The Magic of Live Theatre in Our Own Backyard

Celebrating the performing arts, the people who bring them to life and the extraordinary creative community we are lucky to call home.

When we think of art, we often picture paintings in a gallery, sculptures in a park, or photographs hanging on a wall. But art is so much bigger than what we can see in a frame. Sometimes, art is a story unfolding on a stage. It is an orchestra swelling beneath a powerful song, a dancer moving in perfect rhythm, a costume that transports us to another time, or a performer whose words stay with us long after the curtain falls. Art is something we experience. And here in Ivins, we are fortunate to experience some truly extraordinary art right in our own backyard.

Nestled among the red rock cliffs of Padre Canyon, Tuacahn Center for the Arts offers something special, the opportunity to experience professional live theatre in a setting unlike anywhere else.

The 2026 outdoor season was a wonderful reminder of just how powerful the performing arts can be. Audiences journeyed through the sweeping emotions of Les Misérables, sang along with the unforgettable music of Grease, and explored an underwater world with Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo. Three very different productions, each offering its own kind of magic. And that magic extends far beyond the stage. A production at Tuacahn brings together actors, musicians, directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, costumers, stage managers and countless other creative professionals. Every performance represents months of collaboration, imagination, craftsmanship and hard work. What audiences see for a few hours is the result of an entire community of people working together to bring a story to life. The result? An experience that can make us laugh, move us to tears, spark conversations with our families, and remind us of the things we have in common.

In fact, Tuacahn's production of Les Misérables attracted national attention this year when The New York Times traveled to Ivins to explore the production and its impact on regional theatre. The article highlighted the extraordinary setting, the scale of the production and the role regional theatres play in bringing beloved Broadway shows to audiences across the country. As Tuacahn Producing Artistic Director Scott S. Anderson told the publication, “We’re bringing Broadway to you, in a place that is truly unbelievable.”

And isn't that something worth celebrating? We don't have to travel to New York City to experience the excitement of professional theatre. We can enjoy it here, under the stars, surrounded by the landscape that makes Southern Utah so remarkable.

Visual art is an important part of any thriving community. Murals, sculptures, galleries, and public art installations add beauty to our everyday surroundings and give us new ways to see the world around us. But performing arts deserve a place in that conversation, too. Live theatre is a living, breathing art form. It combines visual design, music, movement, storytelling and human connection into a single experience. Unlike a painting that remains in place, a theatrical performance unfolds in real time. Every actor, musician and audience member becomes part of a shared moment that will never happen in exactly the same way again. The arts also invite us to step outside our own experiences. Through a story, we can see the world through someone else's eyes, explore unfamiliar perspectives, celebrate joy, or find comfort in a difficult season of life. For children, theatre can spark imagination and build confidence. For families, it creates memories that last long after the evening ends. For adults, it can offer inspiration, reflection, and a welcome opportunity to reconnect with the wonder of being human. And for a community, it creates gathering places where people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences can come together around a shared love of creativity. That is what makes the arts essential. They don't simply decorate our communities. They help give our communities character.

One of the most exciting things about living in a community with a vibrant arts scene is recognizing that the magic we see onstage is made possible by real people. Professional theatre creates opportunities for performers and creative professionals to develop their craft, collaborate with others  and share their talents with audiences. Behind every production is an enormous team whose work may never receive a standing ovation, but whose contributions are essential to the final experience. At Tuacahn, that includes the people building scenery, creating costumes and wigs, operating lighting and sound, playing in the orchestra, managing the stage, and keeping an extraordinarily complex production running smoothly night after night. It also means that the performing arts can become part of the fabric of our local community. Whether someone works in theatre, studies music, volunteers with an arts organization, or simply loves attending performances, there are countless ways to participate in and support the creative life of Ivins. When we support the arts, we support these people, their livelihoods, their creativity and the next generation of artists who are watching and learning. We also help ensure that future audiences have opportunities to discover the transformative power of live performance.

Celebrating the arts doesn't require a special occasion or a trip out of town. Sometimes, the most meaningful support begins with small, everyday choices:

Show up. Attend a theatre production, concert, gallery exhibition, or community arts event. Buying a ticket helps sustain the people and organizations making these experiences possible.

Bring someone with you. Invite a friend, plan a family outing, or introduce someone to a type of art they haven't experienced before. Shared experiences are often what turn a first-time visitor into a lifelong arts supporter.

Support local artists. Follow their work, share their events, purchase their creations when possible, and tell others about the talent in our community. A little encouragement can go a long way.

Make the arts accessible to the next generation. Encourage children to participate in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and other creative activities. Support educational programs and opportunities that help young people discover their interests and develop their talents.

Volunteer, give, and spread the word. Arts organizations need more than audiences. They also benefit from volunteers, donors, community partnerships, and people who believe their work matters.

And perhaps most importantly, make room for the arts in the way you think about your community. A theatre performance is not simply a night out. An art exhibition is not simply something to walk through. These are opportunities to connect with the people, ideas, and creativity that make a place feel like home.

Ivins is fortunate to be surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty. Our red rock landscapes draw visitors from around the world, and our community continues to grow in ways that bring new people, ideas, and experiences to Southern Utah. But the beauty of a place isn't measured only by its scenery. It is also reflected in the experiences it offers, the stories it tells, the creativity it nurtures and the opportunities it creates for people to connect. The arts are part of what makes a community feel alive. Tuacahn is one remarkable example of what can happen when creativity, talent and community support come together. Its productions remind us that extraordinary artistic experiences don't belong exclusively to major cities. They can thrive right here in Ivins, in a canyon, beneath the stars, with an audience full of neighbors.

So, the next time we talk about supporting the arts, let's remember that art takes many forms. It can be a painting, a sculpture, a photograph, a song, a dance, or an unforgettable night at the theatre. Let's continue showing up for the artists, performers and creative organizations that make these experiences possible. Let's introduce our children to the magic of live performance, Let's celebrate the talent in our own community and make room for creativity in our everyday lives.

Because how lucky are we to have Broadway in our backyard? And how fortunate are we to live in a community where the arts can bring us together, inspire us, and remind us just how much magic can happen when we share a story?

Art is more than what we see. It's what we feel, what we share and what we carry with us long after the curtain falls.