History

The Frontier Center for the Performing Arts was built through a bond passed in December 1949. The building was completed in 1952. With an approximately 1,800-seat capacity, the Frontier Center for the Performing Arts is the largest year-round performing arts facility offering a proscenium stage theater and Gala Orchestra Lift in the greater Idaho Falls area. The auditorium has hosted a wide variety of activities including opera, symphony, ballet, dance concerts, conventions, religious services and lectures. Traditional series of the Idaho Falls Symphony and Community Concerts are held here. The musicals, both Broadway and religious have been presented annually to the public. Many of the schools hold musical performances and commencements at the "Civic.

Many performers have presented their talents on the stage through the years. Recent well-attended performances include Idaho Falls Symphony, Jenny Oakes Baker, Forgotten Carols, Russian Ballet's Swan Lake and Cinderella, Laughing All the Way, Zach Williams, and A Night of Queen. 

Phase I Facility Improvements

Through generous donations from the Maeck Family Foundation and city contributions, the Auditorium received $1.8M in renovations that included: new seating, paint, carpet, flooring, dimming system, acoustical improvements, sound shells and baffles, new Gala orchestra pit lift. A new digital marquee was also installed. 

Frontier Credit Union

Following a $3.5 million agreement with the City of Idaho Falls, city officials approved a naming rights contract with Frontier Credit Union to rename the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts.

The Frontier Center for the Performing Arts has been a pillar of our community for over 70 years, providing world-class entertainment, cultural enrichment, and educational programming to residents and visitors alike. This naming rights agreement with Frontier Credit Union reflects a shared commitment to fostering the arts, supporting the local community, and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our community. 

The $3.5 million from Frontier Credit Union boosts the fund-raising efforts for the Second phase of facility improvements. Phase two will focus on improving the front end of the facility, updating landscaping, adding ADA-approved restrooms, adding a passenger drop-off area and tripling the size of the lobby to 6,600 square feet.

Phase II Facility Improvements

The final conceptual design is almost complete for the installation of an elevator, ADA restrooms and lobby expansion. Estimated construction dates are anticipated for 2024 and 2025.