History

The Albuquerque Little Theatre was founded in 1930 by a group of civic-minded citizens led by Irene Fisher, a reporter and the society editor for the New Mexico Tribune. The idea of a local Theatre group was born when Ms. Fisher attended a lecture by a professional actress named Kathryn Kennedy O'Connor who moved to New Mexico for health reasons in 1927. Ms. Fisher led the campaign to raise an operating budget of $1,000 and Ms. Connor was hired as the Theatre's Director. ALT spent its first six years at the KiMo Theatre in downtown Albuquerque.

In 1936 ALT moved into its present home located at 224 San Pasquale SW, just south of the historic Old Town section of Albuquerque. In the Theatre's 70-year history, ALT has produced 410 consecutive productions. The original building designed by famed southwestern architect, John Gaw Meem, was the first structure in Albuquerque to be built by the Works Progress Administration as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's "New Deal."

O'Connor retired as the Theatre's director in 1961 and the board named Bernard Thomas to succeed her as ALT's full time director. Bernie served as ALT's full time director from 1961 to 1980. Bernie retired from ALT in 1980 after the 50th anniversary season. He was replaced by his technical Director Michael Myers who served as producing director until 1986 when Sandy Brady replaced him, and Carol Fleming was named General Manager in 1988. She stayed with ALT until 1996.

In March 1997, Larry D. Parker was named as new Executive Director of the Albuquerque Little Theatre. ALT continues our tradition of true community Theatre by providing the residents of the greater Albuquerque area with great entertainment and the opportunity to become involved in the production of live theatre. A tax exempt not-for-profit 501c(3) organization, ALT involves more than 500 volunteers in activities ranging from box office, backstage, on stage, front of house, to Board and standing committee membership. If you are interested in volunteering at the Albuquerque Little Theatre, contact us at 505-242-4750 or by e-mail at alt@swcp.com.