Talbott named Panida Theater director
Robb Talbott is pictured with his wife, Natasha, and two children at a recent Sandpoint event. Talbott has been named as the new executive director of the Panida Theater.
(Courtesy photo)
SANDPOINT — The Panida Theater has a new executive director.
Panida officials have announced that Robb Talbott will take over in the role starting in November. Talbott brings expertise in event coordination, promotion, and production through his experience as owner of Mattox Farm Productions and manager of the Heartwood Center.
“The board welcomes Robb as the Panida continues to move forward with the Century Fund,” Jim Healey, Panida board chair, said. “His experience with event production and promotion coupled with his passion for the arts, and his relationships in our community will serve him well in the executive director position.”
Talbott is a graduate of Radford University with a degree in social science. After college, Robb spent a decade in public and private schools teaching high school history, government, and economics. His love of the outdoors, and a job teaching, brought him to the Sandpoint area in 2013.
In 2017 he created Mattox Farm Productions and transitioned into the world of event production, advertising, and coordination. Since then, Mattox Farm Productions has worked with business and nonprofits across Bonner and Boundary counties to put together family friendly concerts and events including the Sandpoint Summer Music Series, SledFest, Jack Frost Fest, and SummerFest.
It was in April of 2017 that Talbott put together his first public event, which occurred at the Panida.
“If it were not for the Panida, I’m not sure if my current career would have been possible," Talbott said. "My first five events took place in the Panida with the help of Patricia, Becky, and the volunteers here at the Panida Theater.”
Since that time, Talbott has worked in over two dozen venues across North Idaho and enjoys bringing his community together in family friendly spaces.
“I love being a part of a thriving arts community, it feels good knowing my kids get to grow up in a very special place," he added. "And it is rewarding to be able to play a role in bringing a variety of arts and entertainment to our town.”
Robb and his wife Natasha were drawn here by the natural beauty and great people.
“Originally it was the mountains, snow, and lake that drew us here but it has been the people that made Sandpoint home,” he said.
Every chance they get, you will see the couple with their two children out hiking, biking, skiing or playing on the lake. Talbott spent seven winters as a ski patroller at Schweitzer and still gets up there every chance he can.
“It is an honor to be a part of the history of such an amazing venue and community minded organization," Talbott said of his new role at the Panida. "I look forward to building off of the progress that has been made by those that have spent so much time and energy making the Panida such an integral part of our community. As we approach the 100-year anniversary we have an opportunity to take some important steps forward in ensuring that the Panida will be here for many more generations to enjoy.”
These are exciting times for the Panida Theater as it moves toward celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2027, Healey said.
The Panida is in the midst of a large community-driven fundraiser dubbed the Century Fund campaign, with the goal to raise $1.9 million by 2027 in five phases in order to meet long deferred maintenance and renovation needs of the historic building and its smaller sibling, the Little Theater.
The Panida board will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, in the Little Panida Theater. A meet-and-greet event with Talbott will follow.