For many Vandals, a handful of local venues come to mind when thinking of Moscow. The Kibbie Dome, Corner Club and Patty’s are just to name a few. The true center of Moscow’s community culture, however, is the legendary Kenworthy Theatre.
The historic Kenworthy holds a host of events and screenings throughout the year that are enjoyed by both students and local Moscow residents. These events include local and traveling film festivals, weekly movie screenings and a variety of charity events.
Through this extensive collaboration with the community, the Kenworthy has established itself as the perfect “third space” for people to connect over.
According to the Oxford Reference, a “third space” is a location separate from the home and workplaces—an oftentimes social scene where people go to enjoy themselves.
Open seven days a week, the theater offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy an event or screening, something that becomes particularly important for a college town as small as Moscow. Given the many hours students and locals spend there, it can often shape one’s experience and perspective of what it means to live in Moscow.
When asked about the importance of the theater’s local impact, University of Idaho film student Jaxon Christensen noted that the work ethic of those involved doesn’t go unnoticed.
“The Kenworthy has meant a lot to me ever since I first came to Moscow. It’s a lot more than a theater,” Christensen said. “Their focus on curating a varied selection of films and performers each month transforms the Kenworthy into a hub of culture, showing many unique artistic perspectives.”
Though one could argue Vandal football games are the best place for connection, the Kenworthy is a story of year-round success, there for community members through every season.
Serving as a nonprofit, the theater truly represents the best of what Moscow’s culture has to offer. It gives investors an opportunity to aid in local outreach and events, while allowing the theater and its participants to give back to the community.
“Their [businesses’ and local investor’s] commitment makes the statement that they are dedicated to the historical, cultural and economic vitality of Moscow’s Main Street” is written on the Kenworthy website.
Avari Blake, a senior at UI, mentioned a favorite moment to come out of her time at the Kenworthy stems from a screening that was held for a local filmmaker’s latest project. After the screening, the woman who created the film held a Q&A session for anyone to get involved in.
“It was so fun and so meaningful as someone who wants to be a filmmaker,” Blake said.
Year after year, the theater continues to bring audiences together. In fact, it’s been doing just that for nearly a century.
In 1925, what was once known as the Crystal Theater was bought by performer Milburn Kenworthy. He then converted it from an opera house to a cinema and stage space. On Jan. 4, 1926, the Kenworthy Theatre was officially open to the public.
After a century of providing the best entertainment and events a small town could ask for, the Kenworthy Theatre remains a timeless Moscow staple. So timeless that it even earned its place on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2001, as stated on their website.
The Kenworthy Theatre isn’t just for the eager film buffs; it caters to all audiences. It’s for local filmmakers who have an opportunity to display their work for the community, families who are searching for engaging activities to enjoy with their children, local patrons who want to do good for others and so many more. It truly is a one stop shop for any Moscow residents looking for a good time with even better company.
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected]