With the many renovations happening at the Huish Theater in Payson, many in the community are wondering how the progress is going. Many have expressed curiosity mainly due to the renovations now happening on the interior.
The original plan was to renovate the building in three phases.
Phase one included fixing the exterior and building a small, 100-seat performance venue in the space once occupied by some small businesses along Utah Avenue.
This venue is known as the Huish SideShow and is used for many events including a comedy club and open mic and karaoke nights that are held every Wednesday. The theater also houses various community events and has been a great resource for many businesses, community and family events.
Phase one has been completed and work has begun on phase two, which is to renovate the main auditorium where the movies used to be shown.
Because the theater was built in 1949 before modern fire codes were established, one of the first things that needs to be added is a fire suppression system complete with sprinklers, alarm warning devices, and all the plumbing and wiring that goes along with it. City fire code prevents the theater from housing any public activity until the system is installed, tested and certified.
Once installed, the theater can begin holding large events in the revamped auditorium with a balcony that will seat over 600 people. The theater will be able to produce live performances including plays, musicals, orchestra and band concerts, dance, vocal and music recitals, as well as large business meetings, small trade shows, product demonstrations, holiday displays and other seasonal events.
Phase three includes the construction of an additional building to the north of the existing structure and will include three levels. The plan is to provide a large lobby area, a concessions stand, and new restrooms on the main level. This space will also allow for art exhibits and some seasonal displays and specialized performances. The upper level will include an orchestra room that will look down over the stage in the main auditorium for live music to accompany theatrical musical productions.
A recording studio is also in the works, allowing soundtracks to be produced. There will also be a smaller, 50-75 seat performance venue for piano and vocal recitals.
The lower (basement) level in the new structure will provide backstage support including a costume shop and storage, prop storage, makeup tables and costume change areas and a green room for the actors and performers.
Also in the new addition, a space immediately adjacent to the stage will be a two-story tall scene shop where theatrical sets can be constructed and stored.
All of these changes will create what’s known as a full-production venue, which is something that does not presently exist in the south end of Utah County.
With all the plans in the works, there is still the constant question of when the renovations will be complete. When it’s done depends on how soon we can obtain funding for such a gargantuan project. We have applied for and received several grants that have helped greatly, and communities and businesses have generously donated.
Even with renovations still underway, the SideShow is open for open mic and other performances, and we hope you will join us as a performer or member of the audience.
We invite budding musicians, story tellers, poets, standup comics, instrumentalists and performers of various kinds to come on over to the Huish Theater SideShow to hone skills and talents in front of a safe and welcoming audience. And we welcome viewers to come enjoy the shows.
For more information, go to HuishPACE.com.
Submitted by Richard Lindsey
