Tuacahn Amphitheatre - Ivins, Utah - Performing arts high school, indoor theater, outdoor theater

The word "Tuacahn" comes from the Mayan language and means, "Canyon of the Gods''. A visit to this amphitheatre will certainly leave you feeling as if the name is appropriate. Built at the base of towering, a 1500-foot red rock cliff, the Tuacahn Amphitheatre and Center for the Arts is a professional, non-profit organization. The goal of this organization is to "inspire creativity and greatness in the human spirit by providing world class family entertainment and education.''

In 1999, Tuacahn opened the Tuacahn High School for the Performing Arts. The first charter school in the state of Utah, Tuacahn High School is a fully-accredited college preparatory high school with an emphasis on singing, dancing, acting, and instrumental performance.

The amphitheatre serves as a concert hall and an off Broadway stage, featuring acts like Elton John and Peter Frampton. Recently scheduled productions include Aida, Footloose, and Annie.

Located in Southern Utah, the physical address of the amphitheatre is 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah. From I-15 and Bluff street, (Exit 6), drive North 3.6 miles on Bluff Street to Snow Canyon Parkway. Then turn Left (West) onto Snow Canyon Parkway towards Ivins. Continue for 4 miles. Turn Right (North) on 1130 East towards Snow Canyon State Park. Immediately take the first left, which will take you to Tuacahn.

Tuacahn statistics:

Facility square footage - 42,000 square foot

Outdoor amphitheatre - 2000 seats

Hafen theater - 300 seats

Dance studios and classrooms

Black-box Theater

Outdoor Plaza:

Recital hall

Costume shop - with available rentals

Scene shop

Gift shop

Many of the above facilities are available to rent for gatherings, food and other functions. What started as a venue for the warmer months grew into a year round facility. Instead of outdoor concerts and plays, in the winter you can attend the festival of lights. Tuacahn's Christmas Festival of Lights is presented every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from the day after Thanksgiving to December 23rd. Entrance to the Festival of Lights is free to the public.

February 2009 reviewer said, "Went to the festival of light which is held after thanksgiving to Christmas time. They decorate with lights and have an open pit bonfire with hot chocolate you can buy which was good. They also have their regular souvenir shop which is fun with a lot of interesting things. You can also buy a ticket to the theatre for a live nativity which was ok, but I enjoyed the lights etc part more they also have a small train all lit up you can ride on and carriage ride. It was neat because this theatre is out by itself away from lights so it is really bright and a beautiful place to visit anyway with the red rock. It is free to see the lights and visit, but the live nativity was 10.00 a family, the train ride and carriage ride cost about 3.00 person. During the rest of the year they have a variety of outdoor plays etc set against the red rock backdrop.''