Draper Historic Theatre puts on nonprofit productions

Recently, a group of artists and performers set the stage to provide affordable theatre for the local community.

During December, the Draper Historic Theatre hosted a limited run performance of Lil’ Abner. The comedy-musical production was suitable for an audience of all ages and tickets were offered at affordable prices -- less than $10 per ticket - to encourage attendance.

The Draper Historic Theatre (2366 South 900 East) is operated by a nonprofit organization in the heart of the unofficial historic district near Draper City Hall. The theatre, which has been open for more than 50 years, is located in the same local neighborhood as number of renovated Pioneer-era homes and the recently relocated historic Day Dairy Barn.

The artists and volunteers that comprise the nonprofit group hope to encourage participation in the ongoing cultural legacy of the local theatre.

“The people on stage and off, behind the scenes or sitting in the audience, each is a contributor and a receiver,” Draper Historic Theatre Board of Directors Vice Chair Rhonda Neiswender said.

The Draper Historic Theatre first opened in 1938 and was known in the community as The Pearl. The local venue was a place for audiences from across the Salt Lake Valley to see first-run vaudeville performances.

In 1988, the theatre building was purchased and transformed by new owners who added theatrical lighting, an expanded sound system and a stage to present modern productions of live shows.

Draper Historic Theatre became a nonprofit organization in 1998. The building was purchased from private owners in 2004 with money collected through community fundraising efforts.

Since then, the nonprofit arts group activities and productions have been paid for through a combination of state grant money and donations.

For example, the Draper Historic Theatre is a recipient of the Zoo, Arts and Parks grant funding administered by Salt Lake County.

The official vision statement of the nonprofit theatre group, as published on the organization’s official website, is to ensure that Draper Historic Theatre performs as “the premier arts and cultural center of the south valley.”

Currently, the theatre building is the home of a youth performing arts school for students between the ages of 10 and 14 years old. Need-based scholarships for students are available through the nonprofit organization.

In addition, regular performances at the theatre include a weekly, one and a half-hour long improvised comedy production on Saturday nights called Off The Wall.

The show features teams of comedians competing for audience accolades and a prize known as the “intelligent donkey” award.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the door for $5.

More information, including a listing of upcoming productions for 2012, is available by contacting the Draper Historic Theatre at 801-572-4144.