When Candace Tippetts first stepped into directing, it wasn’t part of a long-laid plan. It was, as she describes it, “baptism by fire.”

“I had never directed before,” Tippetts said. “We had just started rehearsals…and she said, ‘OK, it’s your show now.’”

That unexpected moment in the 1980s launched what has become a decades-long career in theater—one that now places Tippetts at the center of Murray City’s evolving cultural arts scene as its Artistic Director.

Tippetts, who has been involved in theater for nearly 40 years, began as an actor before moving into directing. Her path was shaped not by formal academic training in theater, but by experience and passion. With a background in marketing and work as a certified paralegal, she said her career in the arts has always been driven by love for the craft.

“I love the whole process,” she said. “Producing, directing, watching actors grow—it’s what I love, and I’ll continue to do it until I can’t anymore.”

Her role with Murray City Cultural Arts is a relatively new one. The position of Artistic Director was created as the city expanded its theater offerings, particularly with the addition of the renovated Murray Theater on State Street. Tippetts was hired to oversee productions across both the indoor theater and the outdoor amphitheater.

“I oversee all the theater productions,” she said. “I hire directors, help set the schedule, pick the shows, attend auditions and oversee rehearsal processes.”

The job requires balancing artistic vision with logistical realities. Each production involves coordinating multiple roles—from directors and choreographers to set designers and stage managers—while working within budget constraints and venue limitations.

“Financial is always difficult,” Tippetts said. “I can have great ideas, but if it doesn’t work in the budget, then it’s challenging.”

Choosing which shows to produce is another complex task. Tippetts considers factors such as cast size, venue capacity and community appeal. The smaller State Street Theater, for example, lends itself to productions with six to 10 performers, while the amphitheater can accommodate larger, more elaborate shows.

“You want to pick shows that people want to come see,” she said. “Especially as we’re establishing a new theater space, you need to pick shows that people know.”

At the same time, she aims to introduce new experiences. This year’s lineup includes “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” which Tippetts said will be the first community theater production of the Broadway version in Utah.

The season also reflects her interest in expanding opportunities for performers of all ages. One upcoming production, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” features a cast of older adult actors—an intentional choice.

“There’s not a lot of theater opportunities for people as they get older,” she said. “This gives them another chance to have that experience.”

Beyond productions, Tippetts is also launching a new theater camp for junior high and high school students. The two-week program will give participants hands-on experience in all aspects of theater, from acting and directing to set building and lighting.

“They’ll write their own scripts, build their own sets and go through the whole process,” she said.

The goal is to make theater more accessible, both in cost and opportunity. At $60 for two weeks, the camp is designed to be affordable while providing comprehensive training.

As Murray’s theater program grows, Tippetts sees her role as helping build both audiences and community connections. Many attendees, she noted, are visiting Murray for performances for the first time.

“People are coming from all over,” she said. “You want to continue to choose shows that bring people in and fill the theater spaces.”

For Tippetts, the reward lies not only in the final performance, but in the transformation that happens along the way.

“I love to see the growth in actors and backstage people,” she said. “And it’s also very enjoyable to watch an audience light up and enjoy a performance.”

More information on Murray’s inaugural theater camp can be found online at www.murray.utah.gov.