Alberta Bair Theater (ABT) is the largest fully equipped performing arts theater in Montana, designed to meet the needs of both professional touring companies and local performing groups. While ABT presents its own season, the venue is also rented for events of all kinds.
The main lobby has been designed from a sculptural approach with major features being shape, space and light. The large concession area allows for smoothly run intermissions and receptions and individual restrooms accommodate those with special needs. Public restrooms, a second concession area, and additional lobby space are located on the mezzanine.
All seats in the theater including the main floor, loge and balcony have excellent sight lines. Continental seating on the main floor assures that prime seating is not wasted by aisle ways and ample row spacing provides for easy exiting.
Theater Rental Guidelines and Fees
Events using the stage are scheduled and contracted at the discretion of the Programming Director and/or Executive Director. Events using front of house are scheduled and contracted at the discretion of the Venue Manager. Please contact the Alberta Bair Theater Executive Office, 406-256-8915, for date availability or for information not included in “Theater Rental Guidelines and Fees.”
Click here to download ABT Rental Guidelines and Fees for events using the stage.
Click here to download for events held in the lobbies/front of house.
Alberta Bair Theater Technical Information
ABT is a completely renovated 1931 Fox vaudeville movie house with standard proscenium configuration. The stage house and the orchestra level seating have been realigned by ten degrees, creating a much larger stage, some interesting angles and a few challenges. One existing support column located in the stage right wing remains for structural reasons.
An orchestra pit with room for about 40 musicians is under the front sections and apron of the stage, with the apron on a 20-ton capacity hydraulic lift, which allows equipment and furniture to be moved on and off stage easily and provides direct access to the dressing rooms.
The Lighting Control Booth and Sound Control Booth are located at the rear of the orchestra level, center. Lights and the Act Curtain can be controlled from the Stage Manager station, stage left. Fly Gallery is above stage right wing.
- Floor-Plan-Stage
- Electrics Over Stage
- ABT-Line-Set-Schedule
- Venue & Production Information
Seating
Total Capacity – 1394
Orchestral Level – 685 + 7 ADA Spaces (Continental Plan)
Loge + Balcony – 700 + 2 ADA Spaces (Three Aisles)
Equipment and Scenery Loading
Stage: Stage left rear wall through door form alley. No loading dock. Stage is level with alley. Alley width – 20′. Vehicles must be moved unless loading is in progress. Loading Door Size: 5’10” wide, 12′ high.
Wardrobe
Access to the dressing room area is through the orchestra pit using the stage hydraulic lift, and gentle ramps. Crates up to 3’0″ wide by 6’0″ long by 6’0″ high can be taken into the central area between dressing rooms. Dressing room door width restricted to 2’10”.
Dressing Rooms
There are two Private and two Chorus dressing rooms. The Chorus dressing rooms have a capacity of 15 and 25. All dressing rooms are carpeted and have sinks, toilets, showers, make up counters with chairs, mirrors (on the wall and full length), lights, and permanent wardrobe racks. A central area between the two chorus rooms has a mini fridge, table and chairs. Both private dressing rooms have phone lines available. A small Green Room is also available. The Green Room also can be used as additional temporary dressing rooms or a production office, if necessary and if requested in advance. A laundry with washer, dryer, deep sink, full length mirror, steamer, and ironing equipment is also available. The sound from the stage is broadcast to all areas of the theater.