S4 E3: John Snyder, Executive Director, The Park Theater Foundation, Glens Falls, NY

Ann Donnelly on May 26, 2026

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with John Snyder, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Park Theater Foundation in Glens Falls, New York. Relocating from a remote village in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, John brings a unique blend of experience in the performing arts and nonprofit leadership to the historic downtown venue. Listen in as they discuss John’s community-driven vision for the theater, exciting new summer programming, and his ultimate goal to get Glens Falls audiences up out of their seats and dancing.

Key Takeaways

  • A Fresh Perspective:John shares his journey from managing a historic 600-seat theater in a 700-person village in Michigan to taking the helm at the Park Theater. With a background encompassing two decades as a performing musician and several years in nonprofit management, he understands both the artist’s needs and the operational side of running an arts venue.
  • Exciting Summer Events:The theater has a packed summer lineup, including a free Friday night concert series at Crandall Park featuring local and regional bands. John also reveals a new “Comedy Underground” series starting June 3. Hosted in the theater’s basement space with a speakeasy vibe, the comedy showcases will run on alternating Wednesdays to attract crowds winding down from downtown’s “Take a Bite” events.
  • Bands and Brews:The Foundation is stepping outside its own venue to host “Bands and Brews” on July 25 at the Dancing Grain Farm Brewery. The family-friendly event will run from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is organized in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.
  • Championing Local Nonprofits:Highlighting his core belief that “we all raise each other up,” John introduces the theater’s new “Nonprofit of the Month” program. The inaugural partner for May is the Moreau Community Center. Patrons who use a dedicated promo code receive a 10% ticket discount, with an additional 10% of the sale donated directly to the partnered center. The Foundation is actively accepting online nominations for future nonprofit partners.
  • Ways to Support & Engage:The Park Theater Foundation currently operates with a lean staff of 2.5 people and relies heavily on a dedicated roster of volunteers to manage show nights. Local businesses and individuals can support the local arts by becoming sponsors, purchasing memberships, or renting the venue’s versatile spaces for private events.

More Information

This interview was conducted in collaboration with the Glens Falls Business Journal. Click here to read the article online.