Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center Presents THE ROSE EXPOSED Extravaganza Today, 9/1

In a first-ever collaboration, the six resident performing arts organizations of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center (the Rose) will present an all-day "extravaganza" called The Rose Exposed today, September 1, 2012.

The six companies include Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, Plan-B Theatre Company, PygmaLion Theatre Company, Repertory Dance Theatre, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, and SB Dance. Together, these companies comprise the Performing Arts Coalition. There will also be representation from Spy Hop, one of the Rose Wagner's frequent renters. Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center is located at 138 West Broadway (300 South) in Salt Lake City. Over 50 artists, performers, and teachers are involved in this celebration of the performing arts.

The event will celebrate the diverse space that is the Rose. "Repertory Dance Theatre (RDT) has been looking forward to an event that includes the primary users of the Rose for a very long time. In 1983, RDT began to dream of a performing arts venue that would be a laboratory for artists in downtown SLC," says Linda Smith, founder and Artistic Director of RDT. "In 1997, that dream was realized and the Rose is now a 'gem' of a space and a great resource in the community."

Adds Jerry Rapier, Producing Director of Plan-B Theatre Company, "So much of what Plan-B Theatre Company does involves community partnerships. We thrive on it. But what we haven't done, and what The Rose Exposed gives us the opportunity to do, is collaborate artistically with our neighbors at the Rose. It surprises me how frequently people refer to the Rose as 'that building across the street from Squatters' or simply don't know what it is. We need to change that!"

Free classes, activities, and performances suitable for all ages will be presented from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm. At 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, audiences can sample the upcoming seasons of the six companies in The Rose Exposed Variety Show for $10. Tickets are required for both free and paid events and are available at www.roseXposed.org.

"This day is going to be like the circus rolling into town," says Stephen Brown, Director of SB Dance. "There's something for everyone - from Peter and The Wolf for kids to a late-night smorgasbord show for adults. I'll be teaching a sport yoga class that you can't find anywhere else in the area. In fact, it's impossible to find another day like this anywhere in the country. SB Dance is thrilled to be sharing stages with such an inspiring group of fellow artists and organizations. I'm absolutely certain that this will turn into one of the cultural highlights of the year."

Though not a member of the Performing Arts Coalition, Spy Hop will also present a number of films during the free portion of the day. "We invited Spy Hop to participate as they are epresentative of the many community organizations that also rent space at the Rose," says Rapier.

The event is sponsored by the Downtown Alliance, NowPlayingUtah.com, and Salt Lake County's Center for the Arts (the owner and manager of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center). "We are excited to help showcase the amazing talents of the residents of the Rose Wagner Performing Art Center. Art is a vital part of downtown and this event will bring diverse performances to audiences across the community," states Jason Mathis, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance.

"Salt Lake has such a diverse and talented art and culture community. It is so exciting to see the energy that the Rose Wagner faculty and its tenants bring to our destination," Scott Beck, President-CEO of Visit Salt Lake concurs." NowPlayingUtah.com was started to create a vehicle that could communicate to visitors and locals the scope and scale of our art and cultural offerings, we are very excited to be part of this event celebrating the users of the Rose and are grateful for what they bring to our city."

"We too are excited to help showcase the amazing talents of the resident companies at the Rose," says Phil Jordan, Salt Lake County's Center for the Arts Division Director. "The Rose Exposed is a great way to introduce - or reintroduce - the community to this vibrant venue."

This epic day is a first of its kind in Salt Lake City, and indeed, is unique nationally. According to Shirley Ririe, co-founder of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, "It is seldom that six disparate and successful companies share a space and get along so well. Come and see what is so captivating about being in the Rose! The Rose is such a lively place with exciting performances and classes going all day and into the night, every day. We are anxious to share the building and its events with the community."

To post a comment, you must register and login.