Paul Beard Joins Smith Center For The Performing Arts

LAS VEGAS (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — The Smith Center for the Performing Arts has tapped industry veteran Paul Beard as their new Chief Operating Officer. Beard, a seasoned theater manager, has more than 20 years of experience in the performing arts industry.

Still in the early phases of construction, The Smith Center is shaping up to be a major performing arts center located in Las Vegas's Union Park. The facility will feature 4 theatres in two buildings and serve as the home for the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Nevada Ballet Theatre as well as playing host to nationally know touring artists. Beard will oversee the $470 million project during its construction phase as well as directing the formulation of strategy and policies for the venue, which is expected to open in 2012.

Beard performed a similar role when he opened the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, and spent 15 years in Ft. Worth, Texas, building and operating Bass Performance Hall. Most recently, Beard has been working in San Antonio, Texas with the emerging Pearl Brewery project.

Plans to bring Beard on board have been in the making for quite some time. “When Myron approached me with his concept, we connected immediately," said Beard. "His idea for us to use Bass Hall as a point of departure is very apt. This is our chance to take operational integrity and service to the next level in this new Hall. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers