The Boise Bard Players Inc
About The Boise Bard Players Inc
The Boise Bard Players makes Shakespeare and other classics feel close enough to actually join in on, with affordable performances across the Treasure Valley and beyond. The company also brings workshops and after-school camps into students’ lives, so classical theatre is something you can watch, study, and perform. For donors, that means supporting live theatre that reaches first-time audiences, families, and students where they already are.
Its productions are built to travel, with minimalist staging in unconventional venues across Idaho. That flexibility lets the company meet audiences in breweries, parks, historical sites, backyards, and other community spaces, then keep the experience going through workshops and youth programs.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Touring Shakespeare and classical theatre productions
Minimalist productions performed in unconventional venues such as breweries, parks, historical locations, and other community spaces across Idaho.
Shakespeare Live! Theatre Workshops
In-class workshops for grades 3-12, 30 to 90 minutes long, with exercises and games tailored to curriculum needs.
Stage-a-Play after-school camp
Multi-day after-school camps, from five days to three weeks, where students cut a Shakespeare play, cast it, rehearse it, and perform it.
The Boise Bard Players Passport
A stamp-and-reward program that gives participants access to merchandise, VIP experiences, and Esquires’ Club benefits.
No More Starving Artists podcast
A podcast series focused on artists, theatre education, accessibility, and arts funding.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
The Boise Bard Players is a nonprofit theatre company making Shakespeare and other classics affordable and emotionally accessible to everyone in the Treasure Valley and beyond.
Who they serve
Residents of the Treasure Valley and other Idaho communities, including students, families, and first-time theatergoers.
Their impact
- More than 1,000 people are brought live theater each year across Boise and the Treasure Valley.
- The 2025 season reached over 1,600 Idahoans.
- The company has produced over 16 productions.
- It has sold out 100-person audiences and an entire production run.
- Hamlet at the Old Penitentiary broke $10,000 in revenue in 2023.
- The annual gala raised over $1,700 in 2019, over $3,000 in 2020, over $4,000 in 2022, over $8,600 in 2023, and over $10,000 in 2024.
How your donation helps
- Paying artists a fair wage
- Keeping ticket prices affordable
- Funding touring productions
- Supporting classes and workshops
- Supporting digital content and podcast production
- Underwriting discounted and free performances
Our story
The Boise Bard Players began in 2013 with Chris Canfield’s idea to bring Shakespeare’s intensity and artistry to Boise after seeing Macbeth at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. He and friends staged Macbeth in 2014, the company later became a nonprofit in 2018, and its work has since expanded across a wider network of Idaho venues and touring locations.
In their words
Minimalist Shakespeare that is compelling, relevant, engaging AND entertaining.
This group is absolute genius! Bringing Shakespeare to a street level performance!
I love that BBP is mobile and performs in unique environments like the Old Pen, the Bishops’ House, and assisted living facilities, and I love supporting their mission to make Shakespeare accessible and affordable for our community.
Not only did I understand it, I loved it!
Events
Annual gala
annualA recurring fundraiser that has raised support for productions and outreach.
Casino Night
special eventA special fundraising event held in March 2025 to support classical theatre outreach.
Secret Dinners
occasionalAn intimate dining experience for Passport holders that combines actors, food, and storytelling.
Dead Bard’s Club
quarterlyA low-stakes gathering for reading, performing, sharing, inquiring, debating, and celebrating poetry spoken aloud.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles The Boise Bard Players Inc has shared.
Current needs
- A Company Manager
- A patron services manager
- A production manager
- Season sponsors for productions, classes, and digital content
- Podcast sponsors
Volunteer opportunities
- Production and event volunteers
- Volunteer coordination support
- Pro bono nonprofit accounting assistance
- Pro bono legal advice
Recognition & press
In the media
- KTVB, Love’s Labour’s Lost on Idaho Today with Mellisa Paul
- Boise State Public Radio Idaho Matters, The Boise Bard Players on Idaho Matters with Samantha Wright
- KIVI, The Boise Bard Players Featured on KIVI with Roland Beres
- City Cast Boise, City Cast Boise Feature: Your Guide to March 2025 in Boise
- HGTV American Dream TV Boise, Shakespeare in Idaho
- KTVB, The Boise Bard Players’ Servant of Two Masters on Idaho Today with Mellisa Paul
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What ages can take the workshops?
The in-class workshops are for grades 3 through 12.
How long are the in-class workshops?
They run from 30 to 90 minutes, and they can be shaped around curriculum needs.
How does the after-school camp work?
The Stage-a-Play camp runs from five days to three weeks. Students cut a Shakespeare play, cast it, rehearse it, and perform it, with lights, sound, and costumes brought in for the staging.
Where does the company perform?
It performs in unconventional places like breweries, parks, historical sites, backyards, and other community spaces across Idaho.
What texts can the workshops cover?
Workshop options include Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Midsummer, and more, along with English, theater history, humanities, and Stage-a-Play classes.
Similar nonprofits
Other theater nonprofits in ID.