Video Tour

Go along on a backstage tour of the multi-million-dollar 514-seat Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The landmark theater (designed by architect Antoine Predock) also houses four major glass installations by Dale Chihuly. Year-round programming of touring Broadway, musical and dance productions, the theater hosts public tours Tue and Thu at 10 a.m. A video by Brad Cooper.

Tour Behind the Scenes at Spencer Theater 10 a.m. Tuesdays & Thursdays (except event days)

Tours of the Spencer include a complete oral history of the award-winning facility and access to the dazzling Crystal Lobby, auditorium, backstage areas, artists’ signature hall, green room, dressing rooms, the private Founders Room (a dining club), the outdoor loggia and fountain. During the tour visitors learn how the state-of-art performance venue was a monumental dream of the late philanthropist Jackie Spencer and her husband A.N. Spencer. Their creation of the 501 © 3 not-for-profit public charity facility is considered one of the greatest gifts to the state in New Mexican history. Renowned New Mexican architect Antoine Predock designed the theater to silhouette Sierra Blanca, the glacial peak that hovers in the near distance. The building, made from 440 tons of mica-flecked Spanish limestone, gleams in the desert light. At 50,000-square-feet, the 514-seat theater sits on 72 acres. Prior to opening the theater, Jackie also commissioned the world’s foremost glass artist, Dale Chihuly, to create permanent glass art installations to adorn the theater. The prized collection virtually squirms with life and bursts with vibrant colors throughout the hall.

With a young endowment that must grow for the perpetuity of this magnificent theater, the Spencer actively seeks fundraising opportunities. Once such way is with public tours of the facility. Public tours are offered at 10 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, except on “event” days (shows, private rentals, etc.). The tours run about 1-1.5 hours in length and are free of charge, though donations are accepted.  For more public tour information – or to schedule a private tour – please contact our Box Office at (575) 336-4800.