Alberta Bair Theater

The Alberta Bair Theater in one iteration or another has been an integral part of the cultural scene in Billings for more than 80 years.

Originally it was called The Fox Theater which opened its doors November 13, 1931, with a parade, a short-lived street dance and the motion picture “Merely Mary Ann” with Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell.

This elegant theater, with its chandeliers, art deco design, dressing rooms and stage, was financed in part by the 20th Century Fox Corporation, which purchased the land from Charles M. Bair. The Fox Theater had the distinction of being the last Art Deco style theater in the United States built by the 20th Century Fox Corporation and designed by Robert C. Reamer.

The original Charles M. Bair family homestead sat on the same spot where the Fox Theater was built. This house, on the corner of what is now Broadway and Third Avenue North, is where Charles’ daughter Alberta M. Bair was born. This prompted Alberta Bair to provide the lead gift for the project and in 1987 the renovated Fox Theater was named in her honor.

Thanks to the dedication, vision and hard work of the founding board members, the Fox Committee and numerous community-minded people, the Alberta Bair Theater still stands as a world class performing arts center for all the people of Billings and the Northern Rockies.

Today the Alberta Bair Theater is the largest fully equipped performing arts center in the region. The 1400 seat venue showcases professional touring companies, featuring musician, dance, and theater performances, as well as local performing groups. The Alberta Bair Theater provides outstanding educational programming for 22,000 school children annually and serves a population of 400,000.

Mission: To bring the excitement of the performing arts to the people of the Northern Rockies and enhance the quality of life in Billings, Montana and the surrounding region by presenting a broad spectrum of quality arts events and educational programs which respects the diverse cultures of the region, and by providing a home for local cultural and civic groups to meet and perform”.

Contact us to book a show!