Smith Mountain Lake Center: Build Our Community Hub

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE FOUNDERS CIRCLE

Those who make a qualifying gift or signed pledge of $2,500 or more by Nov. 20, 2026, will be permanently recognized in the Center as members of the Founders Circle. Your generous donation will help create a facility that offers:

EDUCATION

A place to teach, learn, and grow — offering classrooms for college courses, career training, continuing ed and K-12 support, right here in the heart of the lake community.

ENTERTAINMENT

From concerts and theater to special film showings, our 300-seat performance venue and dedicated cinema will be a space for applauding, inspiring and connecting through the arts.

EVENTS

Our flexible gallery and event space will host workshops, festivals, celebrations and community gatherings — making it easy to meet, collaborate and celebrate close to home.

MAKE A FOUNDERS CIRCLE PLEDGE

DONATE SECURELY VIA PAYPAL

3D Floor Plan of proposed Phase 1 renovation — The 3D floor plan of the proposed Phase 1 renovation turning Westlake Cinema into The Smith Mountain Lake Center includes the removal of the first theater. This change makes space for a welcome gallery with cafe, a classroom/rehearsal room, a garden/patio and meeting rooms. The second theater will gain a performance stage with an attached green room. The third and fourth theaters will remain as-is to continue showing movies.

OUR MISSION & VISION

We envision The Smith Mountain Lake Center as a vibrant, purpose-driven venue where members of our community can come together to learn, create, perform, celebrate and grow. Located in the heart of Westlake, this revitalized facility will spark connection, fuel opportunity and serve as a hub for education, entertainment, events and community life.

Rendering of the proposed lobby of The Smith Mountain Lake Center — This rendering of the proposed lobby of The Smith Mountain Lake Center illustrates how the community will soon use and enjoy the Center's rehearsal room, welcome gallery and cafe.

A VISION TAKES SHAPE

We’ve taken huge step! The Smith Mountain Lake Center Inc. has raised $3 million in gifts and commitments, enabling us to sign a contract to purchase Westlake Cinema. This marks a major milestone in saving the beloved local theater and transforming it into a vibrant space for learning, entertainment, meetings and events that connect the SML community and surrounding region.

Now we're asking the broader community to help raise an additional $750,000 to help move the next phase of the initiative forward. Donors who make a qualifying gift or signed pledge of $2,500 or more by Nov. 20, 2026, will be recognized as Founding Members of The Smith Mountain Lake Center through the Founders Circle.

MAKE A FOUNDERS CIRCLE PLEDGE

DONATE SECURELY VIA PAYPAL

At left: The September 2025 performance of The Addams Family Musical starred Adelaide Trombetta as Morticia and Ted Kraje as Gomez Addams. Matt Karris directed the inaugural production presented by The Smith Mountain Lake Center, in association with The Willard Companies, performed by The Lake Players. Bonnie & Clyde: The Musical followed in March. Next up: Zombie Prom is planned for October.

TESTIMONIALS

Community support is at the heart of this project. Hear why local leaders believe The Smith Mountain Lake Center will be a game-changer for our area — and why they’re excited to help make it happen.

Have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you! Send your video or written testimonial to SmithMountainLakeCenter@gmail.com and let us know why you support the Center. Videos should be less than 30 seconds, filmed in landscape (horizontal) format, and submitted as .mp4 files.

Jack Phillips, President, The Smith Mountain Lake Center Board of Directors

The Westlake Cinema facility will allow us to have space for classrooms, meeting rooms, concerts and theatrical productions, all while being able to continue operating a cinema for the community. We have a very limited time to raise the funds to make this dream a reality. We need your contributions, both in dollars and in effort, to take advantage of this opportunity.
JACK PHILLIPS
Smith Mountain Lake Center Board of Directors President

Joanna Gruver, owner of Jo & Co Jewelers at Westlake Towne Center

The Smith Mountain Lake Center takes a space people already know and brings new opportunities for arts, education, and events. Having a year-round venue nearby creates energy, foot traffic, and reasons for people to spend time in this part of the lake. From a business perspective and a community perspective, this is the kind of investment that helps Smith Mountain Lake continue to grow in a thoughtful, sustainable way. I’m proud to support the Center.
JOANNA GRUVER
Owner of Jo & Co Jewelers, Community Supporter and Philanthropist

Jerry Hale, member of The Smith Mountain Lake Board of Directors

I've arranged scores of meetings and events at SML, some for up to 300 people. Finding an available location was always a daunting task. The SML Center will provide just such a space. Just imagine the opportunities for arts enrichment!
JERRY HALE
SMLC Board Member, Community Activist & Volunteer

Jada Turner, Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate

One of the clearest trends we’re seeing is that families are discovering Smith Mountain Lake earlier in their lives and choosing to invest here, whether for vacations or full-time living. A project like The Smith Mountain Lake Center adds meaningful value to nearby neighborhoods by bringing cultural events, educational programs, entertainment, and a true gathering place for the community. Amenities like this strengthen quality of life while supporting long-term growth for homeowners, local businesses, and the entire Smith Mountain Lake region.
JADA TURNER
Real Estate Professional, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate