General Information

Government Type

Interlocal

Entity

Utah Performing Arts Center Agency

Public Body

Board of Directors

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

UPACA Board of Director meeting minutes- draft, unapproved minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

June 25, 2026 09:00 AM

Event End Date & Time

June 25, 2026 10:00 AM

Description/Agenda

Meeting of the UPACA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thursday June 25, 2026, 9:00am O.C. Tanner Lounge - Eccles Theatre w/Cisco WebEx option Attendees: Sarah Dibble Lata, Matt Castillo, Ross Romero, Helen Langan, Danny Walz, Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin, Taylee Foulger, Avery Whells, Cate Kizerian, Jacque Jones, Rachel Otto, Angela Vanderwell, Robin Chalhoub, Katie Riggs-Hansen, David Norton, Hugh Hansen, Jeremy Morgan, Angela Vanderwell, Robin Chalhoub, Darin Casper, Chandra Garcia, Andrew Kopf Roll call and Introductions: Ms. Darby-Duffin called the meeting to order at 9:00am. Welcome: Ms. Darby-Duffin welcomed all. Review public comments: No public comments. Approval of minutes: April 23, 2026 Ms. Hansen moved the request to approve the minutes. Ms. Langan moved to second. Unanimously approved. Regent Street Black Box Resident Presentations - David Norton, Utah Classical Guitar Society and Hugh Hansen, Wasatch Theatre Company Mr. Norton introduced himself and provided an overview of Utah Classical Guitar. He noted that the organization has been a resident at the facility for approximately nine years and regularly brings professional guitarists from around the world to perform. He highlighted several artists scheduled to appear this year. Mr. Norton also discussed the organization's educational outreach efforts, including partnerships with local high schools. They generally have one or two youth performers as opening acts for their concerts each season. Through these outreach programs, professional musicians conduct masterclasses and work with both students and amateur performers. He reported that Utah Classical Guitar is currently collaborating with Arts & Culture staff on a new ticketing structure. Attendance at performances remains strong, and the organization is in a solid financial position. Mr. Norton expressed appreciation for the positive relationship with the facility. The floor was opened for questions; none were raised. Ms. Garcia provided an overview of the organization's marketing efforts. They have a new marketing push this year that involves collaboration with Utah Flute Association, Intermountain Suzuki String Institute and early Utopia music. She also asked the Board and staff for input regarding audience development and marketing strategies. Board members and staff offered feedback, suggestions, and ideas to assist with future marketing initiatives. Mr. Hansen introduced himself and provided an update on Wasatch Theatre Company. He was recently appointed as the artistic director of the Company and expressed appreciation for the organization's ZAP grant support, noting that it has been instrumental in funding marketing efforts. Mr. Hansen briefly shared how he became familiar with the Black Box Theatre, explaining that after attending a performance there, he developed a strong appreciation for the venue and its potential. He stated that his goal is to bring a fresh perspective to the company and expressed gratitude for the marketing support received. Wasatch Theatre Company is interested in renewing its residency and is focused on increasing attendance, which is currently averaging approximately 40% capacity. Strategies under consideration include reducing seating capacity for select performances to improve audience engagement and atmosphere. Mr. Hansen also complimented the professionalism of the ushers, house managers, and technical directors. The floor was then opened for questions, which were addressed and discussed. Community Reinvestment Agency Gulls of Salt Lake City Presentation - Taylee Foulger, Jeremy Morgan Ms. Foulger introduced herself and Mr. Morgan from FFKR, they presented a concept proposal from the CRA, which has been exploring options to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Eccles Theater. She shared a slide presentation outlining the project vision. Ms. Foulger explained rather than commissioning new artwork, they're looking at an opportunity to bring back an important piece of Salt Lake City's history. Eccles Theater site was formerly home to the Prudential Building and featured The Gulls of Salt Lake City public art installation in 1964. When the Prudential Building was demolished to make way for the Eccles Theater, the artwork was removed and placed in storage. The project team believes reinstating The Gulls at the Eccles site presents a unique opportunity to reconnect with an important piece of Salt Lake City history. The proposed installation would be located on the south vestibule of Eccles theater, allowing the artwork to be viewed from both inside and outside the building while honoring the artist's original vision. Rather than recreating the original installation of 100 gulls, the proposal includes 37 gulls arranged in an upward flight pattern. Mr. Morgan provided an overview of the proposed installation method and explained that, due to current building code requirements and structural considerations, the new installation would not be an exact replica of the original artwork. He reviewed the installation process and design considerations. The presenters emphasized that they were not seeking a vote at this time. The purpose of the presentation was to introduce the concept, gather feedback, and answer questions from the board. All questions were addressed by the presenters and Arts & Culture staff. Eccles Theater Capital Projects - Proposed 2027 & 5-year Plan - Avery Whells, Cate Kizerian, Brian Boner, Sarah Dibble A copy of the 2027 Eccles Working Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan was distributed to the Board via email prior to the meeting. Mr. Castillo provided a brief overview of the Eccles Theater capital projects. Each June, we present our capital project proposals for the upcoming year, guided by our 5- and 30-year planning framework. In August, we will return with our proposed operating budget. Ms. Whells and Ms. Kizerian presented the proposed capital projects and outlined the rationale for the recommended replacements, upgrades, and improvements necessary to sustain the Eccles Theater's operations at a high level of capacity, efficiency, and performance. The Board received, via email, the complete list of proposed projects, which included the project fund/request year, project name, project budget, re-budget amounts, potential CRA funding, project status, potential funding sources, and capital reserve balance. It was pointed out to the Board that the equipment replacement budget move from $80,000 per year to $180,000 per year and a request was made to allow the equipment replacement budget to roll over from year to year. Mr. Castillo provided an explanation of how the equipment replacement funds were originally established and described how our audits of equipment replacement have helped ensure that our budgets remain appropriately aligned. He also noted that costs for certain equipment-particularly IT equipment-have increased significantly, which is the primary reason for the substantial increase in the replacement fund. During the ensuing discussion, staff responded to all questions and provided additional clarification as requested by the Board. It was agreed that the equipment replacements will be addressed in a future meeting. Mr. Castillo also requested that the Board review the five-year capital projects plan. He emphasized the importance of maintaining awareness of the long-term outlook and ensuring sufficient capitalization is in place to support those projects. Mr. Casper moved the request to approve Eccles Theater Capital Projects - Proposed 2027. Ms. Darby-Duffin moved to second. Unanimously approved. MagicSpace Entertainment Assignment Request - Matt Castillo, Angela Vanderwell A copy of the briefing memorandum was provided to the Board in advance of the meeting. Ms. Vanderwell presented a brief overview of the MagicSpace Entertainment Assignment to The Space Agency LLC. She advised the Board that members had already read the Memorandum that was issued to them prior to this meeting. If there were no objections/question due to time constraints bring it up for the vote. Mr. Walz moved the request to approve MagicSpace Entertainment Assignment Request. Ms. Hansen moved to second. Unanimously approved. POTENTIAL CLOSED SESSION: Discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual. Mr. Casper moved the request to approve Closed Session for discussion. Ms. Langan moved to second. Unanimously approved. The meeting was then closed for discussion. The session was re-opened. Regent Street Black Box Resident Sub-Committee Recommendations to UPACA - Danny Walz, Helen Langan Mr. Walz and Ms. Langan presented the resident renewals to the Board. The subcommittee provided notes on the Utah Classical Guitar Society, expressing appreciation for their programming and the events they host at the Black Box. The organization is viewed as stable, with strong ticket utilization and a diverse offering of concerts across multiple venues. The subcommittee also acknowledged their outreach efforts, including classes and workshops, and their use of the Black Box for prestige performances. Concerns noted include that approximately 70% of their budget is derived from donations or grants; while the subcommittee does not have comparative data on how this aligns with other nonprofits, it was noted as a significant area of reliance. The majority of expenses are allocated to artist fees and related costs, which the subcommittee considers appropriate. It was also observed that most of their programming consists of community concerts and workshops, with relatively few ticketed events. The subcommittee commended their efforts to hire marketing staff and looks forward to exploring ways to further support those efforts. One additional note was a desire to see increased utilization of the Black Box beyond the current four to five events. The subcommittee recommends approval. Mr. Walz moved the request to approve renewal of Resident Lease Agreement with Utah Classical Guitar Society. Ms. Darby-Duffin moved to second. Unanimously approved. Mr. Walz and Ms. Langan have significant concerns related to communication, financial management, and the production and administration of shows on behalf of Wasatch Theatre Company. During their tenure at the Black Box Theater, they have had a substantial history of interactions with theater staff that have raised concerns regarding compliance with established operational procedures and event management requirements. The committee noted a recurring pattern of show cancellations, schedule changes, and other operational disruptions that have placed additional burdens on theater staff and negatively impacted theater operations. These actions have affected the theater's ability to serve other organizations and have created reputational concerns for the venue. In addition, there is a documented history of past-due invoices and late payments, reflecting ongoing financial management issues. The committee also found that they have not consistently adhered to the expectations and obligations outlined in the resident company and contractual agreements. Furthermore, the committee determined that standards of professional conduct within the theater have not been consistently met, and that established processes for event planning and management have not been respected. It is also the subcommittee's understanding that the organization has not presented a clear or sufficient plan to address and remediate these concerns moving forward. Based on these findings, the subcommittee concludes that the requirements of the resident company agreement have not been satisfactorily fulfilled and does not recommend renewal of the agreement. Mr. Walz moved the request to not recommend the renewal of Resident Lease Agreement with Wasatch Theater Company. Ms. Langan moved to second. Unanimously approve Current Budget and Activity Reports - Sarah Dibble, Angela Vanderwell Due to time constraints, the budget and activity reports were deferred to a future meeting. Mr. Castillo noted that the financial information had been emailed to the Board prior to this meeting and encouraged members to contact him directly with any questions or requests for clarification. Director's Updates, Salt Lake County Arts & Culture and Ecles Theater - Matt Castillo, Angela Vanderwell Ms. Vanderwell advised that a Save the Date announcement will be sent to the Board for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, regarding a special event celebrating our 10th season at Eccles Theater. A formal invitation will be distributed at a later date. Meeting adjourned at 10:15am. Next Meeting: August 20, 2026 2026 Meeting Schedule All meetings start at 9:00am and are held in the O.C. Tanner Lounge at the Eccles Theater with a Web-Ex option. (Dates, times, locations subject to change. Additional meetings may be added) a. February 19 b. April 23 c. June 25 d. August 20 e. October 22 f. December 10

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Angela Vanderwell at avanderwell@slco.org.

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

Electronic telephonic participation is available for this Body upon request.

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

Eccles Theatre - O.C. Tanner Lounge
131 So. Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
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Contact Name

Angela Vanderwell

Contact Email

avanderwell@slco.org

Contact Phone

(385)468-2524

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

June 26, 2026 09:21 AM

Notice Last Edited On

June 26, 2026 09:21 AM

Audio File Address

Audio File Location

https://slco.webex.com/slco/ldr.php?RCID=04ea8c97068c311d77075b8910eca687

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