Empress Theatre (Magna, Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Empress Theatre
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Front facade
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 Location in Utah
Location in the United States
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| Location | 9104 W 2700 S, Magna, Utah |
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| Built | 1916 |
| Architectural style | classical revival, Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000962 |
| Added to NRHP | 1985 |
The Empress Theatre is a historic building on Main Street in Magna, Utah. It has been a place for entertainment for over 100 years! Built in 1916, it first opened to entertain the people who worked in the local mines.
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A Look Back: The Empress Theatre's History
The Empress Theatre is special because of its unique design. It mixes two old styles called Neo-classical and Beaux Arts. These styles make it stand out from other buildings in Magna. While it might not be the most famous example of these styles in Utah, it's one of the most interesting theaters in a small Utah town. Many other buildings nearby are much plainer.
Why the Empress Theatre is Important
The Empress Theatre is one of the oldest and best-kept buildings in Magna. It's also the oldest theater still standing in the community. When it was built, it was the second theater in Magna. The first one, called the Palace Theatre, was open from 1914 to 1917, but we don't know where it was located.
The Empress Theatre was built during a time when Magna was growing very fast, especially in the 1910s and 1920s. This was when the Utah Copper Corporation started. They brought many small mining companies together to form one big one. Soon after, they built large processing plants near what became Magna.
Main Street's Changing Face
The Empress Theatre was one of many buildings built on Main Street during the 1910s and 1920s. This created a busy shopping area. However, over the last 50 years, many of these old buildings have become empty. The main shopping areas moved to other parts of town, and the local economy changed.
Even with these changes, the Empress Theatre remains one of the best-preserved old buildings on Main Street. Its fancy design makes it the most impressive building there. Most other buildings in the area are much simpler.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
On May 9, 1985, the Empress Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings that are important to the history of the United States. It's the only building in Magna to have this honor! You can find more information about it at National Register #85000962.
How the Theatre Works Today
The Empress Theatre is run by over 300 volunteers from all around the Salt Lake Valley. These amazing people help with everything from selling tickets to building sets.
The Creative Team
The theater also has a special creative staff. This team plans what shows will be performed and makes sure they fit the theater's goals. They decide which plays and musicals to put on each year, manage the schedule, and hire directors and other staff for each show.
Community Support and Youth Programs
The theater's costs are covered by grants and donations from people who love the arts. This makes every show a true example of community theater.
Besides putting on 8 to 10 shows every year, the Empress Theatre also has a summer youth program. Kids aged 6 to 18 can join this program. They work together to put on a full musical in just three weeks!
Surviving an Earthquake
On March 18, 2020, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake hit the area. The Empress Theatre, along with other buildings in Downtown Magna, had some visible damage. But it's still standing strong!
The Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance
In 2006, a group called the Oquirrh Hills Performing Arts Alliance (OHPAA) helped bring the Empress Theatre back to life. Since then, the volunteers, actors, and board members of OHPAA have worked very hard. They have improved both the organization and the building. Their goal is to keep bringing fun, family-friendly entertainment to the Salt Lake Valley.
See also
