The Patty Duke Awards, a signature program of the Morrison Center’s Arts Education department, celebrate excellence in musical theater among Idaho high schools. Each year, participating students and teachers produce musicals at their schools and receive constructive feedback from theater professionals, along with access to workshops, training, and mentorship from Broadway actors and industry experts. The program builds essential skills such as auditioning, choreography, and professional development, culminating in an end-of-year awards ceremony at the Morrison Center. Two outstanding students are selected annually to represent Idaho at the National High School Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards) in New York City. Through this program, teachers play a vital role in fostering student growth, confidence, and collaboration, skills that benefit students both on and off the stage.
Seeing my students on stage is inspiring. I remember how hard high school can be, and to see them step into something bigger and outside of themselves, explore, and be vulnerable warms my heart, knowing that they feel safe to do that and see them grow not as actors and performers but as human beings.
Annie McKinney, 2025 Velma V. Morrison Educator of the Year Winner
In partnership with Broadway touring artists, the Morrison Center Education Department facilitated a series of six interactive workshops that engaged 650 students from 34 high schools and Boise State University. These workshops focused on developing students’ vocal, dance, and technical theater skills, offering hands-on learning led by industry professionals. As part of this initiative, two Broadway artists also traveled to Pocatello to lead a special dance workshop, expanding access to high-quality arts education and enriching students’ understanding of the theater world across the state.
This year marked the Morrison Center’s inaugural participation in the Broadway League’s Broadway Bridges, a national initiative aimed at expanding access to live theater for local students. We were proud to welcome 50 students from Fruitland High School, providing them with the opportunity to experience the touring production of Wicked at the Morrison Center. Through this program, we are helping to inspire a new generation of theatergoers and foster a lasting appreciation for the performing arts in our community.
The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts Art Gallery showcases the talent of local high school students by featuring their visual artwork in a rotating monthly exhibit on our 3rd-floor lobby. This program provides students with a professional exhibition experience, engaging them in the installation process and celebrating their work with an opening night reception for families, educators, and school staff.
The Morrison Center for the Performing Arts Art Gallery showcases the talent of local high school students by featuring their visual artwork in a rotating monthly exhibit on our 3rd-floor lobby. This program provides students with a professional exhibition experience, engaging them in the installation process and celebrating their work with an opening night reception for families, educators, and school staff.
