Sundance Resort Summer Theatre Concludes a Chapter in a Storied Artistic Legacy
January 16, 2026
Marking the end of an era, 2025 marks the end of the theatre productions at the resort
After decades of bringing live performance to the mountains, Sundance Mountain Resort's Summer Theatre has come to the close of its current chapter by announcing 2025’s production of The Wizard of Oz as its last. This announcement marks the end of an era for one of Utah’s most distinctive and beloved cultural traditions.
The Sundance Resort Summer Theatre tradition is deeply rooted in the founding vision of Sundance Mountain Resort. When Robert Redford purchased the land in 1969, he imagined more than a ski destination—he envisioned a year-round refuge where nature, creativity, and the arts could thrive together. That philosophy fostered live-arts programming at the resort, and by the early 1970s, outdoor theatre under the stars had become a defining expression of that vision.
“As it has done throughout its history, Sundance Mountain Resort remains committed to the belief that art and nature belong together,” said Mari Turner, director of art and programming. “Though this chapter has closed, the legacy of Sundance Resort Summer Theatre endures—and the spirit of creativity that defined it continues to point toward what may come next.”
Productions dating back to 1970 established the Sundance Summer Theatre as one of the longest-running artistic programs in Utah. For decades, audiences gathered in the mountain amphitheater to experience musicals and plays framed by pine trees, cool summer evenings, and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Timpanogos—an experience that blended performance with the natural beauty of the landscape.
In 2008, the tradition entered a new era when Sundance Mountain Resort partnered with Utah Valley University’s School of the Arts and Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage & Screen to revive and reimagine the Summer Theatre. Together, the organizations produced high-caliber musicals at the Outdoor Amphitheater, a 1,400-seat venue renowned for its setting and ambiance. This partnership provided UVU students with invaluable real-world experience in performance, design, and stagecraft, while offering audiences Broadway-style productions in a nationally recognized outdoor theatre environment. "We are tremendously proud of what our students,faculty, staff,and community accomplished through thisremarkablepartnership. We are deeply grateful for what this chapter made possible and inspired bythe opportunities that await,” said Courtney Davis, Dean of the School of the Arts at UVU."
Over more than 15 years of collaboration, the UVU–Sundance Resort partnership brought beloved productions to life, including Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Mamma Mia, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Newsies. The series became a cherished summer tradition for community members, visitors, and resort guests alike, earning recognition among the “10 Best Outdoor Theatre Experiences in the Country.”
While the Summer Theatre at Sundance Mountain Resort has concluded, both organizations emphasize that this is not an end to collaboration. UVU and Sundance Resort are actively exploring fresh avenues to evolve their longstanding partnership and meaningful opportunities to usher in a new era of creative collaboration and student engagement. For up-to-date artistic programs, please visit www.sundanceresort.com.
About Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford in 1969, is a premier four-season destination nestled at the base of Utah’s iconic Mount Timpanogos in Utah. Offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation, arts, and nature, Sundance Resort is committed to environmental sustainability and artistic expression, balanced with upscale service and hospitality. As such, Sundance Resort has been awarded One MICHELIN Key in the 2024 and 2025 MICHELIN Guide. In progress at Sundance Mountain Resort is a continuation of the Robert Redford era under new stewards, providing improvements including the fine tuning of resort operations, an enhanced skier experience and the opening of the Inn at Sundance Resort.
About Utah Valley University
At Utah Valley University, we believe everyone deserves the transforming benefits of high-quality education that is affordable, accessible, and flexible. With opportunities to earn certificates to master’s degrees, our students succeed by gaining real-world experience and developing career-ready skills. We invite people to come as they are — and leave ready and prepared to make a difference in the world. For more information, visit uvu.edu and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.