Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Shah Smith & Associates, Inc. provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center. A state-of-the-art, multi-use venue, the classroom, convocation, and performing arts center accommodates graduations, lectures, screenings, and local and regional touring performing arts productions.

Special features of the center include:

• Performance Hall—1,800-seat theater offering excellent acoustics, a stage extension, two balconies, and parterre orchestra seating for extraordinary sight lines, comfort, and convenience. The eight-story structure includes state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and theatrical features which accompany stage and back-of-house areas.
• The Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall—200-seat, acoustically-treated venue designed to host recitals, lectures, and receptions with retractable seating allowing meal functions with a separate catering kitchen.
• Grand Lobby—a vast open area rising three stories and containing a grand staircase, elevators, fixed and movable concessions, ticket windows and coat check area.

It is the primary performing arts center for the cities of Midland and Odessa, attracting not only touring national and international performance artists, but also showcasing the talents of the region’s larger performing arts organizations, who present symphonic music, theater, opera, ballet, and commercial entertainment.

The center also provides much-needed instructional space specifically designed for an expanded University of Texas Permian Basin music program.