(1988-1990)
Few individuals have been as deeply woven into the story of Boise Little Theater as Ivar J. “Jay” Longeteig. For more than four decades, Jay’s work on stage, backstage, in the boardroom, and in the courtroom helped shape BLT into the community treasure it is today.
Jay made his BLT acting debut in 1969 as Dunbar in Stalag 17 and went on to play dozens of memorable roles, including Igor Romanoff in Romanoff and Juliet (1970), Victor Velasco in Barefoot in the Park (1983), Mr. Antrobus in The Skin of Our Teeth (1985), Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1991), and Polonius in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead (1991), a performance that earned him BLT’s Best Cameo Actor Award. He also received Best Supporting Actor for Lu Ann Hampton Laverty Oberlander (1993), Best Lead Actor for Squabbles (1995), and additional Best Cameo Actor awards for The Man in the Dog Suit (1989) and The Desperate Hours (2007).
In addition to his acting, Jay was a skilled assistant director (Double Exposure, 1995) and an ever-reliable contributor to set construction, publicity, and backstage support. He served on the board and as President for two consecutive seasons (1988–89 and 1989–90), leading BLT through a period of creativity and growth.
Jay’s dedication to BLT extended far beyond the stage. He served as BLT’s longtime attorney, guiding the theater through legal matters for decades, and co-edited the Greenroom Gazette newsletter, helping keep the community informed and connected. In recognition of his decades of service, Jay was honored with BLT’s Gold Key Award during the 1999–2000 season, one of the organization’s highest honors.
From his early performances in the 1960s through his continuing legal support into the late 2010s, Jay Longeteig exemplified the spirit of community theater: collaboration, artistry, and a deep commitment to keeping the arts alive. His legacy lives on in the many productions, policies, and friendships he helped foster at Boise Little Theater.
