In the days of Shakespeare, the outdoor amphitheater was created to inspire a harmony between nature and the performing arts. The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art’s Amphitheater will be nestled on the hillside just below the Sourbeer and Lick Education Building, capitalizing on the site’s great beauty—a forested view overlooking the Wiconisco Creek and Berry’s Mountain.
The Amphitheater will have a significant impact on the surrounding area and will create a regional destination with the ability to attract nationally-known performers. It will provide an opportunity to collaborate with our three resident companies, the Twin Valley Players community theater, the Pennsylvania Regional Ballet and the Harrisburg Shakespeare Festival, in addition to our
partnerships with other nationally-recognized organizations, including the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra.
This project will enhance the Center’s proud tradition of educating students from Central Pennsylvania and beyond. Each year more than 3,000 children are introduced to the joy of Ned Smith’s life and legacy in the outdoors through school programs, summer camps, family activities and national exhibitions. Most importantly, the Amphitheater will create a lasting legacy for future generations to be inspired by nature and the arts just as it did in Shakespeare’s time.
We hope you will join us in building our new vision.
Carole DeSoto, Grace Milliman Pollock and Marilyn Derr Kauffman,
Capital Campaign Chairs
Notice: Ned Smith Center is seeking Design-Build Contractor to work with Center's consultants to assist with pre-construction and construction services for ± 4,600 SF building addition; includes gallery & work area, restrooms, classroom & office space. Email interest to
of H. Edward Black and Associates, P.C. Click here to see images and download floorplans.
Capital Campaign 
In the days of Shakespeare, the outdoor amphitheater was created to inspire a harmony between nature and the performing arts. The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art’s Amphitheater will be nestled on the hillside just below the Sourbeer and Lick Education Building, capitalizing on the site’s great beauty—a forested view overlooking the Wiconisco Creek and Berry’s Mountain.
This project will enhance the Center’s proud tradition of educating students from Central Pennsylvania and beyond. Each year more than 3,000 children are introduced to the joy of Ned Smith’s life and legacy in the outdoors through school programs, summer camps, family activities and national exhibitions. Most importantly, the Amphitheater will create a lasting legacy for future generations to be inspired by nature and the arts just as it did in Shakespeare’s time.
