SANDPOINT — While recent electrical concerns and staff changes at the Panida have raised community concerns, new board trustees said the historic theater is doing well.

Concerns over the theater's electrical system raised at the June board meeting ended up being a false alarm, new board chair Amy Flint said.

"Rest assured that no significant or concerning issues exist related to electrical connections in either the main theater or the Little Theater, Flint said in a press release. "Multiple inspections — including by the state of Idaho — revealed several minor issues that were immediately corrected."

The inspections were prompted by concerns raised by former Panida executive director Heather White at the June board meeting. At the meeting, White referenced 2023 assessment of the theater's electrical system and said there have been two electrical incidents over the past several months, including a near-fire on the Panida stage.

While the concerns shuttered several performances at the Panida in mid-June, board members said an inspection gave the historic theater a clean bill of health and reopened after roughly a week following inspections by a licensed electrician and a state inspector.

"Unfortunately, the life safety concern identified at the June board meeting was a false alarm and the theater closure and related loss of event income were not necessary," Flint said. "However, in the interest of staff, public and theater safety, it was prudent to temporarily close the theater until those perceived issues were researched and resolved."

With White's mid-June resignation, Flint said the Panida is working to "maintain stability and responsible management" as board members explore what organizational structure makes sense for the historic theater. Shortly after White resigned, board vice chair Charlotte Solly and treasurer Woody Sherwood stepped down from the board and former board chair Sean Behm stepped down from the chair position.

The vacant board director and officer positions have been filled by board members. Tari Pardini has serve on the board as treasurer, Steve Garvan will serve as vice chair and Chris Bessler will serve as secretary. Flint, who joined the board in May 2025, was elected board chair. Pardini, Garvan and Bessler have committed to serve on the Panida board until the theater's annual meeting in October.

"Each … has a strong history with the Panida and considerable nonprofit experience," Flint said of the trio.

While past meetings have been held the first Thursday of the month, Flint said the board will likely change the meeting date to accommodate new board members' schedules. The trio's first board meeting will be today, July 7, at 5 p.m. at the Little Panida Theater, 302 N. First Ave. Board meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

With shows such as the upcoming International Fly Fishing Film Festival, Danceworks 2026, and John Craigie, board members said the Panida's future looks bright.

"This year, we are proud to be offering a very strong summer season at a time that has typically meant a major lull in events

Input — and volunteers — are welcome and are a key part of the theater's operation, Flint said. Volunteer opportunities include working with concessions or office work to serving on committees and supporting fundraising efforts. Those interested do contact board trustees via the theater's "contact us" page at panida.org. 

Board members said they appreciate the community's concerns, saying the Panida Theater is a "community resource that we all treasure."