The Al. Ringling Theatre Friends has taken the first step in expanding the Theatre’s operations and programming by connecting the historic Theatre to Stage II, the adjacent property owned by ART Friends.

Since approving a proposal by Guntis Apse to restore the lobby and the BRAVO Center’s announced their relation to another location in Baraboo, the ART Friends board saw this as a perfect opportunity to expand the Theatre’s space by moving into the Stage II location.

The plan is to make an opening into Stage II from the Theatre’s main lobby, then move the concessions into the Stage II space.   With this move, we will also open up quite a bit more lobby space in the historic building, as well as the Stage II location.  This move has created the opportunity to fully restore the Al. Ringling Theatre lobby, provide more lobby space for patrons to mingle and socialize, potentially add new use for programming, and hopefully add new audience comforts, including new restrooms.

While the lobby is being restored and the development of Stage II moves forward, ART Friends continues to develop plans for heating and air conditioning upgrades, identification of other smaller projects such as the mezzanine ladies lounge and dressing rooms as potential projects.

For more information about the ongoing restoration and development of the Al. Ringling Theatre, please contact the theatre at 608-356-8864 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .