Billings Studio Theatre Inc
About Billings Studio Theatre Inc
If you want the short version, it’s this: Billings Studio Theatre is where live theatre in Billings turns into a community habit. Each year, it puts on a season of productions that brings together performers, volunteers, and audiences, with Main Stage shows, youth-focused Growing Stage Players productions, and Theatre For Kids Only Camp in the mix. It also gives people real ways to pitch in, from backstage work to ushers and fundraising, which is part of why so many local hours end up here.
What sets Billings Studio Theatre apart is the scale of local buy-in around it, about 40,000 volunteer hours a year is a lot of people choosing to keep theatre going together. It also has a clear eye on the next generation, with youth programming now and the Penguin Project launching in 2027 for youth with disabilities and youth without special needs to perform side by side.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Annual season of live stage productions
Produces a season of live theatre for the Billings community.
Main Stage productions
Eight Main Stage productions are included in the annual season lineup.
Growing Stage Players productions
Youth-focused productions included in the season.
Theatre For Kids Only Camp
A theatre camp for kids.
Penguin Project
A program launching in 2027 that will bring youth with disabilities and youth without special needs together to perform in a show.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To promote, encourage, produce, and develop an active community theatre program and advance the theatrical and educational opportunities for the Billings community.
Who they serve
Billings community members, including performers, volunteers, audiences, children in camp programs, and youth ages 9 to 23 in the Penguin Project.
Their impact
- About 40,000 volunteer hours are donated to the theatre each year.
How your donation helps
- Operating the theatre
- Maintenance needs for the older building
- Unrestricted support for areas of greatest need
- Endowment support through charitable gift annuities
Our story
Billings Studio Theatre started as a Sunday evening play-reading group in the homes of early members. As it grew, Eastern Montana College and the YWCA donated space, and the group expanded into radio, stage productions, and theatre workshops. Its first play was There’s Always Juliet in September 1953. By 1963, the group decided it needed a home, later moved into a remodeled church downtown, and after that building was condemned in 1968, fundraising began for something permanent. Construction on the current home at 1500 Rimrock Road began in February 1971 and was finished that fall, with Man of La Mancha as the first production there.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
We can’t wait to be the first theatre in Montana to share this amazing project with our community!
We are so thankful to Quinn, his team, and the donors for building this beautiful space for Your Community Theatre.
Events
Annual Fund Drive
annualA formal donation request that begins in May when season tickets go on sale.
Holiday Appeal
annualA formal year-end donation request that takes place in November.
A Night to Benefit BST
March 27, 2026A benefit evening with entertainment, live auction items, and dinner.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Billings Studio Theatre Inc has shared.
Current needs
- Monetary donations
- Volunteers for ushering, fundraising, painting, sewing, selling ads, mailings, distributing posters, on-stage work, and backstage work
- Usable merchandise, including quality vintage clothing, usable tools, quality used furniture, usable partial cans of paint, costume jewelry, artwork, and consumable office and maintenance supplies
- Maintenance support for the older building
Volunteer opportunities
- Ushering
- Fundraising
- Painting
- Sewing
- Selling ads
- Assisting with mailings
- Distributing posters
- On-stage volunteering
- Backstage volunteering
- General assistance
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What volunteer roles are available at Billings Studio Theatre?
There’s a wide range of ways to help, including ushering, fundraising, painting, sewing, selling ads, helping with mailings, distributing posters, and working on stage or backstage.
Who can audition for BST productions?
Auditions are open to actors of all experience levels.
What is the Penguin Project?
It’s a national program started by Dr. Andy Morgan that gives youth with disabilities the chance to experience theatre, with youth with and without special needs working together on a show.
What kinds of productions are part of the BST season?
The season includes Main Stage productions, a Growing Stage Players production, Theatre For Kids Only Camp, and other events.
Similar nonprofits
Other community improvement & capacity building n.e.c. nonprofits in MT.