Council agrees to amend fee ordinance to let Wagoner Children’s Theater use Civic Center at discounted rate

The City of Wagner on March 3 voted to update its ordinance and fee schedule so the Wagoner Children’s Theater — a newly formed local nonprofit initiative — can rent the Civic Center theater at the city’s nonprofit rate for auditions, rehearsals and performances.

Stacy Smith, who identified herself as the theater’s steering committee leader, told the council the group plans auditions and twice-weekly evening rehearsals beginning the week of March 25 with a final set of performances in mid-May. “Our proposed time frame is March 25 to May 15,” Smith said. She requested a discounted rate so the company could rehearse and perform in the same location and keep ticket prices affordable.

Krista Millett, the city’s public relations officer, explained the nonprofit rental rate under the city’s fee schedule and said the nonprofit rate (as discussed in the meeting) is lower than the for-profit rate. Councilmembers and staff also discussed requirements: the theater would need incorporation and liability insurance before events and staff would have to manage building opening/closing and any overtime costs.

The council voted to move forward with an ordinance update to allow reduced nonprofit rental fees and instructed staff to coordinate scheduling and insurance requirements. One councilmember suggested a reduced interim fee of $50 per day as a possible compromise while organizers pursue fundraising and nonprofit incorporation; the motion the council adopted directed staff to prepare the ordinance change and to coordinate a later meeting to finalize rates and scheduling.

The theater group said it plans to charge modest ticket prices and hoped to provide scholarships or costume assistance for low-income participants. Councilmembers urged the organizers to coordinate with staff on dates and insurance before rehearsals begin.