Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is a non-profit musical theatre organization and boasts being one of the city’s most beloved and long-standing summer traditions. Our family has been making TUTS a summer family tradition since 2017 when we first introduced our musical theatre loving kiddo to the magic of outdoor theatre. TUTS was founded in 1940 and has been entertaining audiences for over 80 years with its open-air productions held at the beautiful Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.
The main feature of TUTS is its outdoor theatre experience, where audiences can enjoy live musical performances under the stars against the backdrop of Stanley Park’s lush greenery. The organization is committed to presenting professional, high-quality musical theatre productions featuring local and international talent. With many of the stars being homegrown right here in the Lower Mainland, it’s been an incredible experience to see friends children performing on the big stage.
TUTS typically stages two musical productions each summer, running from July to August. The performances include a mix of popular classics, contemporary hits, and family-friendly shows. Past productions have included well-known musicals such as “Beauty and the Beast,” “Mary Poppins,” “Mamma Mia!,” “West Side Story,” and “The Sound of Music,” among many others. Our favourites have always been the Disney productions, Cinderella left a permanent impression on A!
In addition to the mainstage productions, you can also enjoy a range of educational and outreach programs. These programs aim to engage and inspire aspiring performers and theatre enthusiasts of all ages, fostering a love for the performing arts in the community. TUTS hosts workshops, training programs, and youth-oriented initiatives, encouraging participation and involvement in theatre.
Attending a performance is a unique experience. Audience members are invited bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy picnicking in the park before the show. The venue, Malkin Bowl, offers a picturesque outdoor setting with a covered seating area and an expansive lawn for general admission seating. The natural surroundings, combined with the magic of live musical theatre, create an enchanting atmosphere that truly captures the essence of summertime entertainment. You may even see some wildlife friends, there’s a reason the TUTS mascot is a raccoon…. you might be dodging some of them during the show.
TUTS has become an integral part of Vancouver’s arts and cultural scene, attracting both locals and visitors. It provides an opportunity to enjoy professional theatre in a relaxed and outdoor setting, creating memorable experiences for audiences of all ages.
Don’t forget that TUTS operates rain or shine, ala west coast weather, so be ready to don the ponchos and bring a cozy blanket (and bug spray….) and settle in for an incredible evening of entertainment.
2023 Theatre Under The Stars Schedule — TUTS Presents The Prom and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
| Dates: | July 6 to August 26, 2023Previews: July 6-9, 2023 Opening Nights: July 11 & 12 All shows at 8pm, except on Fireworks Nights (July 22, 26 & 29) when shows begin at 7pm |
| Ticket prices: | Early Bird Tickets (through June 20): $20-$55 Regular Tickets (starting June 21): $30-$65 |
| Address: | Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park 610 Pipeline Rd. |
| Box Office: | tuts.ca or 1-800-514-3849 |
| Website: | tuts.ca |
Relaxed Performance – Monday, July 24
TUTS is proud to partner with the Canucks Autism Network to host a relaxed performance of Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. A Relaxed Performance is designed for anyone who may need a more casual environment to enjoy the theatre, including (but certainly not limited to) people on the Autism Spectrum, people with sensory or communication disorders, neurological disorders, or people with a learning disability. We will have a more relaxed attitude about how our audience experiences the performance and ask all audience members to be aware of people’s needs to move or make noise.
Pride Night – Monday, July 31
TUTS is thrilled to host its fifth annual Pride Night, the official kickoff event for this year’s Vancouver Pride Week! Audiences will enjoy the uproariously funny, yet tender-hearted, Broadway smash hit The Prom, with hilarious hijinks, infectious soundtrack, and uplifting narrative. All seat cushion and programme donations from the night will be matched by TUTS in support of Vancouver Pride Society.
The Prom Dress-up Night – Thursday, August 10
Ever wish you could relive your grad night in a fun and lighthearted way? Or just want an excuse to get dressed up for the night? Come join us at TUTS prom – complete with an uplifting live performance of Broadway’s sparkling musical, The Prom! Come dressed in your finest for this special evening of frivolity and “Zazz” and get ready to dance in the aisles because “Tonight Belongs to You.”
Early bird tickets are now available through June 20, starting at $20. For tickets and further information, visit tuts.ca
