Events

Free Family Series

FREE FAMILY CONCERT: A PUPPET’S PLIGHT

Saturday
Jan 20, 2024

12:00PM

Alberta Bair Theater

2801 Third Ave. N.

Free Admission. Donations Encouraged

Amy Schendel, actor
Samantha Pfeifer, puppeteer
Brianna West, puppeteer

Benny is going into the 6th grade, but he has one problem: he can’t decide which instrument he wants to play. Violin? Clarinet? Tuba? There are too many to choose from! Join Benny on his journey as he meets different musicians, learns about instruments in the orchestra, and discovers all the opportunities music can provide. This show is geared towards K-6 students and their parents.

Donate today!

What's cool about the concert?

The Billings Symphony is thrilled to offer children of all ages a free family concert at the Alberta Bair Theater.

Program Notes

How long is the Concert?

When do I clap?

Whenever you want! Seriously, the tradition of clapping only at the end of pieces was only for a short time in the history of music. Typically, people like to clap after a great solo in a jazz tune, an impressive dance move, or after a great movement (section) in a symphony. If you really like a piece, clap at the end of the movement and yell "encore" if you want to hear more. (We love playing encores!)

What are ticket prices?

What do I wear?

More than anything, we want you to have fun and express your own style when you come to the Billings Symphony, so dress in a way that works for you. Some people love dressing up and going out—if that’s you, do it and you won’t be the only one, we promise. If you prefer to be more casual, then you probably won’t be the only one dressed casually, either. In short, you do you, and we’re just glad you’re joining us.

Where do I park?

On-Street Parking

On City streets, there is both metered parking and posted parking. Metered parking times range from 2 hours to 10 hours and is free after 5 pm and on weekends.

There are two free handicap parking spots on the corner of North Broadway in front of U.S. Bank.

Garages

Park 1
Credit/Debit Cards Only. Located at 2912 Third Avenue North and is open to the public 24-hours per day – the office is open Monday through Friday, from 10:30am-6:30pm. There is free parking on Sundays.

Park 2
Credit/Debit Cards Only. Located at 2651 First Avenue North, Park 2 is open to patrons 24-hours per day – the office is open from 7:15am – 11:00pm, Monday through Saturday.

Park 3
Accepts Cash. Located adjacent to City Hall at 210 North 27th Street and is open 7am-11pm – the office is open Monday through Friday from 10:30am – 6:30pm. There is free parking on Sundays.

Park 4
Located at 515 North 31st Street. The garage and office are open only Monday through Friday from 5:30am – 9:30pm. After 9:30pm, parkers are unable to remove their vehicles from the garage.

family-concert-a-puppets-plight-web-thumb

Guest artists

AMY SCHENDEL | ACTOR

After her performance as Sarah T. Murdoch in "M is for Music" last year, Amy Schendel is thrilled to be back acting with the Billings Symphony. A versatile performer, she is usually a part of the Symphony's clarinet section or singing solos with the orchestra! Amy loves to perform in operas, musical theater, choirs, bands, orchestras, jazz bands...pretty much all music in Billings and beyond! She spends her days as the Fine Arts Education Coordinator for the Billings Public Schools after spending 16 years directing choirs at Billings Skyview High School. In her spare time, Amy loves to visit her grown children in Missoula, do jigsaw puzzles, camp and travel with her husband.

SAMANTHA PFEIFER | PUPPETEER

Samantha Pfeifer has a huge love for all things puppets and puppetry. She grew up watching Sesame Street and the Muppets. Samantha began making puppets in 2018 as she took a puppetry class while attending Rocky Mountain College. Since then, she has provided puppets for shows at the Montana Actor’s Theater in Havre, MT, the Performing Arts Academy in Highlands Ranch, CO, and the Billings Studio Theater in Billings, MT. Along with theater productions, Samantha makes puppets for anyone who wants one! Samantha currently works as the Production Manager at the Alberta Bair Theater. She spends her free time working on many different theater projects, spending time with her husband and two cats, and watching movies. Samantha loves bringing the joy of puppets wherever she goes. Her dream job is to run a puppet theater company that works to inspire children to embrace their artsy side.

BRIANNA WEST | PUPPETEER

Brianna West is a born and raised Billings girl with a passion for helping people and a love for theatre. She currently works at the Ronald McDonald House and as a content creator with Ashley Williams Photography. But in her spare time she is learning how to crochet and speak Spanish, as well as spending time with her family, dogs, and reading. In the past, Brianna has dabbled onstage in local productions at Billings Studio Theatre and taught acting to children at NOVA Center for the Performing Arts. She'd like to give a shoutout to her mom and friends for their endless support and unwavering love!