Updates / FAQ - Midway Arts Center

Updates

What's new with the MAC planning process?

In late October, 2022, the Homestead Resort contacted the MAC management with a proposal to locate the MAC on the Homestead property. After some difficulties with the City Council regarding the location on Main Street, this turn of events was interesting to the MAC Board. Meetings and negotiations followed in rapid sequence. During that time, the City Council, in a Work Meeting on November 1, 2022, unofficially voted 5-0 in favor of the concept of relocating the MAC to the Resort – adding fuel to the building excitement for this plan.

A letter of intent, in considerable detail has been signed by the parties, with formal documentation to follow from the legal teams. The Homestead will effectively donate the land on the northerly end of the Resort and will build a modest amphitheater adjacent to the MAC for both to share. The synergy between a first-class resort and a first-class arts center is obvious. There is ample parking and the MAC is a permitted use in the Resort Zone, solving substantial technical problems that faced the Main Street location.

What impact on Midway traffic will The MAC have?

Our traffic engineers, Hales Engineering, the leading traffic engineering firm in the State, has stated that the traffic impact of the MAC would be “minimal” at the Main Street site. The same will hold true for the Resort. The recreational traffic at the Resort is primarily during daytime hours, while the MAC’s traffic is in the evening and night. The Resort’s guests’ traffic is spread throughout the day. Will there be more evening traffic in the area? Yes. Will it be unreasonable? No. The 125 cars anticipate for a full-house performance in the main theater will be able to clear in less than 10 minutes.

What do Midway influencers say about The Midway Arts Center?

Click each name below to read a letter from that Influencer.

HOW WILL THE MAC PROMOTE THE VALLEY’S HERITAGE?

During the times when many visitors come to Midway – July and during Swiss Days – High Valley Arts will not only present a Broadway musical in the Main Theater but will also present in the smaller Youth Theater the short professional musical, “Socks and Souls, the Story of Midway” with the goal of involving residents and visitors in the lives of those who settled our Valley. Over time, other local histories will be dramatized and presented during July and Swiss Days so that those who gave their lives to build what we so value and enjoy will never be forgotten.

Will Wasatch County performing arts groups be able to rent the MAC?

Yes. The three venues in the MAC (Main Stage, Black Box, and Recital Hall) will be available when not otherwise scheduled by the MAC for other groups, businesses and the Resort to use on a scheduled basis. The MAC will endeavor to keep the rental rates as low as possible to help support other community groups who need venues for their programs.

Will performances In the three venues – The Main Stage, the Black Box, and the Recital Hall – be held at the same time?

No. Each venue will have its own staggered performing time, thus not overwhelming Midway roads with traffic.

Will there be an outdoor amphitheater near The MAC?

Yes! Included in the Homestead approved Master Plan is an amphitheater. It will now be located adjacent to the MAC so dressing rooms and other facilities of the MAC can be used for outdoor performances. The amphitheater will be built by the Resort, with technical improvements added by the MAC. Both will share the use of the amphitheater for outdoor musicals and concerts. The contemplated amphitheater at Soldier Hollow will no longer be necessary.

What is the seating capacity of the Main Stage?

The Main Stage will hold 450 people, about the same number of people as will fit in the Midway Town Hall if every spot holds a chair and all the side benches are filled with people. The Main Stage will have 300 seats on the main level and 150 in the balcony.

What is the seating capacity of the Recital Hall?

The recital hall will hold 125 chairs, making it a lovely space suitable for small receptions, art displays, music recitals, and etc.

What is the seating capacity of the Black Box Theater?

The blackbox theater, which will be used for youth musicals, will hold 250 people, making it suitable for small performances of a variety of types.

Does The MAC have a fly?

No. A fly is a 70-foot tall structure at the back of a stage that allows scenery to be lifted up out of sight during a performance. Instead, The MAC will have a 40 foot wide LED wall, allowing scenery to be displayed beautifully and electronically. The LED wall can be moved to the front of the stage, suitable for conventions, product unveilings, etc.

HOW WILL THE MAC BENEFIT THE MIDWAY ARTS ASSOCIATION (MAA) AND OTHER LOCAL VISUAL ARTS GROUPS?

The Midway Art Association and or other groups will be invited to display their works at one or more of the opening night donor galas. Patrons of the performing arts will be able to enjoy the displays during the gala and will be able to purchase the works at the end of the evening.

Will The MAC present a musical during Swiss Days?

Yes. An appropriate musical performance will be presented later in the evening after Swiss Days closes for the night. Again, this will encourage overnight stays and provide revenues for both businesses and government.

How will The MAC help children gain an appreciation for our country’s freedoms?

Through High Valley Arts’ “Let Freedom Ring!” program, school children in Wasatch County and in nearby communities will be invited to The MAC to present in the Black Box for their friends the short drama provided to them by HVAF. HVAF will provide costumes, sets, and props. After their presentation, a costumed freedom hero, such as George Washington will describe his adventures in gaining America’s freedoms. The students will be invited to climb to the top of nearby Memorial Hill where a real life American freedom hero, a veteran, will describe his experiences in keeping America free. The cost/blessings of freedom should have greater meaning to the young people at the end of that day. Families will also be able to bring their children to participate in similar events.

How will The MAC help the community gain an appreciation for our country’s freedoms?

Every July, High Valley Arts will present a freedom-based musical – either one that already exist (think Fiddler on the Roof, Sound of Music) or an original production with a freedom theme. The production will be accompanied by lectures, arts display, children’s activities, etc., all focused on underscoring our country’s heritage of freedom. Patrons will also be encouraged to make the short trip to Memorial Hill to further appreciate our local heritage of freedom and be reminded of its value and the price paid by those who have given so much.

WHAT IS “HIGH VALLEY ARTS” AND WHAT PART DOES IT PLAY IN “THE MAC”?

High Valley Arts has been a major contributor to the cultural well-being of our community and has provided significant economic benefit as well. The 68,000+ people attending performances have bought gas, eaten at restaurants, shopped at stores, stayed at resorts and other accommodations and have otherwise spent money in Midway and the Heber Valley. For 15 years, HVAF has provided wholesome entertainment that has bolstered both local businesses and the City’s tax revenues. The MAC will host not only High Valley Arts as its resident theater company but local arts organizations and other community events as well. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something wonderful for our City and its future. Let’s “Bring the MAC to Midway”!

ISN’T THERE A PROPOSAL FOR AN ARTS CENTER IN HEBER?

Yes. The Heber group envisions an arts center substantially larger than the MAC to be used by all county arts groups, modeled after the Rose Wagner in SLC and the Covey Center in Provo. We understand that current plans are that the County will support and manage the new facility.

The MAC will be privately funded and, similar to the Hale Theaters or Pioneer Memorial Theater, will have a resident theater company (High Valley Arts Foundation). It will also make stage time available to other community groups on a scheduled basis. Currently, Wasatch county has about 10 performing arts groups, all of which could likely find sufficient venue time in the MAC. Over time, as the arts community grows, other venues will be needed.

We support the Heber Valley group and believe both concepts are compatible and are needed to meet the needs of the future of our community.

Contact City Council

If they know you want it, the City Council will be more inclined to approve the Midway Arts Center. But you MUST let them know.