The Secret to Success?
There’s a quote from one of our 2024 productions, Shakespeare in Love, that’s become a bit of an inside joke for those of us at the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Anytime someone asks how we manage to pull off what feels impossible—mounting productions on tight timelines, bringing together diverse teams, turning a blank stage into a world full of life—the answer is often delivered with a shrug:
“I don’t know. It’s a mystery.”
And while there’s certainly some magic involved, there’s actually a very real, very intentional force behind it: people.
At West Valley Arts, we believe that putting people first isn’t just a nice idea. It’s the foundation of every successful show, every thriving season, every lasting community impact we make. Being people-forward is what allows us to create meaningful experiences on stage—and off.
When we prioritize people, we prioritize trust. We create an environment where our teams feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and try new things. We build a culture where failure isn’t feared, because we know failure is often the first step toward something extraordinary.
“When people feel like they belong, the work transforms,” says Vanessa Olson, Managing Director.
“When you create a space where folks feel safe to show up, be themselves, and try big things—without worrying about failing—that’s when the energy shifts. The art gets better, the ideas get bolder, and honestly, it just becomes a place people love to be.”
It’s true behind the scenes, and it’s true in the audience. When people walk through our doors and feel welcomed—when they know they’re part of something bigger than themselves—they come back. And they bring others with them.
This people-first mindset extends to every aspect of our work. Our guest experience is designed to make everyone feel at home, from the moment they purchase a ticket to the final bow. Our partnerships are built on real relationships, not transactions. And our community engagement efforts aren’t just about checking a box; they’re about genuinely creating space for everyone to participate.
There’s a practical side to all this, too. When you put people first, the results follow. Audiences grow. Donations increase. Local businesses take notice and invest. Cities recognize the value of cultural institutions that foster connection, belonging, and pride.
Because this isn’t just about putting on a good show.
It’s about building a place where people belong—a place that feels like home.
So yes, sometimes it feels like a mystery how it all comes together.
How an empty theater fills with energy.
How an idea becomes a tradition.
How a performance becomes a memory.
But if you look a little closer, the answer is clear. It’s people. It’s always been people.
And honestly?
It’s you. All of you. From actors to crew to guests.
You’re the mystery.
You’re the reason the seats fill.
You’re the reason the energy crackles on opening night.
You’re the reason our community keeps showing up—on stage, backstage, and out in the audience.
And that’s the kind of investment that never stops paying off.
—
Help us keep building a people-centered arts community right here in West Valley City. Consider making a donation today to support the work we’re doing to create meaningful, accessible experiences for all.