Idaho State University School of Performing Arts Announces Inspiring 2025–26 Season

The School of Performing Arts proudly announces its 2025–26 season, a dynamic year of music and theatre that reflects the vibrancy and creativity of our students, faculty, and regional community.

Featuring a mix of beloved classics, bold new works, and milestone festivals, the season offers something for every arts lover.

“The School of Performing Arts continues to be a cornerstone of cultural vitality at Idaho State University and in our region,” said Kandi Turley-Ames, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters. “The 2025–26 season reflects the depth, diversity, and talent of our students and faculty, and we are proud to support programming that both challenges and inspires.”

The season opens with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, a laugh-out-loud satire by Christopher Durang that explores sibling rivalries and existential angst in a delightfully absurd setting. Directed by Visiting Assistant Lecturer Sara Hymes, this production sets the tone for a season filled with heart, humor, and high-caliber performance.

Holiday cheer arrives with A Christmas Carol, adapted by Ann Hoste and directed by ISU faculty member Jef Petersen. In the spring, Petersen also brings his award-winning original fantasy Emme and the Taking of the Woods to the stage, offering a heartfelt exploration of bravery and imagination.

Musical highlights include the retro-hits of The Marvelous Wonderettes, a jukebox musical journey through friendship and girl group harmonies of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

On the music side, ISU’s annual festivals continue to grow in reach and impact. “These events reinforce ISU’s connection to the community,” said Shandra Helman, Chair of the Department of Music. “The festivals highlight ISU as a welcoming, resourceful, and inspiring institution where young musicians can thrive.”

“This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of ISU’s Choral Invitational Festival with renowned composer and conductor Jake Runestad, who will conduct over 400 singers in the Stephens Performing Arts Center,” said Jeffrey Francom, Director of Choral Activities. “Mr. Runestad is one of the most popular composers of our time. This concert will be remembered for years to come!”

ISU Jazz Fest returns with a special appearance by Sheela Bringi, blending Indian music and jazz. “Jazz Fest this year will feature the brilliant Colorado-based musician Sheela Bringi to work with the ISU Commercial Music Program as well as hundreds of regional high school jazz musicians,” said Jon Armstrong, Director of Jazz Studies. “She will bring her unique and exciting take on Indian-Jazz fusion music with a monster band. This kind of innovative musical performance is a rare treat in Southeastern Idaho.”

The Mountain West Marching Band Invitational and Honors Band Festival round out a powerful season of regional collaboration and artistic growth.

“This season not only provides ISU students with rich, hands-on opportunities to grow as artists, collaborators, and storytellers,” said Tara Young, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, “it also serves as a cultural gathering space for our broader regional community.”

2025–26 Performance Schedule

October

• Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike – October 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 – Black Box Theatre, SPAC
• Choral Invitational Festival – October 10–11 – Jensen Grand Concert Hall, SPAC
• Mountain West Marching Band Invitational – October 18 – ICCU Dome

November

• A Christmas Carol – November 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 – Bistline Theatre, SPAC

February

• Jazz Fest featuring Sheela Bringi – February 13–14 – Station Square & Jensen Hall, SPAC
• The Marvelous Wonderettes – February 27, 28, March 5, 6, 7 – Bistline Theatre, SPAC

April

• Southeastern Idaho Honors Band Festival – April 2 – Jensen Grand Concert Hall, SPAC
• Emme and the Taking of the Woods – April 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 – Bistline Theatre, SPAC

Flex Passes and Ticket Info

Theatre Flex Passes go on sale August 1. Passes are $65 for adults and $60 for ISU faculty and staff. First-time buyers can purchase one Flex Pass and receive another at half price. Each Flex Pass purchase includes a "Friend of the ISU School of Performing Arts" sticker.

All tickets are available at the ISU Stephens Performing Arts Center Box Office or online at isu.edu/tickets.

Organizations and individuals interested in purchasing an ad in our programs or sponsoring a production or festival are invited to contact Meg Holmes at megholmes@isu.edu.

For media inquiries, contact:
Meg Holmes
Promotions Director, School of Performing Arts
Email: megholmes@isu.edu
Phone: 208-282-6452