithtown locals organized a petition to save their beloved building.

2001

2002

Theater Privately Purchased

Smithtown Theater

The historic movie building was privately purchased and opened as a live theatre.

2002

2008

Smithtown Performing Arts Council

The Smithtown Performing Arts Council, a non-profit organization, was formed. 

2008

2021

Board rallies to buy Building

Photo credit: messengerpapers.com

The theatre is put up for sale once again. The Board of Directors, town leaders, local businesses and the Smithtown community rallied together to save the theatre.

2021

2022

Historic Theatre Saved

2021 Theatre

The Smithtown Performing Arts Council purchases the theatre thanks to support from the Town of Smithtown and community donors. 

2022

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors