Kathleen McDonald, Publicist
Spencer Theater, Ruidoso, N.M.
What makes the Spencer Theater such a unique venue for groups to visit?
The Spencer Theater is a world-class performance hall located in the Sacramento Mountain settlement of Alto, about 12 miles north of downtown Ruidoso. Unique architecture, outstanding acoustics, intimate seating, and excellent artistry are the Spencer’s celebrated features. The elegant, award-winning hall, which first raised its curtains in 1997, seats 514, with no seats farther than 67 feet from the 4,770 square-foot stage. The Spencer also has four permanent installations of hand-blown glass art by the world-famous artisan Dale Chihuly displayed for public viewing on both levels of the lobby. From its Spanish mica-flecked limestone face to the crystal lobby, the building itself is a work of art.
What can groups do there aside from taking in one of the performances?
The theater offers fully stocked bar service before and after performances plus buffet dining in the lobby before most every show. Free public tours are also offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year and through special arrangement with the Box Office.
What other cultural offerings can groups experience in your region?
Just down the road from the Spencer is historic Fort Stanton, a 19th century U.S. military fort established to protect settlements along the Rio Bonito in the Apache Wars; the Fort is about 30 miles north of the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Kit Carson was once stationed there as were Buffalo Soldiers. Fort Stanton property became America's first federal tuberculosis hospital. In World War II it interned both German and Japanese.
The historic settlement of Lincoln, site of the Lincoln County War and Billy the Kid fame, is an authentic adobe town with museums and artifacts. The town is located about 25 miles northeast of the Spencer.
The town of Ruidoso, which offers fine dining, galleries, curio stores and upscale boutique shopping, is 12 miles south of the Spencer.
Smokey Bear Museum in Capitan provides a marvelous display regarding the famed bear, information about preventing forest fires and activities for children.
What kind of feedback have you gotten from groups and planners following a visit?
People are always amazed by this stunning, world-class facility, particularly since it sits out on a mesa 12 miles from town. The building is striking, as is the architecture, glass art, and stage technology. The variety of shows is also top-notch as is the full-service staff of 10, plus a pool of volunteer ushers, cooks and valet.