Story by Katie Slade
Photos by Connor Anderson
If you have ever walked down Main Street, chances are you have seen the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. It is hard to miss the flashing marquee lights, long lines and mass of colorful flyers. For many Moscow residents, whether they have lived here their whole lives, or are just here for a four-year stay, the Kenworthy has become much more than just an old theatre, but rather a place of community. Through traditions, age and its welcoming nature, the business has built itself an extremely well-loved image amongst the community.
The Kenworthy has been a staple in Moscow, Idaho for close to 100 years. The building originally opened as an opera house in 1908. It remained as such until 1925, when Milburn Kenworthy purchased the building. He then reopened the theatre to the public in January 1926. The Kenworthy began being used for vaudeville shows, silent films and other live performances. Colin Mannex, the current director, shares a hidden historical gem that many guests may not be aware of. “There is a toilet in the projection booth,” Mannex said.
“Early film was so flammable that a projectionist couldn’t take his or her eyes off the movie, even while going to the bathroom. Nitrate film has been replaced with digital media but the toilet remains.”
However, this is not the only original feature the Kenworthy still houses. On top of the toilet, the marquee, marquee letters and bathroom tiling date back to 1949. Additionally, the original light board lives behind the concession stand upon entering. Finally, the Kenworthy was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 2001.
With how long the Kenworthy has been open, it is no surprise what it means to the community. Having gained a cult following, it is not unusual to see lines around the block for films— and possibly even some guests in costume. Many groups frequently collaborate with the Kenworthy, most commonly the Moscow Film Society. Founded by Devin Mendenhall, the Moscow Film Society is a movie series that screens movies with different themes each month. When asked what makes the Kenworthy special to Moscow, Mendenhall said, “Oh man, so many things, but many of these old one-screen theatres died during COVID. Many of them became churches or just abandoned-type things. It is amazing we have this old building that can host movies of all sorts (old, new, foreign, indie, blockbusters), as well as plays, dance performances, concerts and so much more. There is so much the Kenworthy can do that no other place in town can. It is one of a kind.”
When compared to other movie theatres in the area, it is clear that the Kenworthy is unique. While other theatres may have multiple screenings at once, the Kenworthy creates a clear sense of community through its film screenings. It is not uncommon to see people discussing the movie shown both before and after the screening, as well as backstage speakeasies after some films.
I should note that I began working at the Kenworthy in May of this year, and it has truly been one of the most incredible jobs I have ever had — it’s just about everything you’d imagine. All employees have a love for not only movies but the environment that the Kenworthy has created. Everyone has a unique skill they bring to the table and offer a unique impact on the day-to-day workings. A recent film series developed by Mendenhall, “Staff Picks”, is a once-a-month screening of an employee’s film of choice. “I love the high of showing a movie to people and experiencing it with them and then talking to them after or seeing them come out. It is such an amazing experience to watch movies together in a theatre,” Mendenhall says.
As for things to look forward to, the Kenworthy is currently working towards restoring the historic marquee. As for screenings, Mannex says, “People have a great time at Palouse Cult Film Revival screenings in February, Moscow Comedy Fest in May and French Film Festival in October. Check the local calendar listings and you’re sure to see something from the Moscow Film Society that might catch your eye. I’ll make a shameless plug for the Silent Film Festival in September.”
As Moscow continues to develop, places like the Kenworthy show the importance of not only history but also the community that can be created through consistency. As it has for nearly a century, the Kenworthy continues to bring people closer together, to sit down, eat popcorn and watch a good movie.
