Did you know that the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center opened on Izzi Wagner’s 86th birthday? This isn’t just any performing arts center. It’s a testament to a family’s legacy and a vibrant hub for Salt Lake City’s artistic soul.
The Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center stands proudly in downtown Salt Lake City. It’s a three-venue complex. It boasts the Jeanne Wagner Theatre a 501-seat proscenium theatre. There is also the Leona Wagner Theatre a 191-seat black box theatre. Finally a smaller Studio Theatre accommodates up to 75 people.
This incredible center wasn’t always here. It’s built on the land where Rose and Harry Wagner’s home once stood. Rose and Harry started the Wagner Bag Company. They made and mended burlap grocery bags. Rose took over after Harry died. She successfully ran the business through the Great Depression. Her children Abe Izzi and Leona all worked in the family business. It’s Izzi Wagner who spearheaded the center’s creation. He donated land. He also secured additional private funds. He named the center after his mother. He honored her work ethic. The Jeanne Wagner Theatre is named after his wife a dancer. The Leona Wagner Black Box Theatre is named after his sister.
The Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center is more than just buildings and stages. It’s a place where diverse artistic expressions come to life. It’s home to organizations such as the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. The Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation also calls it home. The Plan-B Theatre Company and even the Sundance Film Festival are regular visitors. The center hosts modern dance theater classical music and ballet. It’s even been used for US Naturalization ceremonies.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center was a key location. It hosted events for the Cultural Olympiad Arts festival. It was even slated to be the location of live tapings for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Unfortunately those plans were cancelled.
The Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center is a place of creativity and innovation. It provides intimate performance spaces. The performers can experiment. They can create and share their art with an appreciative audience. This center is a true gem. It reflects the spirit of Salt Lake City’s thriving arts community. The building stands as a powerful symbol of a family’s legacy. It also celebrates the dedication of an entire community to the arts. The Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center is a place you won’t soon forget.