Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Contact
Box Office :
507-377-4371
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
Amenities
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center showcases talent
The Marion Ross Performing Arts Center is a historic building in downtown Albert Lea.
The theater has a spacious lobby, fully-equipped lighting and sound system, and projector. It seats 255 people.
With an auditorium and downstairs meeting space, the theater is an ideal facility for business meetings and seminars.
An elevator offers accessibility for the interior.
For more information:
Robert Furland
Recreation Manager
701 Lake Chapeau Drive
bfurland@ci.albertlea.mn.usThe Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in downtown Albert Lea continues a rich and compelling history with plays, concerts and other events throughout the year.
The City of Albert Lea owns this historic building and contracts Albert Lea Community Theatre (ACT) to manage it.
The Masons (Western Star Lodge 26) and the Albert Lea’s Firemen’s Relief Association built the structure at 147 N. Broadway Ave. in 1908. In 1919, the Firemen’s Association sold its interest in the building to the Masons, who continue to meet upstairs.
The lower level has served in varying capacities over the years, including sleeping quarters for firefighters, a venue for vaudeville shows, a temporary hospital during the Spanish flu pandemic, and a teen center.
In the late 1970s, the Masons sold the building for $1 to the City, which was working with ACT to find a theater space. The local theater group started in 1965 and performed at the Southwest School Little Theater. With more events being scheduled at the school, ACT sought help from the City in finding a more permanent home.
After considering other locations, the City decided the downtown building was the best option and made a deal with the Masons. The City and ACT partnered to remodel the building, which opened as a community theater in 1981. The building was named the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in 2008 after Albert Lea native and actress Marion Ross of the hit TV show “Happy Days.”
As part of the 2024 referendum to upgrade recreation facilities, the City is making several improvements this year to the building:
- Replacing the front doors with handicap-accessible doors
- Updating the HVAC system for more energy efficiency and to improve the comfort of patrons
- Replacing the front windows due to their seals breaking
- Upgrading the lighting to LEDs for energy efficiency
ACT had pledged $25,000 toward the $360,000 in projects proposed for the theater. These upgrades will help ensure that the historic building continues its role in the local community.