Hale Center Theatre Expands with New Education Center and Third Stage

The theater's latest expansion includes a state-of-the-art Beehive Stage and a major boost to its educational programs.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Hale Center Theatre in Sandy, Utah has officially opened its third performance space, the Beehive Stage, as part of a major expansion that also includes a significant expansion of the theater's education programs. The new stage features advanced technology like LED screens and tracking systems to enhance the theater's storytelling capabilities, while the expanded education center will offer training in acting, musical theater, dance, voice, and technical theater for students of all ages.

Why it matters

The Hale Center Theatre expansion demonstrates the continued importance of the performing arts in the local community, providing greater access and opportunities for both performers and audience members. As theaters across the country face challenges, this investment in the theater's future ensures the arts remain vibrant and accessible for Utah families.

The details

The new Beehive Stage is the third venue within the Hale Center Theatre complex, allowing the theater to now seat up to 1,600 people per show. The stage features advanced technology like LED screens and tracking systems to enhance the theater's storytelling capabilities. Beyond the new performance space, the expansion also triples the size of Hale Center Theatre's education program, offering classes and training in acting, musical theater, dance, voice, and technical theater for students ranging from preschoolers to adults.

  • Hale Center Theatre officially opened its third performance space on Monday, February 10, 2026.
  • The Beehive Stage was first christened last month with the children's production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The players

Mark Dietlein

Founder and CEO of Hale Center Theatre.

David Smith

Director of Education and Resident Director at Hale Center Theatre.

Jordyn Aspyn Durfey

Actress and instructor at Hale Center Theatre.

Katie McEntire

A 16-year-old student at Hale Center Theatre.

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What they’re saying

“With this one, you can see these LED screens that provide a lot of depth. They allow us to change locations and project things that create the emotions of a scene. There's also tracking across the stage and up and down to bring in different set pieces.”

— Mark Dietlein, Founder and CEO (fox13now.com)

“We try to train up the next round of musical theatre performers, even cirque-type performers. I don't think people realize how important this place is and the reach that it has. Now more important than ever.”

— David Smith, Director of Education and Resident Director (fox13now.com)

“We've got movement, singing and dance classes from little movers at four and five years old, to teens, adults, and master classes every month. Plus one-on-one attention through private voice, dance and acting lessons.”

— Jordyn Aspyn Durfey, Actress and instructor (fox13now.com)

“It's really awesome. I'm so happy to have it here.”

— Katie McEntire (fox13now.com)

What’s next

The Beehive Stage will launch its headline production 'Hallmark'd', which runs through June, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the theater.

The takeaway

Hale Center Theatre's expansion demonstrates the continued importance of the performing arts in the local community, providing greater access and opportunities for both performers and audience members. As theaters across the country face challenges, this investment in the theater's future ensures the arts remain vibrant and accessible for Utah families.