PRESS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2026
Contact: Emily Meister, Artistic & Executive Director | emily@woodriverrep.org | woodriverrep.org
A New Vision Takes the Stage: The Liberty Theatre Company Relaunches as Wood River Rep
Formerly The Liberty Theatre Company, the Wood River Valley’s professional nonprofit theatre company unveils a new name, new identity, and its most ambitious season to date.
HAILEY, IDAHO — After five seasons as The Liberty Theatre Company, a Wood River Valley professional nonprofit theatre company, has officially relaunched under a new name: Wood River Rep.
The announcement was made by Artistic / Executive Director Emily Meister at a free public launch event on April 26th, where she unveiled the company's new name, visual identity, mission, vision, and a 2026/27 inaugural season that represents the most programming in the company’s history.
"This rebirth is more than a name and a logo," said Meister. "It is a new vision — for what this company is, what it can become, and what it means within this valley.”
Why the Change
When the organization was founded five years ago, its name carried a specific intention: the founding group hoped to purchase The Liberty Theater at 110 N. Main Street in Hailey, and the company’s name reflected that goal. The acquisition did not come to pass, but the company moved forward — growing into a regional presence through five seasons of professional mainstage productions.
As the company grew, so did the need for a clearer identity. The most practical driver of the rebrand was persistent public confusion between two entirely separate organizations: The Liberty Theatre Company, a nonprofit theatre production company, and The Liberty Theater, the historic venue that hosts live music, film, and community events.
“It has been an ongoing challenge,” Meister said. “We receive inquiries about their events. Donations have been misdirected. Despite our best efforts, the distinction has been difficult to communicate. We have a wonderful partnership with The Liberty Theater, and both organizations deserve a clear identity. This rename gives us that.”
For Meister, the rebrand is about more than solving a logistical problem. “We needed a name that reflects who we are — a company grounded in this valley, committed to this community, and building something here for the long term. Wood River Rep does that. It’s simple, it’s memorable, and it points directly to the place and the people we serve.”
Introducing Wood River Rep
Tagline: Theatre That Moves. In the Heart of the Valley.
Mission: 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.
Vision: To be a destination known for artistic experiences that inspire, excite, and transform.
At the heart of everything Wood River Rep does are the things that move us: curiosity, discovery, connection, creativity, wonder, bravery, magic, imagination, enrichment, presence, honesty, wisdom, embodiment, expression, reciprocity, and joy.
The Inaugural 2026/27 Season
Wood River Rep’s first season under its new name is designed to be joyful, uplifting, and heartwarming — while building a fiscally responsible foundation for the company’s future.
The Marvelous Wonderettes (Summer) — Four small-town girls, one prom night, thirty unforgettable hits from the fifties and sixties. July 1–12 at The Liberty Theater.
To Be Revealed (Fall) — To be revealed in the coming weeks, stayed tuned. September 23–October 4.
The Witching Table (Halloween) — Two exclusive nights of an immersive murder mystery experience. October 30–31.
Wood River Rep Holiday Benefit (Winter) — An original holiday show woven into a benefit celebration, gathering the community in gratitude at year’s end. December 11.
Silent Sky (Winter) — The beautiful, true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose discoveries changed the way we see the universe. February 17–28, 2027.
TheatreFest, Reimagined (Spring) — One wild night of original stories, created with and by this community. April 4, 2027.
Popcorn Falls (Spring Mainstage) — A sleepy town, one desperate idea, two actors playing more than twenty roles — proving once and for all that art can save the world. April 21–May 2, 2027.
Community Enrichment Initiatives — Free to the Public
Alongside its mainstage season, Wood River Rep is launching five new community programs spanning storytelling, wellness, artistic development, Hispanic theatre, and new play development. For Meister, these initiatives represent the company’s most personal aspiration.
“This is something very special and dear to my heart,” Meister said. “This season, we are seeding these programs — planting, feeding, nurturing, and creating real community exchange — with the intention of seeking funding to fully launch and grow them in the seasons ahead. They will be meaningful experiences with and for our community: professional development, education, and creative opportunities for people of all ages across the valley.”
Voices of the Valley — A six-week community storytelling workshop gathering true stories from across the Wood River Valley and transforming them into creative expression.
La Chispa — A Hispanic theatre development workshop celebrating storytelling, performance, and the arts. Launching this summer with a theatre camp in partnership with The Space.
The Whole Artist — A six-week workshop using theatre practices as a vehicle for personal growth, creative wellbeing, and community connection.
The Lab — Intensive artistic development workshops blending improv, acting, physical theatre, writing, and directing for professionals and community members alike.
Search Light — An ongoing search to discover and develop new works toward a full mainstage world premiere in the Wood River Valley.
Education Programs
Wood River Rep continues its Teaching Artist Program in partnership with Wood River High School, placing professional working artists in the classroom to mentor students in the craft of performing arts and theatre creation. The company also continues its Apprenticeship Program, offering high school students hands-on experience working alongside professional staff and artists on mainstage productions.
Season Passes and Sponsorship
Premium and Season Passes for the 2026/27 season are available beginning April 27 through June 1. Sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are also available now. For more information, visit woodriverrep.org or contact info@woodriverrep.org.
About Wood River Rep
Wood River Rep is the Wood River Valley’s professional nonprofit theatre company, dedicated to the art of live performance. Based in Hailey, Idaho, Wood River Rep brings together extraordinary artists to create mainstage productions, new works, educational programs, and community initiatives that enrich and connect the valley through the arts.
Theatre That Moves. In the Heart of the Valley.
woodriverrep.org | @woodriverrep | info@woodriverrep.org
