Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is a familiar name in Vancouver. The almost 70-year old institution will soon be back for another season in Stanley Park. TUTS has evolved significantly in the decades since its origin, but has always been based in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. As its name suggests, TUTS is an outdoor theatre that features no covering or canopy—the viewer is literally under the stars. This is a mixed blessing, depending on the notoriously fickle Vancouver weather.

This year, TUTS is running Annie (not to be confused with 2008’s Annie Get Your Gun) and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The two family-suitable musical productions have a run for six weeks in July and August. Thankfully, family-suitable doesn’t necessarily mean G-rated or childish—last year’s program featured Jesus Christ Superstar, a play dealing with the final days of Christ up to and including the crucifixion. Still, Sweeney Todd isn’t likely to show up anytime soon.

Other factors considered in the program’s development include the ease of securing temporary rights to the play in question, as well as how long it has been since it was performed last. Popular musicals, like Grease or Annie, are performed more often. After narrowing it down to a handful of choices, the TUTS board of directors votes on which plays are to be performed.

Despite its long history, TUTS remains an amateur theatre company. Most of the cast and crew are volunteers. Out of approximately 75 performers this year, 65 are unpaid amateurs who work for the love of theatre. Most of the lead roles are played by professionals, but the public is free to join the open auditions held every year. Part of the TUTS mandate is to have professionals working alongside and mentoring amateurs.

Though TUTS is a non-profit society, it had to take a year off in 2006 due to financial troubles. Despite the current economic climate, TUTS president James Cronk is optimistic for this season. He feels that during a recession, people stay at home instead of traveling, and thus will be looking for things to do: “We’re a very affordable way for a family to go out and have a wonderful time.”

In that vein, TUTS, unlike other places, actually encourages people to bring their own food and drink (excluding alcohol). It’s common for theatregoers to picnic in Stanley Park before the show. If only other venues would learn from their example.

If you’re still not convinced, it’s theatre. Under the stars. What more do you want?

Annie runs July 14-August 21 and Thoroughly Modern Millie runs July 15-August 22 on alternating nights in the Malkin Bowl.

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