OUR STORY

Redwood Ice Theatre Company (RITC) was born during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns as a creative response to a challenging time when theaters and performance venues around the world had gone dark. Driven by a passion for the performing arts and a commitment to bringing joy to the community, a group of former competitive and professional figure skaters came together to find innovative ways to keep the magic of live performance alive.

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Embracing outdoor, socially distanced shows, RITC began its journey on plastic ice—SmartRink synthetic panels that could be transported and set up in various locations across Sonoma County. These "pop-up" skating performances provided a unique and accessible way to entertain audiences safely during the pandemic. The innovative format allowed us to introduce the artistry and athleticism of figure skating to new audiences in a fun, intimate setting.

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What began as a passion project has since grown into a professional ice theatre company celebrated throughout Northern California. Today, RITC features an elite company of professional figure skaters, including former world competitors and Olympic-level athletes, presenting a dynamic season of ice skating productions.

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RITC is proud to call the iconic Redwood Empire Ice Arena—better known as Snoopy’s Home Ice—its home. Built by the legendary cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, this historic rink has long been a cornerstone of Santa Rosa’s cultural life and the heart of figure skating in Sonoma County. Many of our company members grew up skating at this beloved rink, taking part in its famous holiday shows produced by the Schulz family. Now, as the resident ice theatre company at Snoopy’s Home Ice, RITC carries on this rich tradition while skating alongside the world’s most famous beagle, Snoopy!

 

Our mission has expanded to include not only providing high-quality entertainment throughout the Wine Country region but also fostering the next generation of skaters and making professional ice skating shows more accessible. We proudly sponsor youth skating programs, offer scholarships, and continue to present free outdoor professional ice shows during the holiday season, bringing the joy of skating to everyone in our community.

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From plastic ice pop-ups to full-scale productions on "real" ice, RITC has come a long way. As we grow, we remain dedicated to celebrating the artistry of figure skating, and sharing its magic with audiences across Sonoma County and Napa Valley.