Community Impact Report

 

About the Impact Report

The Morrison Center’s annual Community Impact Report celebrates the powerful role the arts play in enriching lives across Idaho. Released annually, the report highlights key achievements from the previous season, spanning July through June, encompassing educational initiatives, community partnerships, free programming, access efforts, and economic contributions. It’s our way of honoring the people, performances, and programs that make the Morrison Center a cultural anchor and demonstrating our ongoing commitment to serving the Boise State University campus, city, and state through the transformative power of the performing arts.

2024-2025 Community Impact Report

Letter from the Executive Director

Laura Kendall.png

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

Our Mission

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.

Award-Winning Organization

  • 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

 


Broadway in Boise

Broadway in Boise is the hottest ticket in town, bringing world-class productions to Idaho while extending its impact beyond the stage. Community engagement shines through Broadway & Brews, which pairs theater with Boise’s craft beer culture, the annual Season Reveal Party that builds anticipation and excitement, and post-show talkbacks that connect audiences with performers. Learn more about Broadway in Boise.


 


Boise State Connections

As part of Boise State University, the Morrison Center provides meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in arts administration, event production, customer service, and technical theatre. Each year, Boise State students contribute to the Morrison Center’s success as box office staff, stagehands, and marketing assistants. These student employment opportunities not only support our daily operations but also provide valuable career skills, professional development, and a strong connection to the arts community in Idaho.


 


Arts Education

From creating access to live performances for Boise State students through the Arts Passport program to inspiring the next generation of performers with mentorship from Boise State faculty during the Patty Duke Awards, the Morrison Center’s Arts Education initiatives connect students of all ages to the transformative power of the arts. Whether it’s providing affordable tickets, offering professional guidance, or sparking curiosity and creativity, these programs ensure the arts remain an essential part of learning, growth, and community.


Fueling the Arts and Empowering Our Community


 

Thank You, Morrison Center Members

* Ovation Member 

Gabe & Melissa Ambriz Kristy Lovejoy
Desmond & Emily Anim-Appiah Trish & Jim Luginbill *
Karen Arnold Rick Lutheran
Marilyn Beck * Kip Malone
Cheryl Bell Paul & Brenda Marosvari *
David K. Bennion Georgia Marshall
Dr. Lynn Berg Gerry & Sue Mattison
Louise & Victor Bertagnolli Macy Maxwell
The Blakamoto Family Sharon McLean
George Bobango & Carolyn Schreiner * Mike & Heidi Merhar
Heidi Bogert * Carolyn Miller *
Kenny & Suz Bolton * LeAnn & Bruce Mohr *
Claudia Borgna Patrick & Tara Morandi *
Sarah & Joshua Brauer Ryan & Tomie Muckenthaler
Luann Brinkerhoff Carol Mulder
Nathaniel Brown Jim Ovard
Heidi & Dave Butler * Anne & Larry Parberry *
Dave & Suzi Butzier Glenna & Del Parkinson
Andy Byron Michael Partin *
David & Barbara Carlson Georgiann & Rich Raimondi *
Jill Carroll * Trish Raynor
Greg & Heather Carter Mary & Michael Reich
Pamela Casey * Rosemary Reinhardt
Terry & Jeff Christenson Bob & Patty Rietveld *
Dr. Linda Clark G Gail Robb *
Merlyn Clark Wendy Sandvig
Lisa Cochran Nichole Mousaw Santarone
Tara Coe Kristi Saucerman *
Mary Walker & Justin Cox John & Colleen Shackelford *
Andy & Lindsey Crossman * Arham Shakoor
Judy Davis Jean Shawver
Dr. Gary Dawson * Carl & Lorna Simmons
Rachael Bickerton & Tom Donahoe Levi Smith
Keith & Linda Dunning Larry & Dawn Snapp-Leasure
Anna Eberlin Joy Snider *
Tanya & Leif Edmondson David & Brenda Spurgeon *
Sandy & Brent Fery * Karen Steiner & Anand Bahl *
Bryan Ford Duane & Lori Stueckle *
Derek-Lee Fridley & Karen Via Surmelis
Denyse Gehrig James Swartley, MD
Marian Gentry Glenda Talbutt *
Amy Geppert Roxy & Moe Therrien
Karena Gilbert Mike & Helen Thomas
Whitney Gill Randy & Patti Thompson
Cameron Gordon Krisha Vander Woude
Gail & Tom Greco Barbara Watkins
Liz & Joel Guth Katie & John Watts
Susan Halen Eugene Weinstine & Donna Sybert
Linnea Hall & Dale's Ladies * Joe & Beth Weismann *
Donald Hannah Steven & Joyce Westfall 
Julia & Von Hansen * Isabelle & Martin Wheeler *
Kay Hardy & Gregory Kaslo Don & Lorraine Whychell
Barbara & Larry Harpe Brady & Marjorie Wilson
Roger & Mary Harshbarger SEI Charitable Giving Fund 
Brian & Jenny Hartvigsen * Allen-Heath Memorial Foundation
Lisa & Tony Hauser *  
Sharon & Mike Hayhurst *  
Mark & Michelle Heil *  
Guy Henry  
Lisa Hoag  
Bonnie Hodges  
Matt Howard  
Dianne Hunt  
Rob & Amy James *  
Jeremy & Lynn Jeffers *  
Edwin Jenkins  
Miers & Sandra Johnson *  
Melissa Johnson  
Dick & Diane Jones  
Kevin & Chris Kempers  
Laura & Jeremy Kendall *  
Monika King  
Scott & Cheryl Kreiling  
Jane & Paul Krumm  
Anne Kunkel & Jason Pintler *  
JoAnn & Larry Lighty *  
Brian & Elaine Looper  

Special Thanks to Our Season Sponsors

St Lukes Health Plan
Peterson Chevrolet Buick Cadillac
Zions Bank
Lombard Conrad Architects