Alberta Bair Theater Receives $1 Million Endowment Gift from Hewes & Susan Agnew

Alberta Bair Theater has announced a transformative $1 million endowment gift from longtime supporters Hewes and Susan Agnew. The contribution—one of the largest in ABT’s history—will establish a permanent fund to support the Executive Director position, ensuring strong, visionary leadership well into the future.

This extraordinary gift honors both the legacy and future of the theater. Hewes Agnew, a founding director of the nonprofit ABT, has been a passionate advocate for the performing arts and instrumental in shaping the theater’s role in the Billings community since its inception.

“This gift is an investment in the long-term leadership of Alberta Bair Theater,” said Jan Dietrich, current Executive Director. “We are deeply grateful to Hewes and Susan Agnew for their generosity and enduring commitment to ABT’s mission.”

The endowment provides lasting financial stability and will allow ABT to continue attracting and retaining top talent in its leadership. It also reflects the Agnews’ dedication to sustaining the theater as a cultural cornerstone for generations to come.

This gift, one of the largest in ABT’s history, marks a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to build financial sustainability and artistic excellence.

In honor of the donors, ABT has named The Executive Director position the Hewes and Susan Agnew Executive Director.