The Roman Theater
The Roman Theater was opened in 1917 by Steve Roman. The 220-seat theater, which included a balcony, was remodeled in Art Moderne style in 1935 to the plans of architect Bjarne Moe. The interior has been remodeled and renovated several times since, but it retains much of its 1935 façade. The Roman Theater still operates today, showing first-run films in addition to live entertainment, such as concerts and plays.
History
Austrian immigrant Steve Roman built the theater in 1917. One of fourteen sons, nineteen-year-old Roman came to Red Lodge in 1897 to work in the mines. He launched into the theater business, operating several local theaters before he built the Roman. Roman’s wife, Librera, ran the upstairs Hotel Isabella, and at various times Roman’s six children took tickets, performed on the theater’s stage, accompanied silent movies on the organ, operated the projector, and ran the box office. In 1935, Roman extensively remodeled the theater adding air conditioning, new seats, draperies, lighting, and the eight-foot Art Deco style neon marquee. The remodel, by architect Bjarne Moe and contractor C. W. Hamrick, both of Seattle, caused considerable local excitement. The opening gala featured special appearances by the nationally renowned Crockett Family. Admission cost 35 cents for adults and 15 cents for children. Daughter Mary managed the theater until 1977.
The Roman Theater is Montana’s oldest, continuously-running moving picture theater.
The Roman Theater in Red Lodge Montana.
Roman Theater
Enters New Era
With Public Open House in June 2023.
The Roman Theater, which has operated as Red Lodge’s movie house icon for over 106 years, is entering a new era with a public open house. The “Longest Continuous Operating Theater in Montana,” plans to continue its legacy with an evening that will feature the award-winning film of local Red Lodge High School students whose team took their top state Business Professionals of America (BPA) video production to national competition, and won top honors there as well. The team includes Cully Lauver, a recent Red Lodge High School graduate, Angelina Podkonjak, Brayli Reimer and Stan Lytton.
“These are the kind of events we hope to have more of,” says Betsy Scanlin, co-owner of the theater building with her husband, Jeff Anderson.
“We couldn’t be more proud to showcase our talented residents’ works!”
The Roman featured the locally-scripted, -filmed and -casted film “Demon Girlz,” a Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) fundraiser, as well as several outdoor film series in addition to its regular schedule of “Hollywood” movies. It will also again be a venue for the long-running Red Lodge Singer Songwriter Festival. The open house will include free food, beverages, and other entertainment in addition to the film, as well as tours of the inside of the theater itself. “Lots of history to share here!” says Scanlin. “It’s a time-travel!” The event will include an opportunity to introduce a new entity for operations of The Roman, a non-profit organization that can provide opportunities for others to share in the selection of movies and hosting of events, expanding its social media presence, and operating the mechanics of the film venue itself, which includes an up-to-date digital projector and surround-sound system.
Signups are available for interested sponsors, members and volunteers for the organization, with special benefits planned for “charter” members. “Come party like an actor/actress,” says Scanlin, “and become part of the future of The Roman!”