Staging Panida’s Future
From the Summer 2025 Issue
Historic theater moving into new century.
Sean Behm, Olivia Gonzales and Robb Talbott are at the helm as the Panida moves into the next hundred years. Staff photo.
As the Panida Theater approaches its 100th birthday in 2027, Sandpoint’s beloved cultural landmark is not only preparing to celebrate a century of artistic vitality—it’s undergoing a dynamic transformation that promises to carry it far into the next.
Helmed by an energized team of staff and board members, the Panida is deep into a new era of ambitious programming, long-overdue restoration and community-driven fundraising—all under the steady gaze of its historical past and the vibrant promise of its future.
“I’m super excited about the future of the Panida,” said Sean Behm, who took the reins as chair of the Panida board in 2024. “The Panida had been languishing. The pandemic hit it hard. It was just sitting in a frozen museum state. But now, with the board we have and the staff that Robb’s put together, I think we can achieve tons of stuff.”
Indeed, the activity inside the historic downtown theater is buzzing. Under Executive Director Robb Talbott, the Panida hosted an astounding 129 public events last year; it’s on track for 150-plus this year. The programming reflects its mission to be a true performing arts center for the whole community—presenting everything from music and theater to film festivals, comedy, dance and more.
“The first thing is to keep alive the community and the culture that is the Panida,” said Talbott. “Maintaining the structure is important, but so is keeping a schedule that fosters the most community engagement. And really making sure the staff is happy and has a say in where we’re going.”
That sense of engagement extends to community groups that rent the space, who now experience a smoother, more welcoming process. “We worked hard to make it easier and more uniform,” Talbott explained. “Now, it’s as simple as reaching out to me—we make sure we’ve got the space, the schedule, the staffing. It’s become more efficient and accessible.”
Talbott’s keen attention to programming reflects both community values and diversity. “Are we doing enough for kids? For retired people? Young parents? Conservatives, liberals? We try to make sure we’ve got something for everyone. Then we look at the movies we offer and ask, ‘What gaps can they fill in?’ It’s a fun balancing act. Honestly, I love it.”
Volunteers, Staff and Vision
What may be less visible to audiences is the strategic evolution behind the curtain. In early 2024, the Panida had just one full-time staffer—Talbott himself—and three part-timers. Today, it has two full-time and four part-time employees, with longer lead times and a more coordinated approach to programming.
“Last year, we were throwing events together a week or two out,” Talbott said. “Now we’re planning 12 to 16 months ahead. That’s a much healthier place to be.”
A growing army of volunteers is also part of the Panida’s secret sauce. “They’re the face of the Panida,” said Talbott. “They interact with the public more than I do. Their smiles, their love of the theater—it transfers directly to the customers. It makes a huge difference.”
For Behm and the board, supporting this momentum means building consensus, delegating smartly and staying out of the staff’s way. “Everyone on the board is about forward momentum,” said Behm. “We work in committees, talk everything through and rarely disagree. It’s all about, ‘How can we best support the staff?’”
Restorations and Revivals
Big projects are underway to restore the Panida’s aging infrastructure—work that’s essential to preserving its historical character while accommodating modern audiences.
The most visible project slated for this fall is a full restoration of the north interior wall plaster in the main theater, funded in large part by a $100,000 grant from the Idaho Heritage Trust. “It’s going to be beautiful,” said Behm. “We’ve brought in a great plaster artisan, Greg Marsters of Custom Plaster. And Robb’s done a fantastic job of scheduling it around our programming so it won’t impact shows.”
Also in the works: a major redesign of the Panida’s often-congested lobby. “We’re still in the design phase,” said Behm. “We’re working with Boden Architecture to develop concepts and get pricing so we can move forward. The community weighed in through public outreach, and we’re down to two design options.”
Meanwhile, attention is turning to the Panida’s adjacent Little Theater, a more intimate 80-seat venue that Talbott sees as both an artistic gem and a strategic asset.
“It’s kind of like our farm team,” Talbott said with a laugh. “Smaller acts can grow an audience there before stepping up to the main stage. But it’s also just a beautiful space—for both audiences and performers. It’s where we can really focus on the art.”
Beyond local acts, the Little Theater plays a surprising role in broader talent development. “It gives us a way to build relationships with performers and agencies,” Talbott explained. “If someone sends a smaller act who has a great experience here, it’s easier to bring in bigger talent later on. It’s about building community, not just in Sandpoint, but across the entertainment world.”
The Century Fund and Beyond
As the Panida expands its ambitions, the need for funding has become a central focus—both to cover day-to-day operations and to fuel restoration and long-term sustainability.
Fundraising coordinator Olivia Gonzales is leading the charge with a mix of creative initiatives and community partnerships. Chief among them is the Century Fund, launched in anticipation of the Panida’s 100th anniversary. Thanks to a major sponsorship from Ting Internet, which matches all individual donations, the fund has gained serious traction.
“I don’t know that the Century Fund would be where it is without Ting,” said Gonzales. “Their matching program has been a huge support. And we have a lot of exciting things planned between now and 2027.”
One of those is the new Panida Moms Red Carpet Gala, a festive, star-studded evening that honors the three women who saved the Panida from demolition in 1985. The first-ever gala was held on May 9. “We had music, magic, comedy, dance—all the things our community loves about the Panida,” said Gonzales. “And it was amazing. It’s going to be an annual tradition on Mother’s Day weekend.”
There’s also the Panida Endowment Fund, established with the Innovia Foundation to ensure long-term support. “It’s a legacy fund,” Gonzales explained. “The donations are never spent—just the interest. People can include the Panida in their wills and know it will keep supporting the theater year after year.”
Building Toward the Future
Robb Talbott, Olivia Gonzales, and Sean Behm outside the Panida. Staff photo.
If there’s a single thread tying together the Panida’s current efforts, it’s the sense of momentum. From infrastructure projects to artistic collaborations, from red carpet galas to meticulous plaster repair, the Panida is on a path toward renewed relevance and sustainability.
“The last year has been about building a foundation,” said Talbott. “Now we can spring forward. We’re in a much steadier place.”
And looking ahead? Talbott has his eye on community unity. “I’d love to see a summit of the arts—get the Panida, the Hive, the Festival, POAC, LPORT, the Conservatory—all together. Let’s knock down the walls and lift the whole community up.”
As the Panida approaches its centennial, its stewards are making sure the theater remains not just a cherished relic of the past, but a living, thriving centerpiece of Sandpoint’s cultural life.
“This place,” said Behm, “is going to be the same—and completely different in the best ways.”
See current schedule and more at www.panida.org.
Comments are closed.
