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WEST VALLEY CITY — West Valley City abruptly announced the closure of the West Valley Performing Arts Center, much to the dismay of many residents and loyal theatergoers.
"We make the sad announcement that the West Valley Performing Arts Center will permanently close at the end of the 2024 season due to structural issues and the high cost of repairs. While this closure is regrettable, it is necessary for the long-term stability of West Valley Arts," city officials said in a statement Monday.
The statement said the city "will work diligently to honor the legacy" of the center during the transition, saying even though the physical doors are closing, the city remains committed to providing opportunities for artistic expression. The city said the mission of West Valley Arts will continue at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.
"For four seasons, West Valley Arts has produced award-winning performances, productions and events at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Talented actors, musicians and performers have graced its stage, while skilled crew members, designers, directors and staff have worked tirelessly to create an amazing theater experience. Their dedication has enriched the lives of audiences and artists alike, and they have our heartfelt thanks," the city said.
At Tuesday's City Council meeting, several people expressed disappointment for the closure and said the arts program deserves a chance to continue to grow.
John Sweeney, a director and producer who has been involved in several West Valley Arts productions, said when he walked into the theater in West Valley City, his life changed forever. He said it's such a beautiful building and other cities want something similar to what West Valley City has built.
Sweeney voiced his concern about the programming of West Valley Arts moving to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, saying, "It is not fitted for theater."
He and other public commenters suggested the city partner with the theater community to raise the money needed to keep the center open, saying the community is ready and willing to put in time and effort to make it work.
Other citizens said they were completely taken by surprise and noted the lack of notice given that there was even a potential of the center being shut down, especially since the building is less than 30 years old.
Morgan Fenner said the venue is a "cornerstone" of the community and this is an opportunity to preserve "a true gem of our city" that gives residents something to be proud of.
Multiple commenters said the day they found out about the building building was the same day West Valley Arts was named Best of State for semi-professional theater in Utah for the second year in a row.
Resident Bonnie Shaw said she has attended shows at the theater since it opened.
"My heart and my body and my soul gives a standing ovation at every performance we have seen at West Valley Arts," she said.
Shaw said the community just needs a chance and they'll do whatever they can to keep it going.
"Please gives us a chance to rally our friends our neighbors and our community and do whatever we can to help keep West Valley Arts open and functioning. We need this in West Valley. My hometown deserves this," she said.
Conlon Bonner, an inclusion consultant for West Valley Arts, said the theater has been doing an incredible job of allowing people of all walks of life and backgrounds to feel safe and supported.
"Taking this away is a hard hit," he said.
Kelton Wells said he thinks the decision was shortsighted and encouraged the council to reconsider. He said many communities wish they had a performance space like this one. "Here we are, prepared to throw an absolute gem away," Wells said.
City manager Ifo Pili responded because it was his recommendation to close the arts center. He said he appreciates the class, respect and passion the public has and he feels a "heaviness" with the decision.
Pili, who came into his position this year, explained that he "looked at the facts" and went through the city's history, past feasibility studies and city financials. He said the performing arts center caused a $600,000 loss in fiscal year 2021 and the loss has continued to increase each year, with projected $1.6 million losses this year.
Pili said he didn't describe the monetary losses in the closure announcement because he didn't want it to take away from all the hard work, value and good things the theater has produced.
"I'm open to suggestions and, if there's a group that can do it, it's probably this group," he said.
But with a loss trajectory that "has no end in sight," and the estimated $7.6 million it would cost to fix the structural issues in the building, closing the theater is his recommendation.
A petition was created on Change.org to save the West Valley Performing Arts Center. The petition states the "abrupt" decision will lead to "the disillusionment of the theatrical programming arm of West Valley Arts."
"This decision impacts the residents of West Valley City, theater patrons and artists in Utah including actors, technicians, set designers, intimacy coordinators, musicians and directors that have been uplifted and enriched by the presence of West Valley Performing Arts Center, a theatre that is committed to diverse and inclusive casting and increasing accessibility to live theatre," the petition continues.
