Courtesy Park Theater
By Ann Donnelly
The Park Theater Foundation’s board of directors recently announced John Snyder as its new executive director, ushering in a new chapter for the downtown arts hub. Snyder, who relocated from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, officially took the reins March 2, bringing more than a decade of nonprofit and arts leadership to the organization.
Snyder comes to upstate New York from the Calumet Theatre, a historic venue in a remote Michigan village of 700 residents. Operating since 1900, the theater relied heavily on community support to attract talent to an area Snyder called “the end of the road.” He hopes to bring a similar community-centric approach to Glens Falls, drawing on a background that includes nearly two decades of performing in bands before he transitioned to nonprofit management.
“I come from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a region shaped by resilience and a strong sense of community, where the concepts of quiet determination, grit, and perseverance are a way of life,” Snyder said.
Arriving in Glens Falls, Snyder was immediately struck by the robust local arts scene, noting the impressive presence of the Glens Falls Symphony and the Hyde Collection. He has spent his first few months conducting door-to-door networking, visiting downtown business owners to introduce himself, discuss sponsorships and break through the modern clutter of digital communication.
“It’s hard to ignore somebody when they show up, and they don’t have an appointment, and that’s kind of the way I like to do things,” Snyder said.
The Park Theater Foundation, which manages all performances on the historic stage, currently operates with a lean staff of 2.5 employees. Program Director Chris Ristau continues to handle the venue’s bookings, consistently curating high-level talent ranging from touring artists such as California-based Chris Pierce to regional acts such as Saratoga Springs’ Reese Fulmer and the Carriage House Band. To support the small staff, the foundation relies on a dedicated roster of dozens of volunteers who manage the box office and check-in duties on show nights.
Under Snyder’s leadership, the foundation is expanding its reach with several new community-driven initiatives. A major priority is fostering collaboration within the local nonprofit sector. The theater recently launched a “Nonprofit of the Month” program, selecting the Moreau Community Center as its inaugural partner for May. Through a dedicated promotional code on the theater’s website, patrons receive a 10% discount on tickets, and the foundation donates 10% of those sales directly to the partner organization. Snyder noted that the theater is actively accepting online nominations for future nonprofit partners.
“We all raise each other up,” Snyder said. “We all have to work as a team in the nonprofit world. If you’re not helping people, what are you doing?”
The theater’s summer programming also is rapidly expanding. The foundation will launch “Comedy Underground” on June 3 in the building’s basement space, formerly Doc’s Restaurant. Designed with a speakeasy vibe, the comedy showcases are scheduled for alternating Wednesdays to attract crowds winding down from downtown’s “Take a Bite” events.
In addition, the foundation is stepping outside its own venue. On July 25, it will host “Bands and Brews” at Dancing Grain Farm Brewery. The event will run from 4 to 9 p.m. and will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. This event joins the foundation’s traditional summer series, which features free Friday night concerts with regional bands at Crandall Park. The theater will also continue its popular Third Thursday Jazz series and “Rewind” tribute shows.
Snyder noted that while the Park Theater boasts an incredible listening room where patrons can “hear a pin drop between songs,” he is eager to see audiences let loose. Though the crowds are respectful, Snyder admitted he is sometimes the person moving the most in the room during upbeat performances.
“I can’t wait to see someone dance in this room,” Snyder said. “I’ve been waiting patiently.”
As he looks to the future, Snyder is focused on expanding the theater’s audience, reaching both lifelong Glens Falls residents and those in surrounding communities. The venue also remains available for private rentals and events, with the option to include catering services from Park Street Hospitality.
“I look forward to building upon The Park Theater Foundation’s mission, expanding programming, and collaborating with local partners, artists, and supporters to ensure it continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub for the region,” Snyder said.
For those looking to get involved or learn more, the box office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit www.parktheatergf.com.
Photo of John Snyder, supplied by The Park Foundation:https://drive.google.com/file/d/11uGEiGmKhJlsgmIBNiJSs_ZBvMpKDUH5/view?usp=sharing