REXBURG—The Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Idaho (ARTI) is like nothing else in the Eastern Idaho area. A non-profit 501c3 and live dinner theatre, they bring different shows that have brought fresh theatre to the area for the past 40 years.
On June 5, ARTI presents “Dearly Departed” a southern comedy where a family comes together to figure out funeral arrangements for their patriarch. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Casey Wayne, the media and PR director for ARTI, is a lover of a theatre. He has been doing theatre and film acting for most of his life. In 2015, while attending Idaho State University he auditioned for a production.
In 1986, ARTI was formed in Idaho Falls to bring less seen shows to Eastern Idaho. They started preforming at the Stardust and in 2001 moved to their current location on Broadway St.
ARTI is also known as a mature audience only theatre. The audience should know some of their shows will have risqué moments (no nudity), profanity or heavy themes. The dinner theatre is an adult environment as patrons can buy beer and wine with their meals.
As a repertory theatre, they rely on their core group of people for their shows. However, Wayne said they are always on the lookout to grow their repertory. Directors audition for roles available for the season.
On June 8 ARTI has open auditions at 7 p.m. for their 2026-2027 season. Their four shows coming up are: “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” “Southern Fried Murder,” “Steel Magnolias” and “The Shark is Broken.”
Each play is a three-month process with two months of rehearsals and one month of performances. Typically, directors, actors and crew members meet three times a week for rehearsals.
“We definitely want people to feel like they can just come and try it out. And they should just feel like it's a very welcoming environment,” Wayne said.
This year for auditions, the participants are encouraged to bring a memorized 60 to 90 second comedic monologue.
“In the auditions, we definitely look for strong, confident presence on stage,” Wayne said.
When auditioning, Wayne encourages participants to be careful that their movement is intentional and to keep going regardless if they make a mistake.
Everyone involved in ARTI is a volunteer and has a passion for theatre.
“People can get involved in a lot of different ways. If you just have any level of interest, we'll usually try and find something that we can do for you too, because we will take the help,” Wayne said.
“Dearly Departed” runs until June 27.
“[At ARTI] there are incredibly funny improvisational moments that happen. You get to meet great people and just have a good time,” Wayne said.
To learn more about ARTI or volunteer go to artidaho.org or their social media ARTI- Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Idaho.