History of INTAF

The Inland Northwest Theatre Arts Festival (INTAF) began in 1981 when local theatre teachers H. James Brown and Tom Armitage, disappointed by a high school theatre festival, decided Spokane needed an event focused on inspiring students to love theatre, rather than competing for trophies or raising money. That summer, they and Central Valley drama teacher Jack Betts developed the idea around a dinner table.

The first INTAF was held at Mead High School in October 1981, drawing 116 students from roughly 8–10 schools. Over the years, it has grown to more than 400 students from over 20 high schools, all while maintaining its original educational and inspirational purpose, and continues to be spearheaded by a dedicated group of local theatre educators who all care to see INTAF continue to grow and thrive. 

As with everything, INTF has seen its share of change over the decades. The look of the festival has changed over time, going from a Friday and Saturday to a Saturday only format in recent years. Over time, the festival’s entertainment has also changed from professional entertainers to highlighting much more student created and driven performance, now featuring the ever popular student auditioned Showcase as well as Works in Progress (WIPS) to highlight the great work of our local high school theatre departments and to introduce students to many different playwrights and stories.  

The cornerstone of INTAF has always been, and continues to be, its student workshops,  giving students opportunities to learn directly from professional theatre artists. One especially influential instructor was Dana C. Brown, a former Rogers High School drama student and longtime friend of H. James Brown. His emotionally focused acting workshops became legendary among participants. After Dana's death from cancer, INTAF renamed its annual recognition the Dana C. Brown INTAF Award, honoring people and organizations that have made significant contributions to INTAF and high school theatre. To this day, local theatre professionals continue to share their knowledge, passion, dedication, and resources with all who walk through their doors.

Overall, INTAF has changed considerably in its programming and leadership, but its central mission has remained constant for more than four decades: to encourage high school students to discover, participate in, and develop a lasting love for theatre arts.