Panida Theater

The '''Panida Theater''' is a historic venue located in Sandpoint, Idaho, originally serving as a vaudeville and movie house since its establishment in 1927. The theater's name is a portmanteau reflecting its purpose to serve the audiences of the ''PANhandle of IDAho''. Over the years, the Panida Theater has become a cultural cornerstone for the Sandpoint community, showcasing a diverse array of performances ranging from local and global film festivals, dance recitals, live theatre, comedy, educational talks, music concerts, and more. ===Architecture and Design=== Upon its opening night, the Panida Theater was celebrated for its distinctive Spanish Mission styling and lush interior furnishings, a design which was praised by the press for its unique beauty within the city of Sandpoint and considered to rival few theaters in the West. The architectural significance of the theater has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. ===History and Restoration=== Following decades of success, the Panida Theater experienced a period of neglect until the Sandpoint community rallied together for major fundraising and restoration efforts, leading to its reopening in 1985. The restoration project was met with accolades, earning recognition from the governor of Idaho, the Idaho Commission of the Arts, the Idaho Centennial Commission, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. It has been honored with the "Take Pride in Idaho" and "America" awards, as well as the Orchid Award for historic preservation from the Idaho Historic Preservation Council. ===Cultural Impact and Performances=== The Panida Theater has been an instrumental venue for both local performers and notable recording artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Arlo Guthrie, Wynton Marsalis, and Mitch Miller, as well as internationally renowned artists like Gunther Schuller, the Spokane Symphony, San Francisco Opera, and the Paris Chamber Ensemble. Its reputation for acoustic perfection and intimate setting with a 500-seat capacity makes it a sought-after location for a wide variety of performances, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of North Idaho. ===Community Involvement and Operations=== As the area's premier full-feature performing arts facility, the Panida Theater enjoys a high audience rate, particularly impressive given Sandpoint's population of approximately 7,900. The theater operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, heavily relying on in-kind and financial support from the community to maintain its operations and continue enriching the cultural life of the region. With over 362 available calendar days for performances annually, the Panida remains a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment. The Panida Theater's commitment to the arts and its community has made it not only a historical landmark but also a beloved gem of North Idaho. Its continued success is a testament to the enduring appeal of performance arts and the support of the Sandpoint community.