Albuquerque Little Theatre

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. O'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. 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 from 1961 to 1980; he 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; Carol Fleming was then named General Manager in 1988. She stayed with ALT until 1996. In March 1997, Larry D. Parker was appointed Executive Director of Albuquerque Little Theatre, and he continued to produce quality theatre through the 2005-06 Season.

In 2006, The Executive Director position was eliminated and divided into two separate management areas; Artistic Director (Peter Kierst) and Managing Director (Erin Moots). Peter and Erin launched the 2006-07 Season with excitement and a commitment to keep ALT alive and well. 2007 also saw the talents of Theresa Reid at the helm.

In 2008, the theatre had an opportunity to bring extensive Broadway and community theatre experience to the ALT stage when Henry Avery was hired as Executive Director; shortly after that appointment he was also named Artistic Director. Avery's five decades of experience and commitment to live theatre have resulted in a new energy that infuses every aspect of ALT.

ALT continues the 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, 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.

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