(1959-1960)
J. Edwin Spence—known affectionately around the Boise Little Theater as Ed—was a pillar of the community whose contributions spanned every corner of the stage and beyond. From his first appearance as Inspector Hubbard in Dial “M” for Murder in 1956, Ed quickly became an indispensable presence, serving as actor, director, stage manager, set builder, and board member across three decades of service.
A master of both craft and character, Ed brought memorable performances to life, including standout roles in The Matchmaker playing Horace Vandergelder, Never Too Late playing Harry Lambert (for which he earned the Best Lead Actor award), A Man for All Seasons playing Spanish Ambassador, and You Can’t Take It With You playing Martin Venderhof. As a director, he helmed a wide variety of productions—among them The Teahouse of the August Moon, Bus Stop, An Inspector Calls, Anastasia, The Waltz of the Toreadors, and Skylark—guiding casts and crews with clarity, creativity, and heart.
Ed’s impact offstage was equally profound. He served as President of BLT in the 1959–60 season, held multiple terms as a board member, and was twice Building Chairman, contributing to the physical home of the theater as much as its artistic one. His behind-the-scenes work included stage management, makeup, lighting, set design, and construction—frequently appearing in show programs as both cast and crew.
Known for his versatility, reliability, and generous spirit, Ed was also a frequent usher and picnic volunteer in his later years, modeling lifelong commitment to community theater. Whether constructing scenery, inhabiting complex roles, or quietly keeping a show running from the wings, J. Edwin Spence embodied the spirit of Boise Little Theater: passionate, collaborative, and enduring.
