Our journey, values, and vision – discover what drives Little Branch forward
Our Co-founders
Amela
Artistic Director
Amela Karadža was born in Bosnia and at the age of 5 immigrated to Boise where she spent many delightful years. She's a graduate of Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts, MFA program. Some of her favorite roles include: Joan (Vinegar Tom/Theatre C and Rutgers Theatre Co.), Duke of Aumerle (Richard II at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London), and #2 (The Wolves/Boise Contemporary Theater). She loves teaching Meisner Technique around the valley in her free time and hanging out with her fur-children! Thank you to my beautiful mom and wonderful husband for all your support. Love you dad, forever and always.
Jovani
Artistic Director
Jovani Zambrano was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and now calls Boise, Idaho, home, where he pursues his passion for acting and theater-making. He studied at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and performed at Shakespeare's Globe in As You Like It. His work has been seen at Hudson Valley Shakespeare, Theater for the New City, Boise Contemporary Theater, Alley Repertory Theater, and The Spot. Collaborating with these inspiring companies and ensembles fueled his desire to build Little Branch Theater—a space where artists can learn, take risks, fail spectacularly, and create something extraordinary. He would not be able to do any of this without the creativity and support of his wife. Among his favorite roles, playing Oscar in Sweat by Lynn Nottage was a particularly meaningful experience.
Our Story
Amela and Jovani met at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts, where they trained in the Meisner Technique, Williamson Movement Technique, and classical theater. After graduating, they worked in theater, commercials, and film on the East Coast until the pandemic led them to Boise to be near Amela's family. In Boise, they discovered a welcoming and talented theater community eager for more opportunities to create.
With their training, passion, and drive to challenge perspectives, Amela and Jovani felt they had something to offer—with this they founded Little Branch.
More than just a company, they envisioned a space where artists could take risks, push their craft, and build something meaningful together. They also saw the opportunity to cultivate an audience ready to engage with bold storytelling, challenge perspectives, and celebrate the work of local artists.
The Meaning Behind the Name
"Every voice, every story, every artist matters."
We wanted the name of our company to reflect connection and growth. That's when Amela recalled that her great-grandfather, out of love and because she was so small, called her his "little branch."
Little branches may be small, but in time, they grow into something greater. A tree isn't whole without its little branches. They stretch, reach, and help shape the bigger picture. We believe the same is true in theater.
Little Branch exists to uplift voices, build connections, and celebrate the artistry that makes a community thrive. We hope the name carries a sense of possibility—rooted in growth and reaching for something beyond itself. Our goal is to bring a wide variety of theater to the City of Trees, one branch at a time, nurturing creativity and a sense of belonging along the way.
What Matters to Us
We embrace bold stories.
We believe in collaboration, in building something together.
We care about engaging our audience and creating space for local and emerging artists.
We want to lift up voices that don't always get heard—especially those that reflect underrepresented experiences.
We think theater should challenge how we see the world—and maybe even change it.
And we believe art should feel like it belongs to everyone.
Looking Forward
"As we grow, we envision Little Branch becoming a creative hub where..."
Diverse stories inspire, challenge, and unite our community.
Emerging local artists develop their craft alongside seasoned professionals.
A dedicated teaching studio introduces performers to the fundamentals of Meisner technique, culminating in a live performance.
One day, we hope to establish a permanent space to call our theater home.