We need your help! Here is our story. The short version is we are a small improv theatre in Spokane that has been around since 1996. We are attempting to expand. We moved into a new space and after meeting construction requirements of the approved permit we received from the city, the city is now asking for more changes to the building. We are seeking funds to keep the only improv theatre in Spokane alive.

Founding and Early Years (1996-2000s):

The Blue Door Theatre (BDT) was founded in 1996 in Spokane, Washington, by Mark Robbins and a group of passionate improv artists and community members who saw the need for a dedicated space to explore and perform improvisational theater in this region. The founders envisioned a place where creativity could flourish and where both performers and audiences could experience the excitement of unscripted performance. From our humble beginnings, we quickly established ourselves as a local favorite, offering regular improv shows that delighted audiences with their wit, humor, and originality.

In our early years, we were primarily known for our weekend improv performances, which became a staple of Spokane’s arts scene. Our unique approach to improv—blending traditional techniques with the innovative and experimental—set it apart from other performance venues in the region. The shows were designed to be interactive, inviting audience participation and making every performance a unique experience.

Growth and Community Engagement (2000s-2010s):

As the theatre grew, so did our commitment to community engagement. In 2001, we became incorporated by the State of Washington and a federally recognized 501 (c)3 organization. We expanded our programming to include workshops and courses aimed at teaching the art of improv to people of all ages. These classes were designed to cultivate new talent and to empower individuals by building their confidence, communication skills, and ability to think creatively.

In 2003, we moved into a new home at 815 W Garland Ave. This location provided a great space for performances and teaching students. It served as our home for 20 years. During this period, we began collaborating with local schools, non-profits, and community organizations to bring improv to a broader audience. Through our outreach programs, we introduced the transformative power of improv across the Spokane region.

Expansion of Programs and Partnerships (2010s-Present):

From the 2010s to the present, we continued to evolve, expanding on our community engagement and high quality shows and courses. Our programming became increasingly diverse, reflecting the interests and needs of our growing audience. In 2023, we opened the Spokane School of Improv to reinforce our commitment to the transformative nature of improv. We expanded our performance-based courses by adding more advanced programs beyond our regular introductory and intermediate offerings. We also added courses demonstrating how improv can be used for personal and professional growth. We introduced courses such as Improv and Self-Care, Improv and Poetry, Improv for Lawyers: Storytelling, and many others.

We have also placed an emphasis on partnerships with other local organizations. We have collaborated with various institutions in Spokane, including schools, universities, and non-profits. In 2022, we introduced Improv League, which provides instructors in local high schools to teach students improv. Through this program, students learn about leadership, communication, and performance. They also develop their self-confidence and self-awareness.

In 2024, we introduced Adventures in Improv, which is a program taught to justice-involved individuals at Airway Heights Corrections Center. We teach two courses a week, with one being an introductory course and the other being an intermediate course. Students have expressed how incredibly transformative the program has been for them. For example, one student wrote, “It gave me hope for acceptance beyond incarceration.” Another student said, “It's a total escape from prison and it offered an opportunity for non-likeminded individuals to bond and transform prison relations.”

We have also been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. We sponsor QueerProv on a quarterly basis. In this show, all the improvisers identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the show is a celebration of living authentically. We also offer a BIPOC Improv course that is taught by a faculty member of color for the BIPOC community.

In January 2024, we made one of the biggest moves an organization can do. We left our home of 20 years and moved into a new location at 319 S. Cedar St. This move was a big expansion for us, going from a 2500 square foot space to a 7000 square foot space. We have multiple rooms and two theatres so we can run multiple courses and shows at the same time. With our space, we are building new partnerships with other small theatres so they can perform on our stage. By providing our space to other theatres, we are helping to expand the diversity and type of shows Spokane audiences can experience. The other exciting part of the building is it is one of two Milk Bottle buildings in Spokane. The historic nature of the building provides an incredible backdrop for improv shows, courses, and other types of performances.

In January 2025, we launched the BOOST Center (Build, Organization, Opportunities, Strategy, Talent) for Organizational Excellence to expand our impact beyond performances and classes. The BOOST Center is an innovative education program that integrates improv-based learning with professional and organizational development. Rooted in the principles of LeaderProv, the program helps businesses, educators, and teams enhance communication, collaboration, adaptability, and leadership skills through engaging, interactive workshops. By bridging the gap between theater and workplace dynamics, the BOOST Center empowers organizations to build stronger teams, foster creativity, and drive meaningful change.

Adapting to Challenges and Looking Forward:

Like many arts organizations, we faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to temporarily close our doors and transition to virtual programming to keep the community connected and engaged in 2020 and part of 2021. This period of adaptation demonstrated our resilience and commitment to our mission. Our ability to pivot quickly and continue serving our audience in new ways helped us weather the storm and emerge stronger.

As the only theatre exclusively dedicated to improv, we look to the future with a dedication to our core values of creativity, community, and inclusivity. We continue to explore new ways to engage with Spokane’s diverse population, offering innovative programming that reflects the evolving needs and interests of the community. Whether through our signature improv shows, educational courses, or community partnerships, we are a vital part of Spokane’s cultural landscape.

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