The Ellen Theatre
About Us
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In 1995, the idea of presenting quality theatrical productions at an affordable price to the
Bozeman community inspired the birth of Montana TheatreWorks, a non-profit theatre company and
proud member of the American Association of Community Theatres. Since the curtain went up on
our maiden show, the majority of tickets for all productions have never cost more than $10.00
($5.00 for kids). Several years of shows,
including The Sound of Music, Annie, Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma, and Oliver!, have
entertained over 46,250 people, including audiences in Butte, Billings and at the annual summer
Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman, Montana. If we were to point to one thing that makes us most proud,
it is that the world of theatre has been made available to Gallatin Valley families without breaking
their piggy banks.
Each MTW production also allows several community members to take part in a process that strives to
replicate professional theatre. Cast members work closely with highly-skilled musical directors,
vocal coaches, choreographers, musicians and stage directors to hone their performances skills.
Meanwhile, a small army of backstage crew members work with a professional stage manager in a team
effort that results in not just a terrific production, but a great sense of accomplishment for
everyone involved. Another great benefit is meeting new people and often making lifelong friends.
In need of a permanent home since its inception, Montana TheatreWorks set its sites on The Ellen
Theatre. Owned by the Russell family since the 1930s, The Ellen (along with the Rialto across Main
Street) had most recently been used to show movies by Carmike Cinema. With the possibility of
Carmike not renewing their lease, the fate of the theatres was in question and the owners were
interested in selling. Mike McKenna, working on behalf of MTW, contacted owner Greg Russell of
Minnesota, who later commented, "When we heard what Montana TheatreWorks had planned for The Ellen,
we couldn't have been happier." Those plans included returning The Ellen to a glorious, live stage
venue, serving as a home for MTW productions as well as a performing arts center for various community
and professional groups. Based on that initial conversation, an agreement to sell the theatres to MTW
was made almost immediately.
On September 15, 2005, both the Ellen Theatre and Rialto Theatre, which could only be obtained as a pair,
were purchased by Montana TheatreWorks.
A great deal of success for the project goes to three very bighearted community members. Clyde Park rancher
and former MTW board president Elise Donohue joined the campaign, soon followed by Karen and Klein Gilhousen,
with their generous contribution on behalf of the Gilhousen Family Foundation. Without these three
extraordinary individuals, it's safe to say the fate of the Ellen would still be up in the air.
"Thanks" seems hardly adequate. If you know these fine folks, make sure you tell them how much the
entire community appreciates their generosity. Carmike Cinema has also made a generous donation to
Montana TheatreWorks, in addition to agreeing to a termination of their lease, thus allowing MTW to move ahead with
plans to renovate the stage and prepare The Ellen for its exciting future as a live performance venue.
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