SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 22, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — Pioneer Theatre Company‘s opening show of the 2026-2027 season will be performed at a “borrowed” stage after a sprinkler flood damaged PTC’s main stage and orchestra pit, and even the Babcock Theater in the basement.
“Earlier this week, our sprinkler system above the Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre was activated, flooding three levels of the building, including the state and orchestra pit,” a Saturday statement from the theater staff says.
“We are thankful no one was injured, and we are also grateful to our tremendous staff, University partners and professional crews who have worked with extraordinary care to address the impact and ensure the safety and health of our patrols, staff and artists.”
The season opener, “John Proctor Is the Villain,” playing Sept. 11–26, will now be performed at the Jay W. Lees Courage Theater at the Westminster Performing Arts Center, located at 1248 E. 1700 South.
Image: Google Maps
The Westminster Performing Center in about 4.3 miles to the south, about an 8 minute drive, also along 1300 East in Salt Lake City. The venues
Tickets to “John Proctor Is the Villain,” described as “A fierce, funny play about teenage girls rewriting the rules—and reclaiming their own stories,” are limited due to the venue change. Tickets are season subscriptions are on sale now. People who would like to see the show and do not currently have tickets can check for availability at this link.
Current ticket holders will be contacted later next week with updated ticket ticket information, and to help with any conflicts the change of venue may create.
On performance days, the PTC box office will close at 5 p.m., and the staff will not have access to box office phones after that point.
For any urgent day-of for ticket changes, contact [email protected].
“While this is certainly not the start to our 65th Anniversary Season we anticipated, we remain as eager as ever to share the poignant, powerful stories that make up our 2026–27 season, beginning boldly with Kimberly Belflower’s ‘John Proctor Is the Villain.’
“We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and continued support of Pioneer Theatre Company. Most importantly, we cannot wait to welcome you to the theater. The show will go on, thanks to this phenomenal community.”
Image: Pioneer Theatre Company
