Approval of RAP tax could alter Davis theater scene

Southern Davis County could see a change of scene with their theaters next year.

If the RAP (recreation, arts and parks) tax receives an endorsement on this November's ballot, it could send the Bountiful Performing Arts Center packing while Rodger's Memorial Theatre Administration packs more people into a new theater, the South Davis Regional Theater.

Originally the two theaters planned to merge into one, but BPAC hasn't heard word of the merge since its proposal.

"It's been years since we've had discussions," said Jennifer Cardinal, vice president of BPAC. "At the time we determined that we needed something north and south (in Davis County). We haven't been an integral part lately."

Rodgers' is planning to administratively run the new theater, under its new name. BPAC fears it will be swallowed up and forgotten if involved.

"What we hope doesn't happen is that we're consumed in a bigger organization," said Cardinal. "We hope it's not taken over and indistinguishable."

The RAP tax would come from one tenth of one percent of the sales tax of the cities that vote for it. Half of the tax would pay for the South Davis Regional Theater. The remaining money would be left for government use.

Rodgers' administration feels up to the task of running the potential future theater.

"We just said to (Centerville) Mayor Russell it just makes sense to bring us in and have us continue to run this thing," said Scott Van Dyke, a trustee and actor of Rodgers Theater. "We have people with educations in theater management. We've been running a theater with a bigger size (than BPAC) and made it successful."

Van Dyke recognized BPAC's mission as similar to Rodgers' and invited any involved in the performing arts center to come assist in the future theater.

"If they're willing to come on and be a team player we'd be happy to gleen from what they have," said Van Dyke. "The common goal would be that there's a regional theater for people to enjoy the entertainment or be part of the entertainment."

Van Dyke said he talked to the CEO of BPAC shortly after they became homeless due to a fire code violation in their theater. As they searched for a new home, Van Dyke asked Phil Wright, the president of BPAC about the merge.

"He said, 'I think everybody needs their own theater, I'm not sure regional theater is the way to go,'" Van Dyke said.

Cardinal told a different story.

"They've made it clear they wouldn't want to merge with us," Cardinal said.

The theater would have 500 seats, 250 more than Rodgers' current cushion count. RMT is confident that they could fill the house, despite the doubled size.