Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre is a quintessential feature to the Moscow community. The local theater, that was made as a nonprofit in 2000, offers a diverse set of film and performances for locals and university students.
Prior to its transformation as a nonprofit theater, the Kenworthy’s space and equipment was not being used to its potential. Executive director of the Kenworthy, Christine Gilmore, credited the Kenworthy family for a donation that allowed the theater to become a site for the community to gather. It has since grown into not only a space to view films, but it also streams live-theater and opera performances from places such as New York.
The viewing area offers a nostalgic feeling with large ceiling lights in the shape of flowers. Along with old fashion movie posters printed onto a back wall and the original, 1920s marble light switch board, it evokes a retro aesthetic with modern hints. Operations director, Jamie Hill, demonstrated a remodel in theater seats that allows people that use wheelchairs an opportunity to sit comfortably while spectating.
Both Gilmore and Hill emphasized that each day at the Kenworthy provides a new set of challenges and opportunities. The success of films shown to the community in a non-COVID-19 year are dependent on the audience. While some movies do well at the Kenworthy, others may be a flop for the theater.
“There is no perfect formula for what the Kenworthy shows,” Gilmore said. “Our community changes every few years and (so does) figuring out who comes here and what they see.”
Hill said the Kenworthy is active within the Moscow community because of its location and involvement in the downtown area. They pair with the University of Idaho yearly for the one-day Backcountry Film Festival. Gilmore believes that the Kenworthy offers a unique experience that students typically wouldn’t receive on campus. She also said that the theater relies on UI students’ support and views it as a partnership that has mutual benefits.
After COVID-19 hit last spring, the Kenworthy had to overcome many obstacles. Hill said that the patrons were supportive and offered extra money on ticket prices. Donations are a large portion of the Kenworthy’s income.
One of the goals for the Kenworthy directors is to provide the experience to those who want it. Hill said it is always an aspiration of the theater to continue offering the creative opportunities to people when possible.
Sierra Pesnell can be reached at [email protected]