The Nickelodeon Theatre, South Carolina’s only non-profit art house theater and a leading voice for media arts in the Southeast, has named 1997 ASMS graduate Andy Smith as Executive Director. For nearly five years, Smith has managed the theater’s programming as Associate Director of the Nickelodeon Theatre and Executive Director of the Nickelodeon’s Indie Grits Film Festival, which doubled its annual attendance in the past year under Smith’s leadership. In his new role as Executive Director, Smith will draw on his significant film background and lead the Nickelodeon staff, development and programming, as well as usher the theater into a new era in its renovated home.

“I am passionate about the Nickelodeon’s role in our community as a center for media arts,” says Smith. “The Nick has so many resources to offer, from the person who just enjoys a good film to educational opportunities for budding media artists, especially as we make the move up Main Street next year. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to guide our talented staff, grow our programming capabilities and education tools, and help the Nickelodeon continue to serve as a voice for media arts in the Southeast.”

Smith, who was born in Columbia, earned his Bachelor of Arts in film studies from Swarthmore College and his Master of Arts in film, television and digital media from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2005, Smith returned to Columbia and served as Deputy Campaign Manager for the Robert Barber for Lieutenant Governor campaign. In addition to serving as the Nickelodeon Theatre’s associate director, for the past four years Smith has also served as an adjunct instructor in the film studies department at the University of South Carolina. Additionally, Smith serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture, as well as the South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center.