Ambitious SLAC looks forward as 'Voyeur' opens

As Salt Lake Acting Company opens its annual production of "Saturday's Voyeur," a look back at a year in the life of Utah, SLAC is also looking forward — announcing not only a renewed vision, to be "ever more brave, vibrant, innovative and relevant," but also announcing a commitment to reconnect to the artists and the community.

At a small gathering earlier this week, Nancy Borgenicht, interim executive producer, addressed the state of the company, saying that it is "doing very well, but today theaters can't continue the way they've done things in the past."

"We refuse to be paralyzed by economic doom, but choose to explode out of it," she said, noting that SLAC is planning to do "more productions and bigger shows."

In addition to the season announcement, SLAC has some new things in the works.

SLAC and Rowland Hall High School have established a merit-based award called the Tony Larimer Performing Arts Award.

The award will be presented annually to a graduating Rowland Hall senior who excels in the arts. In addition, the 2009-2010 season is being dedicated to Larimer.

Borgenicht teared up when honoring Larimer, her friend and colleague, who passed away in March.

"He had chops, guts, confidence, brains, gravitas and a serious sense of the ridiculous." Larimer, who was artistically involved with many organizations, taught at Rowland Hall from 1958-1994. His wife, Marie, was at the announcement and said Larimer "would have been thrilled beyond words."

The theater will also introduce a children's play in hopes it will become a new tradition.

"It's time," Borgenicht said. "There is no professional theater for kids in this valley, and we're excited to bring thoughtful, challenging works to a young audience."

Also in an effort to reach new and younger audiences, SLAC will offer "SLAC Sat Student Mats" — a catchy name for an outreach program to Utah's college and university students.

Along with discounted tickets, the students will also meet with actors, directors, playwrights and designers.

SLAC will also implement a slew of other discounts because, according to spokesperson Cynthia Fleming, "theater is for everybody and we want everybody to come."

With ZAP Tuesdays, Facebook Friends and Soup Kitchen Wednesday, "we're making theater as affordable as we can."

"There will be a lot going on," Borgenicth said, "and we're looking forward to an exhilarating, huge, full, overflowing, exciting new season."

SLAC's 2009-2010 season will include:

"The Caretaker," by Harold Pinter, Sept. 16-Oct. 11, featuring Gene Pack, Daniel Beecher and Matthew Ivan Bennett.

"Master Class," by Terrence McNally, Oct. 14-Nov. 8, starring Anne Cullimore Decker and classical pianist Paul Dorgan.

"Go, Dog. Go!" adapted from P.D. Eastman's book, Dec. 2-27.

"Too Much Memory," by Keith Reddin and Meg Gibson, Feb. 3-28.

"Charm," by Kathleen Cahill, April 14-May 9, part of SLAC's New Play Sounding series.

"Saturday's Voyeur," June 29-Aug. 29.

E-mail: ehansen@desnews.com