In the early 1900s palatial playhouses filled with live theatre, variety shows, silent movies, school plays, operas and band performances were the norm in many towns, and Bozeman, Montana was no different. Designed by renowned architect Fred Willson, The Ellen Theatre was built by a founding family of Bozeman for their mother Ellen Trent, after whom the theatre is named. Friday nights with a sweetheart and Sunday family concerts were the norm.

In the ‘20s, The Ellen became a favored location on the vaudeville circuit and had many stars pass through, including Vivian Vance also known as Ethel from ‘I Love Lucy’. After years of being disregarded, with television and VHS becoming the norm, the Ellen Theatre was revived with the goal of returning theatre to the community. Visitors can now bask in the renovated beauty of the theatre’s gilded carvings and fixtures while enjoying one of the many performances and shows scheduled there.

17 West Main Street, Bozeman, MT 59715, 406-585-5885

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