Last August, organizers of West Valley Arts officially earned a non-profit status. With the support of West Valley City and a number of generous donors, the group took over operational control of the West Valley Performing Arts Center in December.

Now, as the first year of that independence draws to a close, group members are looking both at the past year and ones in the future, vying to keep the arts center alive and thriving.

“With each production, we’re taking small but steady paths forward,” said Kate Rufener, president of the Board of Directors for West Valley Arts Foundation. “Like all arts groups in the nation, we’re weathering challenges, but finding new ways to think of things and embracing new ideas.”

She said West Valley Arts has made a few adjustments, appointing long-time director and artistic producer John Sweeney as interim director, furloughing some staff and focusing on “what needs to keep us secure in the long term.”

“Over this past year, we've seen firsthand how this theater brings vibrancy to our community,” she said. “This space has hosted sold out crowds for our shows, neighborhood block parties, art exhibits, fellow businesses, West Valley Arts fan clubs, and students for our summer camps. Vibrancy brings connection and community.”

The company just finished its production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” one of four plays they put on this year, including “The Play That Goes Wrong,” “A Chorus Line” and “Alice by Heart.” Audiences have been increasing in size, and for the third straight year, West Valley Arts was named “Best of State” for Utah. In addition, the foundation is introducing its new youth theater production class’ first show called “The Addams Family Jr.” Oct. 9-11. Classes for youth ages 10-18 have proven very popular since they started last spring. Rufener said it helps give young people a chance to be in theater productions that aren’t readily available in this market.

A planned production of “Wait Until Dark” has been postponed, but the theater will kick off the spooky season with “Nightfall by Edgar Allan Poe,” a 90-minute one-act play with four scenes and five cast members set for Oct.24-Nov. 1. Rufener said an announcement should be coming in mid-September about the 2026 season productions.

What West Valley Arts is also looking for is financial support once again from the city. During public comments at the July 22 city council meeting, Rufener said the theater makes a real economic impact on the community.

“Every show brings people to West Valley City who shop, eat and discover what West Valley has to offer,” she said. “Many of them come from other cities and leave as advocates for what we're building here. In fact, we’ve received multiple donations from grantors, corporate partners, and an especially important pair of donors who have offered to match every dollar the city appropriates to us.”

She added that the theater’s presence adds to West Valley City’s stability and quality of life, saying “it suggests a place where people want to stay long-term, invest and grow, not just pass through.” The council may consider an appropriation from its new budget to West Valley Arts at a future meeting.

The center is located at 3333 Decker Lake Drive.