If you find yourself in either cities of Midland or Odessa, TX, you need to check out the events happening at the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center. This 108,500 square foot performing arts center is located between both cities, Midland and Odessa, and is owned by the University of Texas.
It was built and remains on the satellite campus of the university, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Construction for the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center began in 2006 and cost $81 million. It was then opened in August of 2011 housing a concert hall with 1,800 seats as well as a recital hall with 200 seats. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s music department is also located in the building. In 2013, the performing arts center was awarded the Architecture Merit Award by the United States Institute for Theater Technology.
The Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center was developed in order to establish a national venue in West Texas for the performing arts. Its mission is to provide live entertainment of quality to the communities of the Permian Basin. According to their website, the Wagner Noel Performing Art Center brought about a major increase in the quality of life due to the efforts of this community that holds the belief that the Permian Basin is an excellent place to live.
The performing arts center was created to promote diversity in the area and meant to attract people of all ages, economic status, and artistic taste. With over 150 shows scheduled to take place at the venue, the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center hosts symphony orchestras, rock bands, country singers, ballet performances, Broadway shows, comedians, children’s programs, and Christian artists.
There are many different events and organizations that the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center is home to including The Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, Midland Festival Ballet community performances, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s music department, Broadway in the Basin, and Live on Stage Permian Basin.
While the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center is home to the music department of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, it opened its doors in 2011 to a sold out performance by Rod Stewart. The facility has since then been able to offer six major Broadway productions each season and produces West Texas’ only Broadway Series which has proven to be successful and is now in its 8th season.
This performing arts center offers subscriptions to three different events. These events include Broadway in the Basin which is managed by the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale (MOSC), and Live on Stage Permian Basin which are both managed by local non-profit organizations. There are, however, no options to subscribe that allow entry to every event.
The Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale is made up of a symphony orchestra, a chorale, and a youth choir as well as three resident instrumental ensembles. It consists of a Masterworks series, Chamber Series, Pops & Family Series, or a Grand Series that includes all performances each season. Broadway in the Basin are performances of show touring groups that are Broadway professionals.
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Map from Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center to NetOps:
Map from Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center to Midland Army Air Field Museum: