Imagine Your Next Event at a Historic Theater
Theaters can ignite the imagination with entertainment that ranges from musical performances to motion pictures. They offer impressive historic décor and architecture coupled with contemporary amenities. Add in modern technology, including WiFi and state-of-the-art lighting and staging, and you have a unique atmosphere to invigorate your next event. Here is a selection of Northwest theaters for you to consider.
MARTIN WOLDSON THEATER AT THE FOX
Spokane, Washington
Located in the heart of downtown, the Martin Woldson Theater is owned and operated by the Spokane Symphony. This fully restored 1930s Art Deco theater offers a unique space that can be configured in a variety of ways for keynote speakers, lectures and award ceremonies. The 1600-seat auditorium includes a 60-foot-wide sunburst light fixture above the stage.
The Grand Lobby has floor-to-ceiling murals with an underwater floral motif that shifts into landscapes with rivers, castles and clouds. It is well suited for receptions or breakout sessions and comes with a fully stocked bar and concessions stand.
The formal 2,300-square-foot Founders’ Gallery, seats up to 150 for a banquet and 75 classroom-style. Audiovisual equipment is available, and the theater provides recommendations for local caterers.
MOUNT BAKER THEATRE
Bellingham, Washington
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Mount Baker Theatre features three meeting spaces. “The theater is a historic gem, and if you brought your conference or event here, it would provide a unique look,” says Jim Zoehrer, facilities director. “Built in 1927, the theater displays stunning Moorish-Spanish architecture with archways, intricate details and a Wurlitzer organ, which all set the mood for any event.”
The Main Stage seats up to 1,509 guests and is ideal for keynote speakers, lectures and discussions. Contemporary in style, the Harold and Irene Walton Theatre features an adjustable center stage with seating for 200 in the round. The room includes sound, lighting, state-of-the-art acoustics and a portable bar. For seminars or luncheons, the 1200-square-foot Encore Room is ideal. All rooms have audiovisual equipment, lighting and staging.
ACT A CONTEMPORARY THEATRE
Seattle, Washington
ACT A Contemporary Theatre is a National Historic Landmark. The décor combines 1925-era touches with modern architecture and furnishings. ACT has a total of 28,227 square feet of meeting space with seven venues and a direct connection to the Washington Convention Center.
“We have a variety of spaces, and each has its own character and history,” says Chris DeGracia, capital projects and operations manager. “For example, the Allen Theatre is a theatre in the round that was built in the original Eagles Ballroom. The proscenium stage was graced by the likes of The Doors, The Grateful Dead, Joe Cocker and Jethro Tull. It is also the venue where Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in Seattle, and there is a bust and plaque commemorating this event in the space.”
For lectures and speaking engagements there are three theatres; the 434-seat Allen Theatre, the 409-seat Falls Theatre and the Lalie Room that accommodates 75 theater-style. The newly remodeled Buster’s Space, with large arched windows overlooking downtown Seattle, accommodates 120 guests for a reception, while the Ackerley Forum and Falls lobby, accommodate smaller functions. ACT works with an exclusive caterer.
LIBERTY THEATRE
Astoria, Oregon
The fully-restored Liberty Theatre has three meeting and event spaces. “Our guests love the theater because it is beautiful, historical and right downtown,” says Briana Smith, private rentals manager. “Plus, the theater has the capacity for groups to have a keynote speaker in the theater and breakouts or dining in two other rooms.”
The 631-seat Venetian-style theatre features murals with an Italian chandelier. The McTavish Room has similar Venetian accents with ornate columns and an inlaid dance floor. It seats up to 185 for a banquet and includes the mezzanine, lobby and a catering kitchen. The Paulson Pavilion accommodates 120 theater-style and can be divided into three rooms.
SALEM’S HISTORIC GRAND THEATRE
Salem, Oregon
Built in 1900 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Salem’s Historic Grand Theatre is a short walk from the Grand Hotel. “One of the benefits of renting the theater for your meeting or event,” says Nicki Marazzani, venue rental/event manager, “is that you get the uniqueness and beauty of a building built in from 1900 with today’s modern technology.”
The theater seats 360 guests. The Lodge Room accommodates table seating for 200. The Ballroom seats 200 theatre style and 96 seated. There are also two conference rooms, seating up to 22. Conference Room A includes a screen and projector as well as conference calling capabilities. A catering kitchen is also available.
HISTORIC WILSON THEATRE
Rupert, Idaho
Built in 1920, the Historic Wilson Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places and features 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. The auditorium seats up to 372 and includes the stage, dressing rooms, sound, lights and staging equipment. The event center has an additional space that can be divided into three separate areas, all of which overlook the town’s square. The smallest section seats 30 classroom style, and the largest holds 50. The entire space can fit up to 150 for a banquet. A catering kitchen is also available.
WILLARD ART CENTER & COLONIAL THEATER
Idaho Falls, Idaho
The Willard Art Center & Colonial Theater offers several spaces that accommodate up to 1,000. “Our theater is unique, and the acoustics are incredible,” says Amy Carr, marketing manager. “The building has been fully renovated and includes lots of natural light and historic details.”
The Carr Gallery hosts rotating art exhibits and seats up to 176 banquet-style. The smaller Hartwell Chesbro Room is ideal for seminars, luncheons and small receptions. The US Bank Conference Room seats 14 for a boardroom or 30 for a reception. Two additional rooms are available for breakout sessions and conference registration.
Inside the art center, the Colonial Theater is a fully refurbished 1919 Art Deco vaudeville theater. The theater seats up to 998 and includes six dressing rooms and a green room.
MANSFIELD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Great Falls, Montana
The Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts features a three-story theater, convention center and five additional meeting spaces with a total of 48,000 square feet of meetings and event space.
Built in the 1930s, the Mansfield Theater seats up to 1,782 guests. Connected to the theater, is the 15,300-square-foot Mansfield Convention Center. This space is dividable and ideal for large conventions and trade shows. It also includes a mezzanine, catering kitchen, and a concession room.
The 4,160 square-foot Missouri Room has a park view and is well-suited for lectures and presentations, with seating up to 300 theater style. The Gibson Room, at 1,856 square feet, works well for receptions or seminars, and the two smaller rooms, the Rainbow and Ryan Rooms, are ideal for smaller groups.
CONNECT:
Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
Connor Jacobson, special events & communications
manager
509-252-2631
specialevents@foxtheaterspokane.com
foxtheaterspokane.org
Mount Baker Theatre
Cindi Pree, executive assistant, volunteer and rental
coordinator
360-733-5793 ext. 340
cindi.pree@mountbakertheatre.com
mountbakertheatre.com
ACT A Contemporary Theatre
Chris DeGracia, capital projects and operations manager
206-852-1747
events@actteatre.org
acttheatre.org
Liberty Theatre
Briana Smith, private rentals manager
971-409-6246
renttheliberty@gmail.com
libertyastoria.org
Salem Historic Grand Theatre
Nicki Marazzani, venue rental/event manager
503-910-1606
nicki@salemshg.com
salemshg.com
Historic Wilson Theatre
Kris Faux, Historic Wilson Theatre director
208-436-2787
wilsontheatrearts@gmail.com
ruperttheatre.com
Willard Art Center and Colonial Theater
Lara Hill, events coordinator
208-522-0471 ext. 102
events@idahofallsarts.org
idahofallsarts.org/willard-arts-center
Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts
Dona Hughs, events supervisor
406-455-8495
donahughes@greatfallsmt.net
greatfallsmt.net/mansfieldcenter
