 Tuacahn, an outdoor amphitheater in southern Utah near St. George,
has become one of the most popular theatrical and entertainment venues in Utah. Its $23 million arts and education facilities combined with its outstanding Broadway style shows have come to be known as "Broadway in the Desert." Tuacahn is nestled in an intimate canyon at the foot of 1500 foot vertical sandstone cliffs. Although Tuacahn has produced many Broadway musicals such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, Singin' in the Rain, and others, it has also offered many shows not so common on the prominent stages of Broadway.
Since its opening in 1995 with an original musical production called Utah, Tuacahn has hosted music concerts, festivals, magic and comedy routines, and much more. Tuacahn's existence began as a dream of a southern Utah resident long ago. Orval Hafen and his wife Ruth built a cabin in the box canyon where Tuacahn now lies almost 100 years ago. He dreamed of showing off the beautiful location. That dream finally came true when a local playwright, Doug Stewart, came upon the  location and immediately realized its potential for an outdoor theater. Little did he know that his plans for a theater would eventually become a reality and more. Now Tuacahn hosts shows that feature 60 foot New York skyscrapers, pyrotechnics, hydraulic lifts and many visual effects.
Not only does Tuacahn boast a 1920-seat outdoor amphitheater, it also features a 330 seat indoor theater, a dance studio, a black-box theater, recital hall, and even a public high school. Tuacahn has shows running from mid-spring to mid-fall and offers theater-goers a choice of several different musical and dramatic performances. In the winter, there is also a program known as the "Festival of Lights and Live Nativity." The festival runs from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve and is free to visitors. It features the performances of volunteer cast members combined with professional sets.
 There is also a High School located on the theater grounds at Tuacahn in St. George, Utah. This is a public high school that is overseen by the State of Utah, Department of Education. It is a little different than regular public schools because it is Utah's first charter school and all elective classes are geared toward theater, theater production, dance and music. Students who live in the St. George, Utah area are admitted to the school at no extra cost. Students from other areas are charged a nominal fee. Because it is a public school there are no tryouts to get in. Returning students and their younger siblings are given preference at enrollment time; all others are chosen on a lottery basis. The regular required classes given at Tuacahn High School (THS) are taught at an advanced placement level, making THS a college preparatory school. Therefore, students must show high academic achievement before being enrolled at THS.
Visitors to Tuacahn in Southern Utah will not be disappointed with the spectacular shows and beautiful scenery found everywhere around St. George. |
