Bryce Canyon City Council OKs seed support for proposed Butch Cassidy production and nonprofit setup

Bryce Canyon City Council voted to approve a seed funding request for a proposed Butch Cassidy stage production and for organizers’ efforts to operate under a 501(c)(3). The presenters said the production is intended to draw visitors, support local arts and museum efforts, and create new tourism-related revenue for the area.

The proposal was presented by a production team (Speaker 4, Speaker 6 and others), who described a multi-act show that organizers plan to record in Nashville and stage in the Bryce Canyon area. “We’re asking for $40 to get this started,” Speaker 4 said, describing the request as initial seed money while the nonprofit application is pending. Speaker 6 described the show’s opening sequence and production aims, calling it a “national level show” that would connect Butch Cassidy to the Bryce Canyon rim and local Pioneer history.

Council members questioned how municipal funds would be protected if donated to a private nonprofit. Speaker 1 asked organizers to clarify ownership and safeguards, saying, “Nothing really ties it to Bryce Canyon City if we donate this money.” Presenters responded that attorneys had advised them on the nonprofit structure and that the proposed board would include local representatives; they said contractual language could be used to tie the project to the community and that the group intends to operate primarily in the region.

Finance staff reported the city had about $60,000 available in the tourism/arts (wrap) tax fund and expected another $20,000–$30,000 before June, figures presenters and council members cited while discussing the request.

After discussion, Speaker 1 moved to approve the request for the Cassidy nonprofit (recorded in the meeting as Red Dot Cassidy Association / nonprofit future fund). The motion was seconded and the council voted in favor; no opposition was recorded during the roll call.

Organizers said they plan additional fundraising, a summer launch target (speakers mentioned June), and further production work in Nashville before the season. Council members asked to receive written documentation tying the nonprofit’s mission and board to local interests and to see a simple invoice or request for funding to city staff before funds are disbursed.

The motion passed; staff will follow up on the grant request process and any documentation required to secure municipal funds.