SANDPOINT — Concerns over possible changes to access at the Panida Theater drew dozens of residents and arts groups to last week’s board meeting.

Representatives from several groups said they were troubled by comments suggesting all community arts organizations could be limited to a combined one weekend a month at the historic theater.

"I think that you just need to maybe remember why we're here and what we're here for," former board member Tari Pardini said. "Because calling the Panida Sandpoint's living room, that really means something. It means that people are comfortable coming here always, and I don't want to lose that."

Panida board president Sean Behm told attendees there is no policy — nor plans to create one — that would restrict groups' access to the downtown venue.

"The main message we would like to get out is that we want community involvement in a proactive way. The Panida is a gem and a cherished institution of Sandpoint, and it is going to take all of us to prepare it for the next 100 years," he told the Daily Bee after the meeting.

Behm said the board is exploring revenue options as the theater approaches its centennial. Built in 1927 and rescued from demolition in 1985, the Panida needs an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 in deferred maintenance.

"Ever since then, the Panida has limped along," he said. "The building is suffering from a significant amount of deferred maintenance. Every dollar that we get that comes in extra is going back into that building."

Board members repeated that no access‑restricting policy exists or is planned and that any such proposal would require a board vote.

"The goal is to make the theater profitable, that we can keep the theater open. That's the goal," Behm told the group. "How that happens, we're willing to be open to whatever. The board has not put a policy in place."

Concerns arose from comments some said they heard from staff at the March 5 meeting, suggesting access could be limited to improve the theater’s financial position.

Connie Kiehn of Honey Pearl Productions said those remarks prompted arts groups to seek clarity about the theater’s direction.

"What is the plan? What's the vision, what's the goal?" Kiehn said. "It would just be great to get some clarity."

Several people said the theater has played a major role in their lives and that limiting access would affect more than budgets.

"It affects opportunities, mentorship and the youth in this community who see the stage as a second home," one youth said. "Community Theater doesn't just put on shows. It cultivates confidence in youth of all ages, unites locals across North Idaho and builds community across generations. … The stage is more than just a building. It's a place where many of our young people discover their voices. I hope we can find a way to continue to make room for those voices."

Some warned that restrictions could push groups elsewhere, hurting both the organizations and the Panida. Critics pointed to the theater’s articles of incorporation, noting they specify the Panida exists for the community.

"I would just like you all to remember that this is our theater," said Dorothy Prophet, founder of Cade Prophet Memorial Productions. "We are the community. I'm saddened that it took this to happen before we all decided to come out and voice it because we should have been here for lots of other meetings as well."

Arts groups also expressed concern about comments questioning how much nonprofits pay and the possibility of substantial fee increases. They noted their events generate additional revenue for the Panida through concessions.

Former board members Kate McAlister and Pardini offered to help facilitate conversations moving forward.

"Yes, you need to have proper business practices in place … but at the heart, you are a nonprofit," said McAlister, who owns a consulting firm for small nonprofits and has acted in dozens of productions at the theater. "But your stewardship belongs to the community and we are the community."

Pardini reiterated that the theater belongs to the community and said many arts groups feel the Panida’s mission is being overshadowed by financial concerns.

"How many were here when the building was condemned? How many of you lived here when the community rallied and saved this building," said Linda Ryan. "Our hearts are in that building."

Dyno Wahl, Pend Oreille Arts Council board president, told theater board members she hopes the issue can be resolved, emphasizing the mutual reliance between the Panida and local arts groups.

"Our nonprofits need the community, POAC needs the community and the Panida Theater needs the community," she said. "… For years, the Panida itself used the marketing slogan that it was a community-owned theater and that it was Sandpoint's living room. Please don't abandon that."

Despite tense moments, Behm said the board sees the passion and concerns expressed as a positive.

Plans include forming an ad hoc committee with all community arts organizations invited to monthly meetings, providing regular updates, and working with McAlister on board training and long-term planning.

"We want to harness the energy from the meeting and turn it into proactive movement for the Panida," Behm said.