2023/2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT
From Executive Director, Elizabeth Allum
What a year this has been. Reflecting on the 23-24 season, I find myself in awe of the remarkable journey we’ve shared here in our beautiful new home, The Buxton Center. This building, brought to life by the generosity and commitment of our incredible community, stands as a testament to the power of collective vision. This season has unfolded beautifully within its walls.
Our brave new space has been the backdrop for a vibrant season of collaboration, connection, and creativity. This report highlights the impact we’ve made together this year, and celebrates the positive work that was created here at BPA, by our community and for our community.
As we look ahead, I’m excited for the new opportunities that await us, but before we step into the next season, I want to thank you. Whether you’ve joined us as a patron, donor, student, performer, or volunteer, your support and involvement is the reason BPA continues to thrive.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you. My gratitude and admiration extend also to the incredible staff team and Board of Directors - it is an honor to serve our community alongside you.
Here’s to the incredible year we’ve had - the first of many at The Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts.
From Board President, Joey Chapman
As we close this year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the positive impact Bainbridge Performing Arts has made on our community. This year marked our triumphant return to our beloved home, The Buxton Center—a gem of innovation and imagination nestled in the heart of Bainbridge Island.
Through music, dance, drama, and laughter, BPA has once again brought life to our community. None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our BPA staff, the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, and the immense talent of the artists who grace this island with their gifts.
It has been a privilege to serve as BPA's Board President during such a momentous time. As we look ahead, I am excited to embark on another season filled with thought-provoking performances, quality productions, and opportunities for discovery. Together, we will continue to create captivating experiences that inspire, foster connections, and build lasting friendships, all while carrying a sense of optimism for what lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of our journey, and I look forward to sharing the next chapter with you at The Buxton Center for Bainbridge Performing Arts.
“BPA grows the community, they are a lifeblood on this island. Every community needs an artistic expression, an artistic outlet, and here BPA is at the center of that.”
THE 2023/2024
SEASON IN REVIEW
USHERING IN A BRAVE NEW CHAPTER
The 2023/2024 season at Bainbridge Performing Arts marked a brave new chapter in our history. One defined by courage, discovery, and an unwavering commitment to the arts. In September, we proudly opened the doors to the newly renovated Buxton Center, marking a significant milestone for our organization, and our community.
The grand opening was not just a celebration of a physical space, but a symbol of our renewed vision and commitment to community, with hundreds of people in attendance, and cultural partners by our side.
“BPA has become such an incredible part of our lives that I can’t even think of our quality of life here without it!”
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The season began with a theater full of laughter, as The Edge Improv took the stage for the very first live performance in the Buxton Center, followed by the opening of the inaugural Mainstage season in our new home with The Prom, a vibrant celebration of love, authenticity, and inclusion.
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The expanded facility also enabled our Theatre School to increase its program by over 50%, providing more students with the opportunity to engage in the performing arts.
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As we transitioned into winter, the Buxton Center became a beacon of both tradition and innovation. November saw the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra's triumphant return to their home stage with their first concert of the season captivating audiences, while December brought a sold-out run of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and hundreds of new patrons joining us for the very first time.
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In January, our annual gala, One Starry Night, was held for the first time at The Buxton Center, celebrating a much-loved old tradition in our much-loved new home.
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Spring was a time of reflection and brave exploration at BPA. March featured the poignant production of The Book of Will, a moving tribute to the power of legacy and storytelling.
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In April, the brand new Cynthia Sears Studio came alive with Bhama Roget’s residency and preview performance of Mother Nature, demonstrating our commitment to supporting new and original theater.
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May's production of Cabaret was a powerful and impactful highlight of the season, leaving a lasting impression on all who experienced it.
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In June, BSO welcomed their new Music Director, Ryan Dakota Farris. Bainbridge Dance Center returned to BPA for their summer recital, giving over 130 young dancers the opportunity to shine on our stage, and we proudly hosted the annual Juneteenth Community Event in collaboration with the City of Bainbridge Island and partner organizations, underscoring our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community building.
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Summer brought a burst of vibrant creativity. The Buxton Center was a hub of activity in July, as we opened the BPA Theatre School summer program, with over 50 students working on two full-scale productions.
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All the while, our enchanting outdoor performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the beautiful Bloedel Reserve spread magic throughout the community.
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August closed the season on a high note with the return of our old friends at Island Theatre for the annual Ten Minute Play Festival, which was a roaring success in its 20th year.
“BPA is the kind of arts organization that not only is deeply involved in the community and puts out incredible productions for the community to enjoy, but also takes such enormous care of its members.”
The impact of this extraordinary season extended far beyond the stage. The Buxton Center has become a place of connection, where diverse voices and stories are celebrated, and a true sense of belonging is fostered. Our expanded programs have reached more people than ever before, enriching lives through the transformative power of the arts.
By providing a community platform for creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression, this season we have not only entertained and inspired, but also strengthened the social fabric of our community.
MAINSTAGE SEASON METRICS
54 PERFORMANCES
195 CAST & CREW MEMBERS
9 NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT PARTNERS
846 FREE TICKETS GIVEN THROUGH OPEN DOORS
“BPA brings people together who may have not found each other. I found my best friends at BPA and I found my husband at BPA. And it is a place that I continue to come back to, both as a performer and as an audience member, again and again because it has contributed so much to my life and I want to be as much a part of its life as it is to mine.”
THEATRE SCHOOL
BPA Theatre School provides high-quality, individualized performing arts education to children and adults, serving as a platform for cultivating creativity, compassion, and connection. Our program aims to empower students to become creative thinkers, to find their voices, and to grow both on and off the stage.
520 CLASSES
19 STUDENT PERFORMANCES
20 SCHOLARSHIPS GIVEN
“Kids need a space to just be themselves and not to be judged for anything. And to have such a welcoming community, we’re so lucky to have this.”
“Being a part of Theatre School means kind of coming home to a family where you’re all super supportive and love each other so much. And you all work together to make something beautiful. It’s kind of this amazing community that you get to say that you’re a part of, which is really special to me.”
BAINBRIDGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra is a community-driven orchestra that programs 3-4 concerts annually, showcasing the talents of its dedicated musicians, and bringing powerful, emotive performances to our community.
3 CONDUCTORS
9 PERFORMANCES
60 DEDICATED MUSICIANS
“I was blown away by the talent, enthusiasm, and emotion coming through the collective performance experience. Thank you! What a gift for the community!”
THE EDGE IMPROV
Formed nearly 30 years ago and co-founded by the beloved Frank Buxton, The Edge Improv is a much-loved staple of the Bainbridge community that continues to entertain with monthly performances and endless laughs.
11 PERFORMANCES
29 SEASONS
0 LINES LEARNED
“When I was about eight years old, my mom started taking me to the Edge improv shows. I didn’t realize the profound effect it had on me until my freshman year of college, when I tried out for my own improv team and joined.... it just seems like everyone’s more connected... It becomes incredibly profound.”