Al. Ringling Theatre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Al Ringling Theatre
|
|
The Al. Ringling Theatre
|
|
 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 136 4th Ave., Baraboo, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Built | 1915 |
| Architect | C.W. Rapp, George L. Rapp |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000202 |
| Added to NRHP | May 17, 1976 |
The Al. Ringling Theatre is a historic performance hall located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, United States. It first opened its doors in November 1915 and has been a popular spot for entertainment ever since. Albert Ringling, one of the famous Ringling Brothers who owned the circus, paid for the theatre to be built. It cost about $100,000 at the time. The theatre was designed by the well-known architectural company Rapp and Rapp. For many years, it has hosted all sorts of shows, from lively vaudeville acts (which were variety shows with singing, dancing, and comedy) and silent movies (films without spoken dialogue, often with live music) to grand grand opera performances. Famous actors like Lionel Barrymore and Mary Pickford have even appeared there.
Theatre Design
The design of the Al. Ringling Theatre was inspired by another building called the Orpheum Theatre. That theatre was also built by Rapp and Rapp in Illinois in 1914. The inside decoration of the Al. Ringling Theatre's main hall is thought to be based on the opera house at the Palace of Versailles in France, which was built between 1763 and 1770. However, some people believe it might also be based on the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, built in 1780. The theatre can hold 710 people in its seats.
Special Features
When the Al. Ringling Theatre first opened, it had a special musical instrument called a Style 1 Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. Later, this was replaced by a different, larger organ. The new organ was a 9-rank, 3-manual Barton organ. It had a unique console (the part where the musician sits) that looked like a "circus wagon." In early 2025, the Theatre underwent a big renovation project that cost $1 million. This project included installing a modern, automated system for the stage rigging, which helps move scenery and lights during shows.
