The Egyptian Theatre nears a century of storytelling

The Egyptian Theatre Photo: Inhabit Park City

PARK CITY, Utah—On Dec. 26, 1898, the Dewey Theatre opened in the location where the Egyptian Theatre stands today. Built as a playhouse by James Ivers and James Keith, it first showed films in 1910. In 1913, it was expanded with a balcony that added over 400 seats. A silent movie was the last performance in the Dewey Theatre in 2016, when its roof collapsed under the weight of the snow on January 18, 1916.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the current Egyptian Theatre building

The Dewey Theatre was eventually demolished, and the Egyptian Theatre opened on Dec. 25, 1926. In 1922, King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, and a wave of love for Egyptian art swept over the United States. Over 100 theaters were built in the United States during this phase, including the Wamer Egyptian Theatre in Pasadena, California. The Park City Egyptian Theatre is a replica of this theater, featuring lotus leaf motifs, scarabs, hieroglyphics, and symbols of life and happiness.

On 328 Main Street, the current Egyptian Theatre opened with a stage but showed many movies and became a community gathering place. The theater changed its name many times over the years. It was The Silver Wheel Theatre before returning to its former and current name.

Egyptian Theatre is renovated in 1978

By 1978, the building needed significant renovations to preserve its architectural integrity. As the Park City Shows website states, ” Preservation of its distinctive Egyptian features was necessary. Through much local effort, fundraising, and the presence and support of Mrs. Fields Cookies Headquarters, the building was refurbished and became home to Park City Performances in 1981. Live theatre and performances of all genres were again presented on the theatre’s boards.”

Sundance Film Festival chooses Egyptian Theatre as its home in 1981

In 1981, The Sundance Film Festival, then called The US Film and Video Festival, moved from Salt Lake City to Park City with The Egyptian Theatre as the original home.

Ten years later, the building needed more repairs and renovation. The Save Our Stage Foundation (SOS) was formed to purchase the building out of foreclosure from the US government and restore the theater. JoAnn Krajeski and Rick Rogers led the foundation. Rick Rogers is still involved in the foundation, which David Krajeski now leads. SOS leases the theater to Park City Performances at a significantly reduced rate, guaranteeing the theater’s future as a performing arts location.

The Egyptian Studios were established in 2020

In 2018, SOS and Park City Performances purchased the 9,000-square-foot space in the basement across the street, which they had used for 25 years under an arrangement with Randy and Debbi Fields. Connected by a tunnel under Main Street, the buildout into The Egyptian Studios established a true performing arts complex in the historic district in 2020.

Will the Egyptian Theatre continue to host The Sundance Film Festival after its 100th anniversary?

The announcement of The Sundance Film Festival‘s future home is expected by the end of winter. Talking to insiders at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival suggests that this time frame varies from the end of February to sometime in April.

Today, the Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre sells out regularly and hosts YouTheatre programming. Check out the Egyptian Theatre during its next shows: The Producers on Feb. 19–23 and The Young Dubliners on Feb. 28–Mar. 2.