Veteran arts advocate to lead training, expand community partnerships

Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre announced Feb. 4 it has appointed Paul Swofford as education program manager for the Musical Theatre Training Institute.

With over 25 years of experience as an educator and theater advocate, Swofford will oversee the development and implementation of educational programs designed to cultivate quality musical theater talent throughout the Inland Northwest.

Swofford assumes leadership of MTTI at a time of growth and community engagement. The institute is currently hosting pop-up workshops at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, bringing professional musical theater training directly to young people in the community. These portable, modular workshops break down the three core performing arts skills — acting, singing and dance — in accessible 60-minute sessions designed for groups of 10-50 participants.

"I am honored to be a part of the CST family and to help cultivate passionate learners as they bring professionalism and joy to our community," Swofford said in the news release. "As an educator, I believe that true learning comes from cultivating an environment of support, communication and compassion. I look forward to expanding MTTI's reach and ensuring that every student, regardless of background or experience level, has the opportunity to discover the transformative power of musical theater."

Originally from Coeur d'Alene, Swofford brings a blend of theatrical experience and educational expertise to the position. He holds a degree in elementary education with an endorsement in literacy and specializes in working with emergent readers and students with disabilities. His diverse background includes teaching middle school theater, serving as a mentor for local productions and working as a regular judge for district and state drama competitions in the Coeur d'Alene School District. Swofford also co-founded Kootenai County's first improv team and is the author of the children's book series, "The Adventures of Basil Brownfoot."

In his new role, Swofford will design and implement innovative theater education programs, including in-school residencies, after-school workshops, summer camps and community-based initiatives tailored to diverse audiences. He will recruit and supervise teaching artists, build partnerships with schools and community organizations and manage program budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

"Paul's deep commitment to arts education and his extensive connections throughout our community make him the ideal leader for MTTI," said Chuck Ethridge, CST executive artistic director. "His philosophy of creating supportive, compassionate learning environments aligns perfectly with our mission to develop quality musical theater talent for our stage and beyond. We're thrilled to have him on our team."

MTTI offers a comprehensive range of programs for students of all ages and skill levels. The spring 2026 semester, running from March 7 through May 9, will feature studio training classes modeled after New York City musical theater programs, including introduction to professional musical theater sessions for youth and adults, as well as advanced professional musical theater training for adult students.

Summer 2026 will bring the return of the Broadway Experience Day Camp, an immersive program for ages 8-13 that combines skills training with opportunities to meet professionals from around the country and tour CST's professional season productions daily.

MTTI also offers year-round workshops, masterclasses, private training in acting, singing, dance and a Summer Artist Series featuring resident professionals including Broadway directors, performers and creatives. For high school seniors and college students interested in exploring professional theater as a career path, the institute provides hands-on internship opportunities in various aspects of theater operations.

The ongoing partnerships with the Boys and Girls Clubs demonstrate MTTI's commitment to making musical theater education accessible to all members of the community. These pop-up workshops can be modified for any age group and are designed to introduce young people to the fundamentals of musical theater in an engaging, supportive environment

Students actively enrolled in MTTI receive priority access to auditions for CST productions, internships, scholarships and other exclusive opportunities. The institute's 10-week studio sessions count toward a Professional Musical Theater Certification program, providing a clear pathway for aspiring professional performers.

All MTTI faculty members are professionals actively involved in the performing arts. They hold at least a bachelor's degree or have over 4,000 hours of experience in their specialty, ensuring students receive instruction that reflects current professional standards and practices.

    Scott Michaelsen, studio training music director for Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre, leads an exercise with youth students.