Boise Contemporary Theater Inc
About Boise Contemporary Theater Inc
Boise Contemporary Theater has been bringing professional contemporary theater to Boise since 1997, with a five-show MainStage season, reading series, and education programs that reach audiences, students, families, and artists of all ages. It also gives space to new voices through the BIPOC Playwrights Festival and new-play development work that helps scripts move from workshop to production. If you care about theater that asks real questions and stays close to the community, BCT gives you a lot to root for.
BCT is the only nonprofit professional theater within 300 miles dedicated to producing challenging new work. What sets it apart is how directly that work moves through the organization, from readings and workshops to MainStage productions, while also training young people and adults in the same building.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
MainStage season
A five-production professional theater season featuring contemporary plays and musicals.
5X5 Reading Series
A reading series that presents new plays straight from the page and road-tests future productions.
Children’s Reading Series
A reading series that presents contemporary children’s theater in a creative setting for all ages.
Summer Reading Series
Outdoor summer readings of new works in Boise-area settings.
BIPOC Playwrights Festival
An annual festival that champions emerging and mid-career playwrights from marginalized communities through workshops, panels, and staged readings.
Theater Lab
An education program where students conceive, write, produce, and perform original productions.
A.C.T. at BCT adult classes
Year-round adult acting, playwriting, and movement classes for adult artists of all levels.
Youth classes
Classes for children and teens, including playwriting and acting workshops.
Outreach theater training
Professional theater training brought to youth programs and schools throughout the Treasure Valley.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
Boise Contemporary Theater inspires our community to examine our perspectives and better understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us by creating thought-provoking stories of the human experience.
Who they serve
Boise and Treasure Valley audiences, students, families, and artists of all ages, including emerging and mid-career playwrights from marginalized communities.
Their impact
- In its first 25 seasons, BCT presented over 90 MainStage productions, including 25 world premieres.
- A full season brings more than 16,000 people to BCT across MainStage productions, reading series, Theater Lab programs, the Children’s Reading Series, the BIPOC Playwrights Festival, and special events.
- BCT serves over 2,000 students through onsite and outreach Theater Lab programs.
- BCT has presented over 100 MainStage productions, including more than 25 world premieres.
How your donation helps
- MainStage productions
- reading series
- special events
- youth programs
- education programming
- BIPOC Playwrights Festival
- annual gala support
- sponsorship support for seasons and productions
Our story
Boise Contemporary Theater was founded in 1997 to produce challenging new work and inspire Boise audiences through thought-provoking theater. Since then, it has grown into a professional company with a MainStage season, reading series, education programs, and a festival pipeline that develops new plays from workshop to world premiere.
In their words
“My students and I loved the activities today! Being still and creating a fiction, what a great exercise for them.” -Taunya Page, Mountain Home HS Teacher
“This turned into a lovely show, performed for all ages, and brought joy to all who participated.” -Geoffrey S., Housatonic Community College
Events
Season Gala Celebration
annualAnnual fundraiser with auction items, dinner, entertainment, and drinks.
Backstage Pass: Education Fundraiser
annualAn annual event supporting the education program with demos, student activities, and bucket drops.
BIPOC Playwrights Festival
annualFestival of workshops, panels, and staged readings for playwrights from marginalized communities.
5X5 Reading Series
seasonalRecurring reading series featuring staged readings of new plays.
Children’s Reading Series
seasonalRecurring reading series for children and families.
Summer Reading Series
seasonalOutdoor summer reading series in Boise-area locations.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Boise Contemporary Theater Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Support for the education program
- Sponsorships for the 26|27 season
- Support for the BIPOC Playwrights Festival
Volunteer opportunities
- Taking tickets
- Handing out programs
- Patron seating
- Working behind the bar
- Office mailings and other office projects
- Helping with special events
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts
- National Theater Company Award from the American Theater Wing, two-time recipient
- 2022-23 City of Boise Cultural Ambassador
In the media
- KTVB, interview about the world premiere of The Life You Gave Me
- Berkeleyside, review of Eureka Day
- The Times of London, review of Eureka Day
- BroadwayWorld Boise, coverage of the world premiere production of a BIPOC Playwrights Festival selection
- Boise State Public Radio, coverage of A Case For the Existence of God
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What is Theater Lab at BCT?
Theater Lab gives students the chance to conceive, write, produce, and perform their own original productions.
What ages can take A.C.T. at BCT classes?
A.C.T. at BCT offers classes for youth, adults, and older creatives, with programs described as serving ages 6 to 99+.
How long is a Children’s Reading Series performance?
Children’s Reading Series readings are about 60 minutes and usually do not include an intermission.
What happens in the 5X5 Reading Series?
The 5X5 Reading Series presents staged readings of new plays, and many future BCT productions are road-tested there before reaching the MainStage.
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