In the world of theater and entertainment, few individuals possess the Midas touch. Scott Anderson, the Artistic Director at Tuacahn, is one of them. With a career spanning decades and an impressive list of accomplishments, Scott has transformed Tuacahn into the beacon of world-class, family-friendly entertainment that it is today. His journey from a young boy with a passion for theater to a renowned artistic director is as inspiring as it is impressive.
A Spark Ignited Early
Scott Anderson’s love for theater began at a tender age. “I started in theater while I was very young. At 8 years old I had the lead in a school play of Cinderella. That’s when I got the bug,” Scott recalls. Performing as Prince Charming, he felt the thrill of the stage, a feeling that would guide his future endeavors. Growing up in a family deeply involved in theater and music, with his father often singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at professional sporting events, Scott was immersed in the performing arts from the beginning.
The Road Less Traveled
Despite his early success, Scott’s path was not straightforward. As a senior at Jordan High School, his theater director, Robin Bishop, encouraged him to enter a state one-act play competition where he won Best Actor and was awarded a four-year performing scholarship at BYU. But his talents in theater were matched by his prowess in sports, particularly as a football quarterback. “I saw myself as a football player,” he explains. “So, I came to Dixie College to play football, but shortly learned that theater was the better path for me.” This pivotal decision set the stage for a diverse career.
Scott coached football on the side while he worked professionally as an actor, but found that this lifestyle didn’t meet the needs of his young, growing family. Instead, he left theatre, turning to public speaking, doing seminars for trust deeds and real estate, and eventually found success selling websites in the 1990s, when most people hadn’t yet heard of them.
It was Dr. C. Paul Andersen, the head of the fine art department at Dixie College, who opened Scott’s eyes to the possibility of writing, directing, and producing, rather than acting. “He was the one who showed me the light of how I could change,” says Scott, “how I could still be involved in theater and have a family life.”
Scott soon found a way to make this dream come true. Teaming up with his friend, Michael Flynn, he bought the Triad Theater in Salt Lake City. It was a unique venue in that it served as an ice rink in the winter and an outdoor amphitheater in the summer. Scott didn’t know it at the time, of course, but this initial experience as an Artistic Director was the perfect training ground for his future at Tuacahn.
A Leap into Filmmaking
In his 40s, Scott ventured into filmmaking. After writing a script about his missionary experiences in the Netherlands, he found investors and flew to Holland to film what became The Best Two Years. “Everyone tells about missions as if it’s a mother describing what a spiritual giant her son is,” Scott laughs. “Really we were 19-year-old kids that were trying to figure life out.” The resulting film with its perfect comedic timing and honest, heartfelt storytelling found great success in the LDS community.
The Tuacahn Transformation
The year after the movie’s release, in 2004, Scott’s career took a significant turn. While preparing to move to California for a new job at a TV studio, Tuacahn Board Member Sue Cox gave him a call and suggested he come interview for the position of Artistic Director at Tuacahn. “In the interview,” he recalls, “I just hit it off with Hyrum Smith, the CEO at the time, and I really saw the potential of what Tuacahn could be.”
Now, twenty years later, Scott’s vision and dedication have paid off. Going from attracting 40,000 visitors a year to over 350,000, Tuacahn Center for the Arts has become a world-class destination and a huge asset to the community.
The Secret to Success
What is the secret to Scott Anderson’s success? “You set goals,” he says simply. And truly, Scott’s life is a testament to the power of goal setting and perseverance. Whether it was getting Tuacahn out of debt with successful productions like Les Misérables and Disney’s The Little Mermaid, or making films that resonated with audiences, Scott has always been driven by clear, ambitious goals.
A Collaborative Journey
Scott is quick to credit his success to the people he has worked with. “The key to it all is working with good people. They help you get there,” he emphasizes. From his seminar business to his filmmaking endeavors and his role at Tuacahn, Scott has surrounded himself with talented individuals who share his vision and passion.
Looking Ahead
Despite achieving so much, Scott continues to set new goals. “In my 50s, I hit every goal that I’d ever wanted to do. Since I still have a lot of life left,” he says with a grin, “I’ve had to reset some goals.” With new projects on the horizon and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what Tuacahn can achieve, Scott’s journey is far from over.
The Heart of Tuacahn
For Scott, the most satisfying part of his job is seeing the impact of his work on the audience. “I get the most satisfaction when I go out and the Amphitheatre is packed for a concert or a show and I see all those people rapt with attention to what’s going on on that stage,” he says. This connection with the community and the shared experience of live theater is what drives him.
Conclusion
Scott Anderson’s story is one of dedication, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey from a young boy enamored with theater to the Artistic Director of Tuacahn is a shining example of how passion and hard work can transform dreams into reality. As Tuacahn continues to flourish under his leadership, Scott’s golden touch remains a guiding light, inspiring future generations of performers and audiences alike.