Yates Award Winner Recognized For Elevating Newtown Theatre Experience

NEWTOWN, PA — The executive director of the historic Newtown Theatre stepped into the spotlight on Nov. 14 to receive Pickering Manor’s prestigious Sidney T. Yates Award.

During a Sips & Suds fundraiser held at The Rafters, the Pickering Manor Board of Directors recognized Andy Smith for his contributions to Pickering Manor and to another Newtown gem, the historic Newtown Theatre, the nation’s oldest continuously operating movie theatre.

John Parry, the retired president of The First National Bank of Newtown and the leader of the Community Welfare Council which oversees both Pickering Manor and the theatre, presented the award to Smith for making a significant contribution to Pickering Manor and to Newtown.

The award was established in memory of Newtown attorney Sidney Yates in recognition of the work he did over the years to benefit Pickering Manor and the Newtown community.

“This award is bestowed on community members who in some way have exemplified Sid’s past work,” said Parry. “This year we wish to recognize Andy Smith with the Sidney Yates Award."

Smith grew up in Erie and graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he majored in journalism and public relations. He also met his future wife, Amy, while attending IUP.

David Woodhead. Chief Executive Officer at Pickering Manor, congratulates Andy Smith, executive director of the Newtown Theatre, for receiving the Yates Award. (Pickering Manor)

Andy Smith, the executive director of the Newtown Theatre. (Newtown Theatre)

Smith worked as the public relations director for Temple University before joining Cabin Communications. He joined the board at Pickering Manor in 2013 and among other things used his public relations background to help promote Pickering on the internet and in other outlets.

Smith later joined the Newtown Theatre board and later became its managing director.

“Working with his Cabin Communications colleagues he turned around what the theatre had been doing,” said Parry. “Music and comedy were added to the theatre’s lineup. A new website and marketing plan were put into place. A membership program was launched among many other initiatives,” said Parry.

“COVID notwithstanding, the turnaround was going so well the theatre dreamed big. It was Andy’s creative approach to work and life that turned the theatre into the center of entertainment in Newtown. Andy has created signature events like the Black and White Dinner, the Newtown Holiday Cocktail Trail, and many other fun and unique events that have benefited the theatre and the Newtown community.”

In accepting the award, Smith thanked the Pickering Manor Board of Directors for the honor. He also thanked his wife for her ongoing support. And finally, he thanked the theatre board “for having the guts” to take on several major renovation projects that have positioned the theater for success for decades to come.

“I feel like we all just held hands and jumped off a cliff together," said Smith, who now serves as the theatre's executive director. "I look at it this way. The theatre building was built in 1883. I hope it’s here in 2083 and I think the things that we have done for the theatre have gotten it there.”

In recent years, under Smith's leadership, the theatre has completed several multi-million-dollar renovation projects that have elevated the experience and have positioned the beloved local gem to compete with theatrical venues throughout the region.

The latest renovation project at the historic movie house on North State Street included a $1.1 million upgrade this past summer that saw the installation of new bathrooms, a renovated balcony, and improvements to the main stage area, including the addition of a massive LED video wall that has taken the theatre experience to the next level.

“I used to tell people Newtown Theatre is great, but we need to add seats or that the Newtown Theatre is great but we need to improve our restrooms,” said Smith. “Now I’m saying it’s one of the best, if not the best venues in the region. And I would tell people to come out and see a show or a concert. You won’t regret it.”

Inside the historic Newtown Theatre. (Newtown Theatre)