TIFFANY ELLER
Marketing Director
Tiffany Eller is an artist, podcaster, body-positive advocate, and founder of Moonbaby Arts. Designing playbills and posters for theatre companies is one of her favorite ways to put her artistic skills to use. Past projects include playbills for Pluto, The Minotaur, True West, and Boise Bard Players' 2019 season. While graphic design is still a huge part of Tiffany's creative endeavors, her focus has been on producing and hosting The Body Story Podcast, hosting The Idaho Pun Slam, and promoting her Little Cuties coloring book.
SAM MURPHY
Associate Director
Sam Murphy is a Boise raised theatre artist, and since they were 12, their life’s ambition has been to make art. Within theatre, Sam has dipped their toes in directing, acting, choreography, scenic and costume design, and stage management. Sam loves the odd jobs involved in collaboration. They understand the benefit of experiencing everything the world has to offer and enjoys learning new things constantly. Their favorite acting roles include Sara (Stop Kiss), Biondella (Taming of the Shrew), and Reggie (The Laramie Project). Their favorite productions they’ve directed include Gruesome Playground Injuries, Bus Stop, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. They have a BA in Theatre, Film, and Video from Idaho State University. Sam firmly believes that art touches people’s lives in a way that cannot be explained, only explored.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DEBANN RIPPY
DALE RIPPY
HEATHER ELMQUIST
President
Treasurer
Board Member
CORE VALUES
QUALITY: We aim to create the highest caliber of work—artistically and administratively—as well as excellent staff and patron services that enable this work to be produced and received in the most positive way.
INCLUSION: We explore and celebrate the broad diversity of our world and commit to nurturing an inclusive ethos that is welcoming and inspirational to all.
CITIZENSHIP: We demonstrate how a theatre company inextricably committed to the betterment of its locality can wield a nationally resonant, influential voice in the advancement of the art form in an ever-changing world.
INNOVATION: We expand boundaries and explore the full scope of theatrical storytelling through narrative, across art forms, new technologies, and inventive messaging strategies.
SUSTAINABILITY: We pursue our mission in a responsible manner that equally respects artistic innovation and financial integrity.
CULTIVATION: We aim to create a diverse group of Resident Artists to inspire professional development within the company and community.
OUR STORY
Opal Theatre Company was founded in 2017 by Josh Rippy and Elizabeth Rathbone.
Armed with a plan and passion, the two theatre enthusiasts asked the owners of White Dog Brewing Company for permission to stage readings at their establishment. Dan Jordan, co-owner of White Dog (Boise), greeted them with a smile and a calendar. The reading series was planned and scheduled, giving life to a dream of creating another impactful theatre company in the Boise community.
Opal's name is a direct call to the Gem State's most precious and abundant gem. The two guiding pillars of the company are directly reflected in what an opal is to the state of Idaho. It is precious, a rare and integral part of this state. The stone is eclectic in shape, color, and size. Opal Theatre Company aims to be precious to the community we serve and eclectic in the work we produce and the audience we impact.
Opal Theatre creates world-class and ambitious theatrical experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire audiences in Boise, ID
WHO WE ARE
JOSHUA RIPPY
Artistic Director and Co-Founder
Josh’s love for theatre began when he was in 1st grade when his mom helped him type (on a typewriter!) his first script. His love has grown into a career. He worked with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival for seven seasons and Boise Contemporary Theater for two. Josh’s career in the theatre has taken him to Washington D.C., NYC, Detroit, Portland and finally back home. He has a degree from Boise State University in Theater Arts and a Masters in Directing from the University of Portland. If you can’t find Josh in a theater in the valley, he is probably outdoors re-acquainting himself with the wonders of Idaho.
DANIEL VOGT
Managing Director
Dan is a Seattle-Tacoma transplant who has worked on or near the stage since he was 16. His roles include light guy, sound guy, writer, director, and actor. Daniel has worked and studied with a range of professional, academic, fringe, and community theatre-makers in the Puget Sound, Seattle University, the Palouse, and now in the Treasure Valley. In Boise he has performed with Campfire Theatre Festival, Opal Theatre Season I, and with the Boise Bard Players in Richard III (Buckingham), Twelfth Night (Orsino), The Tempest (Antonio) and Taming of the Shrew (Gremio, Vincentio).
