Laura Little Theatricals, Red Bird Theatre to join forces

Laura Little Theatricals is bringing on a partner to work side by side with her on some of her existing local productions as well as a few new projects that are coming to the area in the next few years.

Daniel and Marie Hunt, founders of Red Bird Theatre, will train under Little and ultimately manage the projects.

Theater is all-consuming, Little said.

“The business side is your typical Monday through Friday and then rehearsals, shows and marketing takes your evenings and weekends," she said. "In an attempt to slow down a bit, I thought bringing in a partner would be a perfect solution."

The Hunts, having just started their theater company Red Bird Theatre, were looking for someone to “show them the ropes.” Upon first meeting, the Hunts and Little knew they were the perfect compliments to each other. The Hunts have the energy and the passion, and Little has the knowledge of how to run a successful theater. Soon thereafter, Little Bird, LLC was formed.

Collaboratively, they will work on "Traditions of Christmas," an Easter pageant, a Fourth of July military tribute and a High School Musical Theatre Awards program for the state of Idaho.

Separately, Red Bird will produce "Into the Woods," which will run Sept. 19 through 29 at the Kroc Center, and "The Scrooge and Marley Annual Christmas Ball," an original work written by Marie Hunt that will run just after Thanksgiving.

Laura Little Theatricals will continue with the local production of "It’s A Wonderful Life" at the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn this holiday season, as well as various cabarets, readings and Little's Broadway and off-Broadway work.

"I once produced the reading of 'The Giver' starring Patty Duke. Her character held all the knowledge of the past and she ultimately had to release that knowledge to the next generation," Little said. "This is my opportunity to do just that."