Huish PACE Center
History
1949
The Huish Movie Theater in Payson, Utah was opened in April, 1949, by Huish Enterprises which owned theaters by the same name in South-Central Utah. The first movie shown was "Mother Was a Freshman" starring Loretta Young and Van Johnson. The theater had a seating capacity of 830 and was fully equipped with the most modern projection and sound equipment for its day.
1966
The Huish Theater was leased by Sam and Dorothy McFadden who operated the theater 6 days a week, and who introduced Tuesday Ladies Night when a lady would be admitted free with each paid adult admission.
1980
In 1980, Harold and Vilda Erickson took over the operation of the theater when Mrs. McFadden retired.
1985
​The theater was sold to Paul and Bunny Mower in 1985. They successfully operated the theater for several years, even updating much of the interior of the building. However, when the new Stadium Cinema Theater opened nearby, the Huish Theater, which had always refused to show R-rated films or open on Sundays, was unable to book newly released blockbuster films. Instead of adding more screens, the Mowers decided to close its doors, and the 54-year-old theater showed its last film on January 31, 2002.
2008
In 2008, Dr. Gordon Taylor purchased The Huish Movie Theater after his wife, Karen, insisted that he renovate the vacant, run-down building and make it a premier destination for everything from classic matinees, ballet, theater, and concerts. It was also their vision to have rooms for music lessons, play rehearsals, and dance classes — everything needed for future performances.
The renovation plan is split into 3 phases:
1) Complete the SideShow, a 100-seat venue for smaller classes, performances, business meetings, family gatherings, etc.
2) Complete the main auditorium, including a balcony, performance stage, and seating for 650. This will be the main performance venue in which activities such as major musicals, plays, concerts, classic movies, larger business meetings, etc., can be mounted.
3) Construct a large, 3 story addition to the north of the present structure to house a large lobby area with concessions stand, grand staircase and elevator, and public restrooms; an orchestra room; practice rooms; a smaller performance area for music recitals; a scene shop; Green Room; dressing rooms; makeup tables; costume shop and storage; props storage; recording studio; and a video/audio editing suite.
2023 & 2024
Renovations were finally completed on Phase 1 (the SideShow), and smaller performances began booking up. Currently, the space is used for weekly Open Mic performances, Karaoke nights, and as a rental space for local businesses for a wide variety of activities.
2025
Work has begun on Phase 2, the main auditorium renovation. The performance stage has already been constructed (see the time-lapse video on the Welcome tab). Fundraising activities have begun, including searches for various grants and investors. If you would like to help, please get in touch with us under the Contact tab.
Karen's Dream
Karen Taylor was the wife of Gordon Taylor, former mayor of Payson and a retired dentist who practiced in Payson for many years. Gordon, along with Larry Brown, was largely responsible for the renovation and restoration of the Peteetneet Academy building after it was abandoned in 1989 by the Nebo School District and was scheduled for the wrecking ball.
Karen loved both the visual and performing arts. In 2008, Gordon made a promise to her that he would purchase and resurrect the decrepit, vacant theater. She had a vision of making the Huish the epicenter of performance art at the south end of Utah County. He acquired the theater, and the Huish Performing Arts and Cultural Education Center was born. "Do you realize what a job this is going to be? I'm 80 years old," he told her. He thought he ought to live like a "retired gentleman." "I don't care, I want you to do it for me," she told him. And that was that. Karen passed away two days after Valentine's Day in 2010, and Gordon's resolve became watertight because of his wife's wish to see the Huish up and running again.