Blackfoot’s newest theater company brings comedy magic to the stage
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BLACKFOOT — There are two chances left to see Bydand Theater Company’s debut production, “Puffs,” at the Blackfoot Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday.
Dubbed “seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic,” the fast-paced story opened off-Broadway in 2015. This year, Christy Foster, founder and artistic director of Bydand, brought the comedy to southeast Idaho as the first stage show by the company.
“There are so many talented people here who I’ve seen perform and have had the privilege to work with,” Foster said. “I wanted to provide a safe and welcoming place for all of these wonderful people to come together and make great theater.”
Foster’s theater experience began when she would put on plays in her parents’ basement at 6 years old. She did theater from elementary school and throughout college. She then started directing “seriously” eight years ago. Foster’s first show as director was “Yellow Umbrellas” in 2016, which she staged in Provo, Utah, under the Bydand banner, years before relocating to Blackfoot. She chose the company’s name because of a personal significance and resonance with her family’s heritage.
“I come from Scottish ancestry, specifically the Gordon clan,” Foster said. “‘Bydand’ is a Scots word meaning ‘steadfast’ or ‘abiding,’ and it is a proud motto of the Gordon Highlanders. By adopting this name, I not only honor my family’s legacy but also underscore a core principle of unwavering determination and dedication, aligning with the values I wish to promote through my work.”
The company’s production of “Puffs” has 11 actors who each play various roles parodying the popular witches and wizards in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Dylon Harrison, assistant director for the drama program at Highland High School, plays the protagonist, Wayne Hopkins, another orphaned wizard who grows up in New Mexico.
Blackfoot High School students Braxton Williams and Ryan Hammond play Oliver Rivers and the narrator. Voice and piano teacher Heidi Powell rounds out the main trio as Megan Jones, the daughter of an evil incarcerated witch.
Other cast members include Darin Counts, Thea Disney, Joey Shokes, Jennifer Thompson, Hailey Becker, Ariya Jensen, and Dean Panttaja. Christy Hudson is the assistant director, sound technician, and social media marketer for the show.
“I’ve always loved doing theater, both onstage and behind the scenes,” Hudson said. “This show is exciting to me because I am a big fan of ‘Harry Potter,’ and (‘Puffs’) makes me laugh every time.”
Hudson is one of the many Blackfoot natives involved with the Bydand Theater Company. Most of the performers have worked with the Blackfoot Community Players in past productions.
“One unique thing about Bydand is that we believe in doing good,” Foster said. “A portion of our ticket sales are donated to support women and children in need within our community. We aim to contribute to the well-being of those who need it most.”
Counts, who most prominently plays Ernie Mac in “Puffs,” said that he has fallen in love with the community, after living in Rock Springs, Wyoming.
“The best part is getting to work with all of the talented individuals who make up the cast and crew,” Counts said. “I am in awe of the wit, comedic timing and personality everyone brings into this production.”
Foster said that she is excited for the future of the Bydand Theater Company in southeast Idaho.
“I’ve loved doing ‘Puffs,’ not only for its incredible wit and humor, but for its ability to present a greater message of love and meaning,” Foster said. “One of our audience members expressed that the time they spent with us during the show was the first time they had laughed in a long time. It’s amazing to see the healing opportunities that can come from theater. The transformative power of theater is truly magical and the reason why I believe it is so important.”
Bydand Theater Company’s next show will be “Into the Woods” in the summer. More info can be found at bydandtheater.com, where you can also buy tickets.