Wood River Rep is a professional theatre company dedicated to the art of live performance. We bring together extraordinary artists to create mainstage productions, new works, educational programs, and community initiatives that enrich and connect the Wood River Valley through the arts.
MISSION
To be a destination known for artistic experiences that inspire, excite, and transform.
VISION
Our Land Acknowledgment
Theatre is an act of gathering. Before any play is staged in the Wood River Valley, there is a story that lives beneath our feet. This land has been traveled, cared for, and named by the Lemhi Shoshone, the Agai'Dika (Salmon Eater) and Tukudeka (Sheep Eater) peoples for thousands of years. Their descendants, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, remain a living, sovereign nation. Wood River Rep acknowledges that we create and gather on the ancestral homelands of the Lemhi Shoshone, Agai'Dika, and Tukudeka peoples.
STAFF
Emily
Artistic / EXECUTIVE Director
emily@woodriverrep.org
Emily Meister is an interdisciplinary artist, director, choreographer, performer, producer, and educator with over two decades of experience creating theatrical, immersive, site-specific, and multimedia works that span large-scale productions and deeply intimate performances.
Her artistic collaborations span nationally and internationally recognized companies and artists, including Meredith Monk, Fire Trial Films, The Private Theatre (NYC), Annie Saunders/Wilderness, Pussy Riot, Galiana + Nikolchev's The Useless Room, HomeLA, and Motion Theater Dance Company.
Before moving to Idaho, Emily spent 14 years at AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, where she directed The Artists' Lab — a hub producing up to fifteen original stage and film projects each trimester, mentoring students from concept to final performance — and built the BFA Performing Arts Content Creation Program from the ground up. She developed a first-of-its-kind eight-semester curriculum preparing multi-hyphenate artists, managed faculty, and taught as a working artist.
Emily's background also includes production, public relations, creative strategy, and the healing arts. As former owner of Embodi Creative Solutions, she specialized in eco-conscious brand development for clients in beauty, wellness, and fashion. A certified herbalist, soundbath practitioner, and breathwork facilitator trained in the Wise Woman Tradition, she integrates restorative practices into her creative process, guiding artists toward presence, embodiment, and authentic expression.
She holds a BA in Dance Theatre Performance & Choreography from Connecticut College.
A mother and wife, Emily is grateful to call the Wood River Valley home. She sees theatre as a vital space for connection, reflection, and shared imagination, and is committed to building work that brings people together and grows joy.
SAM
Production / technical theatre manager
sam@woodriverrep.org
Sam Flynn has 27 years of experience working in theater in a variety of roles. Before making Hailey his home, Sam worked extensively in the Boise theater scene for nine years. Beginning in 2017, Sam completed three seasons as the theater carpenter for Idaho Shakespeare Festival, five years as the assistant technical director at Boise State University, five years as a props master, technical director, and occasional designer for Boise Contemporary Theater, and frequent freelance work with Ballet Idaho as a designer, fabricator, and consultant. In 2022, Sam joined the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts as a Head Carpenter, gaining experience working on Broadway tours, concerts, dance, and comedy shows, while simultaneously completing an MFA in technical direction and design at The University of Idaho.
Prior to coming to Idaho, Sam was a fixture in the theater community in Santa Barbara, CA, working extensively with Ensemble Theater Company as an AEA Stage Manager, carpenter, and crewperson. Sam also did a number of productions at Santa Barbara City College, and the University of California Santa Barbara, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics with Emphasis in Spanish.
Sam’s interests include languages – Spanish and Catalan in particular – soccer, fishing, and backpacking, and he is very excited to be in a place like Hailey where he can make an impact on the arts community and draw inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty.
ERYN
OPERATIONS manager
eryn@woodriverrep.org
Eryn Alvey has worn a lot of hats in the theater world—board member, performer, stage manager, and now Operations Manager—which basically means she went from helping make decisions, to stealing scenes, to making sure the whole thing runs smoothly (no pressure).
On stage, she’s had the joy and honor of performing with TLTC, including Annie in Chicago, Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors, and Nurse Norma in Waitress: The Musical. Most recently, she was living her best puppet-adjacent life as Christmas Eve in The Spot’s production of Avenue Q. Equal parts heart, humor, and a little bit of chaos—that’s kind of her brand.
Offstage, she’s running the show behind the scenes, keeping things moving, organized(ish), and full of creative energy. And her most important role? Being a mom to her amazing daughter, Maya, who gets a front-row seat to all the madness and magic.
She’s especially excited to step into this next chapter working alongside Emily and Sam, the board, and most importantly, continuing to build something meaningful with the community. Eryn is passionate about cultivating spaces where people feel inspired, supported, and maybe just a little bit brave—because that’s where the best art (and the best stories) happen.
Our Board of directors
PRESIDENT
Alexis Lindberg
Since moving to Idaho in 2010 after graduating from Montana State University, Alexis has built a rewarding career as a CPA at Becker, Chambers & Co in Hailey. With a deep passion for the dramatic arts, Alexis never misses a local production and values the vibrancy that arts bring to the community. She is an active community member and values the opportunity to give back. Alexis and her husband, Jeff, enjoy golfing, travel, nightlife and going to the movies. Alexis is honored to join the Liberty Theatre Company as a member of the board, supporting a cause that aligns with her values and is close to her heart.
Vice President
Jennifer card
Jennifer’s love of theatre was instilled at early age thanks to her Mom, Mary Ellen Card, a longtime Company of Fools volunteer usher. Mary Ellen loved summer stock and community theatre and, as a result, Jennifer has been to many a performance in old barns and creaky theaters throughout New England. Rest assured, the seats at the Liberty are much more comfy!
Jennifer and her husband moved to the valley in 1997 and have been attending live theatre at the Liberty ever since. They joke that their two children were raised in the Liberty Theatre. It seems to have worked out well because the kids, now young adults, still go to the theatre whenever the opportunity arises.
Being a housing donor has been an awesome experience as Jennifer loves getting to know the creative geniuses who star, direct and choreograph the amazing TLTC productions. Jennifer is excited to be a part of the Liberty Theatre Company board and looks forward to many more fantastic plays for years to come. Live theatre…..there is nothing better for bringing a community together in thoughtful and inspiring ways. Jennifer looks forward to seeing you at the next Liberty Theatre Company production!
Treasurer
Tom Harned
Tom Harned is the owner and beekeeper of Five Bee Hives, with operations in the Wood River Valley and Montana. For 13 years, he was a volunteer firefighter and officer with the Hailey Fire Department.
A California native, Tom studied earth sciences and graduated with a degree in watershed management from Humboldt State University. He continued to explore his deep enjoyment and gratitude of the outdoors as a river guide, coming to Idaho in 1991 to run the Salmon, and falling in love with the area. He moved to the Wood River Valley full time in 1999 where he began a family, started his business and raised two kids. He and his wife, Deanna, are delighted to call Hailey their home.
Tom has supported and loved live theatrical and music performances his entire life. Sharing with his wife and children the exceptional talent this valley has to offer has become a cherished tradition.
He looks forward to continuing to revel in and appreciate the thoughtful, energetic, comedic, connective performances of TLTC as a member of the audience and as a new member of the board of directors.
Secretary
Jane Rosen
Jane has lived in the Wood River Valley, along with her husband, Scott Miley for over 30 years where they raised their two children. She started her environmental consulting business, Assessment & Compliance Services in 1995. She has served as secretary of the Blaine County Historical Museum since January 2008. In 2021, she joined The Liberty Theatre Company and has served as Secretary since its incorporation. Although never involved with a theatre company in the past, Jane is an avid patron. She likes learning about what it takes to operate a successful theatre company and especially enjoys working with the tremendous talent of this organization.
MEMBER
TIM Black
Tim moved to the valley on a full time basis in 1977 after graduating from college. In 1982 he hung out his shingle as a custom cabinet maker. He married his wife Christie, then had two children in 1990.
When Company of Fools moved into the valley Tim introduced them to the Hailey Rotary Club where he was a member. That led to his involvement in building all of their sets for a long period. It was a magical time of creativity and collaboration. He joined The Fools board during this time and served as Board President for two terms.
After the merger of The Fools to the Sun Valley Center he joined that board to bring some Fools institutional memory to that organization. Tim loves the magic of live theatre and looks forward to working with the new Liberty Theatre Company.
Member
Tom Carter
Tom’s passion for the performing arts began in high school where he sang in the choirs and acted in musicals. He continued to explore singing and acting in three seasons of summer stock—Bigfork Summer Playhouse in Montana—and his love for theatre deepened. Eventually, Tom earned a Bachelor’s degree in Drama Education and a Master’s in Music Theatre, continuing to perform while delving deeply into the study of stage directing. At San Jose State University, for example, Tom sang with the Choraliers while directing Yours, Anne—the lyric drama treatment of The Diary of Anne Frank.
Over the years, Tom taught Drama and English in grades 7-12 in several Northern California schools, directing the extracurricular drama programs as well. In addition, he was the artistic director for the City of Los Altos Youth Theatre for ten years and had the thrill of directing the world premiere of Footloose: The Musical.
After working with many choirs to help them with their stage presence, Tom published Choral Charisma: Singing with Expression, a book that reflects Tom’s interest in Method acting, singing, and teaching. Following its publication, Tom worked with choirs across the country, empowering them to engage more completely with text, music, and audience. He continues that work to this day.
Member
Joan Davies
Joan, community activist, promotor of collaborative efforts for the betterment of all and historical preservation was raised on a farm in Southern Idaho. During 60, plus, years of residency, her life has centered around contributing significantly and enthusiastically to the cultural and civic life of the area. The involvement in many facets of the community allows a clear observation of the rhythms and trends of Wood River Valley.
She was presented with the “Persistent Planner Award” from the Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission where she served for 19 years. During this tenure the first comprehensive plan in the State of Idaho was created. Twenty years of her career was spent working and providing programing for the College of Southern Idaho. The creation of the Blaine County Community Campus which houses the Blaine Campus was a wonderful project of collaboration with the Blaine County School District and serves the betterment of our community.
Lifelong learning supported by culture experiences are elements that support solid values for a great community. Joan continues to foster and care for these developments.
Member
Martin Henry Kaplan
Marty first found his way here from Seattle in the sixties packed into his VW with 3 buddies for a ski trip, inspiring a life-long love affair and second home. He has been a part-time resident of Ketchum since 1992, when he built his first escape from his native Seattle roots in search of mountain recharging. He and his wife Leslie finally moved to Ketchum full time in 2022 to be closer to enjoying daily access to healthy time here skiing, cycling, and hiking, among many other adventures.
He followed his passion for architecture as a 6-year-old, becoming principal of his honored architectural firm for over four decades and has practiced countrywide from his offices in Seattle and Ketchum. Among other design projects, Marty is currently donating his time designing much needed affordable housing here with ARCH.
Among many boards and commissions that have informed his experience today is his 10-year stint as a trustee on Seattle’s Intiman Theatre board from 1990, when it was Seattle’s second largest. As a passionate and decades-long theatre audience member, he and Leslie have always found opportunities to appreciate live theatre everywhere. His overly gushing appreciation to Naomi after “Disgraced” may have inadvertently led to this coveted board seat.
Member
HERBERT ROMERO
Community advocate and leader Herbert Romero has been involved in community projects all over Blaine County since 2015, when he and his wife, Mary Romero, moved to the valley from Los Angeles, California with two children of six.
Romero, amongst various titles is an operations director and founder of the Projectools and Partners, a community-based consultant group with a mission for cultural initiatives, community programming and leadership engagements within the Hispanic/Latino community.
With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and 15 years in consulting, he has made his presence known in the valley by stepping out in the community and leading various events that have become significant to the valley including being the founder of the Hispanic Heritage Fest and The Community Table and co-founder of Neighbors Helping Neighbors and the Kiwani’s Kid’s Fair.
He has received proclamations from the governor’s office for events in 2019, 2020 and 2021, which included Sun Valley, Hailey and Bellevue which was presented under his leadership and as event director.
In addition to leading cultural events around Blaine County, Romero is serving on multiple boards like the Crisis Hotline in Idaho, Idaho BaseCamp, NAMI, to name a few. And in honor of his work, Romero received the Martha A. Torrez Humanitarian Award from the Idaho Commission of Hispanic Affairs in 2019 for his work and leadership in the community.
Before moving to the Wood River Valley and becoming a noteworthy community member, Romero worked frequently with the L.A. Kitchen, Door of Hope, a food distribution center and the police department’s annual food drive.
Member
Kenneth Lewis
Originally from New York City, holding an undergraduate degree from Princeton and JD from Harvard, Ken practiced law, primarily in Portland, Oregon where he joined the Lasco Shipping Company, serving as President from 1979 until his retirement in 1997.
Ken has extensive Board experience and a wealth of knowledge of non-profits. He served as chairman of the national “I Have a Dream” Foundation in New York, was founding Chairman of the affiliate organization in Oregon, and became a member of our board in 2025.
Member
Bev ROBINsON
Born and raised in Filer, Idaho, Bev brings deep regional roots and thoughtful leadership to her role as a Board Member of the Liberty Theatre Company, where she chairs the Governance Committee. She earned her degree in Marketing from California State University, Fullerton, and built her career around strategic communication, relationship building, and community engagement—strengths that directly support strong board leadership and long-term organizational sustainability.
Bev and her husband, Brent, also a native Idahoan, have been part of the Wood River Valley community for over 45 years, making it their full-time home in 2010. Her lifelong commitment to volunteer service—locally, throughout Idaho, and internationally—reflects her belief in responsible stewardship and principled nonprofit governance.
Having traveled to more than 103 countries, Bev values the way arts and culture connect communities and broaden perspectives. She is especially grateful for time spent with her large and growing family, whose presence continually reinforces her dedication to building a vibrant future for the next generation.
Bev’s Idaho roots, global outlook, and commitment to service strengthen the Liberty Theatre Company’s governance and community impact.
Committee Members
Linda Bowling
David Gertz
Leslie Kaplan
Elizabeth Mattieu
David Janeski
Courtney Loving
Joel Vilinski