Community Impact Report

One of my favorite moments of this job is sharing this annual report with our community. It’s a chance to reflect on all we accomplished together and remember the magical moments created at the Morrison Center and beyond. It has been a remarkable year of growth, marked by increased attendance, performances, programs, renovations, and revenue. 

This last October, I reached my five-year milestone of leading the Morrison Center. It has been a gift to steward this iconic facility. I’m excited about the possibilities on the horizon: expanding our reach and ensuring this facility remains state-of-the-art. For instance, we unveiled the Ovation Lounge, a dedicated space for our donors and VIPs. I have loved seeing the reaction to this modern and elegant space designed by our partner, Lombard Conrad Architects. 

Zions Bank Broadway in Boise, our signature series, continues to build enthusiasm and create remarkable experiences for our community. We reached a milestone with 11,000 subscribers and eight performances a week—we are rapidly moving ahead of other performing arts centers in cities our size. Jakob Wachter, our new team member, is here to guarantee our subscribers have someone to contact if they need help. He created a new subscriber welcome party in the fall that had almost 300 people in attendance. Boise, you generate so much joy around our shows. I can’t tell you how fun it was to see the many costumes people wore to Beetlejuice, Wicked, and more. Each tiny Glinda in the lobby melted my heart. You all know how to have a fantastic time!

Beyond Broadway, we hosted a record-breaking 226 events. 240,000 audience members enjoyed performances spanning musicals, music, dance, comedy, and lectures, including eight events completely free to our community. Year after year, we marvel at the professional arts organizations that make Boise their home and bring outstanding productions to our stage. The Boise Philharmonic and Ballet Idaho collaborated on performances that evoked the power of the performing arts. We are lucky to have incredible local companies as our partners, who together brought 71 performances to our stage. 

When I look back at the last five years, I’m proudest of our work in arts education. We continue to add valuable opportunities and experiences every year. During Wicked, we introduced the national program Broadway League’s Broadway Bridges to our community. This pilot program brings high school students from rural areas to their first Broadway show. This year, Fruitland High School attended a performance of Wicked. Their smiles, laughter, and excitement were the foundation of memories that would last a lifetime. It is a career highlight of mine to witness the impact the Patty Duke Awards program has on our teachers and high school students. It gives me goosebumps. 

“Being able to attend the awards with my school was a great privilege, and it was super rewarding. This awards show was a great reminder of the joy and love for musical theater that I experienced at the Morrison Center, which has helped inspire me to pursue a career in the performing arts. The Patty Duke Awards show me just how large the theater world is and how bringing together people who are collectively passionate and dedicated about something can result in such a phenomenal experience. I really love the work put in at Boise State University, from you to the crew to the directors/choreographers to the chaperones (not to mention the other actors), and I already can’t wait to work harder than ever next year. Thank you so much for giving all of us this kind of opportunity that so many people either overlook or don’t even get to experience, and I wish you well with your 2025/2026 Broadway in Boise season!”

Patty Duke Theatre Student

This is the impact we have in Idaho, and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you for supporting us. We are proud to be the largest and most active performing arts center in the state—Idaho’s Home for the Arts.

Warmly,

Laura

As Idaho's Home for the Performing Arts, we create lifetime memories and impactful shared experiences by: 

• Presenting touring Broadway, arts entertainment, and local events.
• Enriching Boise State and Idaho communities through arts education and engaging programs.
• Stewardship of an innovative performing arts center on the campus of Boise State University.

• 2025 Jim Moore Lifetime Legacy Award for Excellence in Travel & Hospitality
• Boise Metro Chamber Nonprofit Excellence Award Finalist
• Laura Kendall, Executive Director, an Idaho Business Review 2025 Women of the Year Honoree
• 2025 Idaho's Best Peforming Arts Venue, Boise Weekly

* Ovation Member