SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Spokane Valley Summer Theatre (SVST) has announced the cancellation of its 2026 season due to scheduling conflicts from the Central Valley School District (CVSD).
The theatre had planned to host three mainstage musicals and nine summer camps at University High School, thanks to a generous donor covering a 500% rental increase set by CVSD.
However, the theatre said CVSD adjusted or canceled the dates they had previously agreed on by citing recent requests by district personnel. Most critically, CVSD could not guarantee the dates or times reserved by the theatre.
Without these guarantees, the theatre said it would be financially and operationally risky to proceed with the planned season.
The theatre said it had requested to use Central Valley High School instead, a venue used in previous seasons, but the district denied this request without explanation.
The cancellation impacts 12,000 ticket holders, 200 children in summer camps, and 150 practitioners, including actors and directors. Additionally, four full-time and several part-time staff members will not continue working, according to the theatre.
The theatre is working to complete the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, having raised $2 million of the $15 million needed to resume construction. “If the building is built, SVST can be resurrected once the performing arts center opens,” the press release noted.
Despite the cancellation, SVST will proceed with its holiday production, “A Big Band Christmas Around the World,” from December 19-21. Tickets are available on their website.
For more information on donating or investing in the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, visit icsvpac.com.
