COEUR d'ALENE - The theme for Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's upcoming season of plays is "No Risk, No Reward."

It's a theme that hits close to home for Jadd Davis, who is beginning his second season as the theater's artistic director. Davis grew up in Post Falls and, after graduating from Eastern Washington University, earned his stripes as an actor in Seattle before moving behind the scenes.

"I had just left a job as a casting director to be a full-time voice teacher about a month before I got the call for the summer theater," Davis said. "My wife, Kasey, was eight months pregnant at the time and the idea of raising a kid where I was from was too good of an offer to pass up."

Davis added that, on top of the location, he was drawn to the position because of the recent financial hardships Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre had gone through. He had been working with the theater as an actor since 2002, was familiar with the staff, and excited by the challenge of rebuilding an institution he loved.

"It was heartbreaking for me and part of the decision-making process that brought me here was the opportunity to help resuscitate this theater that I care so much about," Davis said.

Davis joined Laura Little, executive director, to bring the theater back to life by playing off each others' strengths. Little was instrumental in handling the business side of things, and Davis said the two thrive because they communicate well while respecting their individual strengths.

"My background was working with theaters with strong executive leadership and strong artistic leadership," Davis said. "Her and I really jive on that."

Rebuilding the theater also involved Davis balancing watching the budget like a hawk with not accepting anything less than the highest quality performances. To accomplish that, he said he focused on building relationships in the region and tapped into old contacts from his time in Seattle.

"If somebody knows they're going to have an incredible experience working for me, they might come out and work for me even though my budget is more limited at this point," Davis said.

Although he said he aged five years in the process and his first season wasn't perfect, Davis was pleased with the foundation he built. Under his guidance, the theater told good stories and gave attendees a professional experience.

On June 19, the theater will open its 2015 season with a unique performance at the Coeur d'Alene Eagles Lodge, a setting that will allow the audience to feel as though they are extras in the play "First Date." Davis said he selected the play because it uses wit and comedy to bring the audience back to an emotional experience everyone has had.

"We haven't all been on a blind date, but we've all been on a first date and have experienced all the background noise in our heads that goes along with that," Davis said.

Following the two-night run of "First Date," the summer theater will put on the classic "Singin' in the Rain" from July 9-26 and "Shrek the Musical" from Aug. 6-23. Both plays are at the Salvation Army Kroc Center and, according to Davis, the trio of plays sum up his philosophy for choosing a season of plays.

"There should be something for everyone and that's really what I'm trying to do," Davis said. "It's important, as one of the biggest art creators in the region, to do that. We have a responsibility to move the art form forward, to tell a great story, and to tell it well."

For more information on the upcoming season, or to purchase tickets for any of the shows, visit www.cdasummertheatre.com or call (208) 660-2958.