Celebrating the community partnerships that made renovating and expanding the America First Performing Arts Center possible, Utah Tech University held a ribbon cutting and concert Friday, Aug. 28, to open the state-of-the-art facility to the community.
“America First Performing Arts Center is a premier venue where people can come together to celebrate the arts, creativity and shared experiences,” Utah Tech University President Shane B. Smeed said. “This renovated facility represents an investment in the future of our community, and I am beyond grateful to America First Credit Union and the many other partners who helped make this vision a reality. I look forward to all the performances that will enrich the university and Southern Utah community for years to come.”
In addition to increasing the facility by 15,500 square feet, the renovation project included expanding the lobby, box office, concessions and restrooms and adding an event space to accommodate larger audiences and a wider variety of performers. To enhance the audience experience, a balcony with more seating, center aisles for easier access to seats and additional ADA seating were included in the renovations. On the technical side, a new sound booth, updated LED theatrical lighting and enhanced acoustics were added throughout the building. Back-of-house renovations included expanding green rooms dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces.
“Nothing strengthens our communities more than investing in the people and places that bring us together,” Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union, said. “And the America First Performing Arts Center has been designed exactly for that purpose. It will give students, artists and families from across Southern Utah vital opportunities to gather to experience the arts, share their talents and form lasting connections.”
America First Credit Union donated $5 million to the project, which was also funded by a $28 million appropriation from the Utah State Legislature, a $1.3 million contribution from Washington County and many community donors. Highlighting the community partnership making this project possible, the renovated venue will serve as the official home of Utah Tech University’s College of the Arts, UT Live, Southwest Symphony and Southern Utah Heritage Choir.
Efforts to expand the venue began when the Southern Utah Performing Arts Foundation sought a facility to meet the needs of the Southwest Symphony and Southern Utah Heritage Choir, proposed a partnership with Utah Tech University and assumed leadership in advocating for initial funding for the expansion project from the Utah State Legislature.
“The America First Performing Arts Center is a testament to what is possible when a community shares a vision and works together to make that vision a reality,” V. Lowry Snow, chair of the Southern Utah Performing Arts Foundation and former state representative, said. “Southern Utah is home to many exceptionally talented people who love the arts, and this facility is a place where talents can grow, the next generation can discover their own gifts and our community can come together to experience the joy that the arts bring.”
As part of the celebration, UT Live hosted a concert featuring award-winning pianist William Joseph with Madilyn Paige from “The Voice” and Travis Garland from “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Got Talent” as well as special guest Derek Hough from “Dancing with the Stars.”
“It’s been a privilege to renovate one of Utah Tech University’s most cherished spaces. The America First Credit Union Performing Arts Center will be a place where creativity is inspired, culture is celebrated, and lifelong memories are made,” Layton Construction Executive Vice President Jeff Palmer said. “Our employees and trade partners live right here in Southern Utah, and when the doors open, they’ll return with their families — not as builders, but as audience members, parents, grandparents, and neighbors — proud to say they helped create a place that will enrich this community for generations to come.”
Completed in 1986 as the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center, the venue was made possible by a donation from Dr. Mervyn K. and Sue Cox and has served the community as a center for performing arts for four decades. To honor the Cox family as legacy donors, the auditorium is now named the Cox Grand Theatre.