Located in the heart of downtown Casper, WY, The Rialto Theater has been a cornerstone of the city’s entertainment and cultural scene since 1921. Accommodating up to 350 guests, the Rialto offers one of the most intimate and unique concert and event experiences along Wyoming's Front Range. Equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, a full-service bar, and easy access to downtown Casper's excellent dining options, the Rialto promises an immersive and comfortable experience for every guest.
Specializing in nationally touring acts across all genres of music and stand-up comedy, the Rialto also proudly supports local talent through regular showcases and tribute nights. Its commitment to fostering community through entertainment makes it a hub for cultural connection.
Located in the heart of downtown Casper, Wyoming, The Rialto Theater has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and entertainment history since its grand opening in 1922. Originally built in 1921 by Henry Brennan as the New Lyric Theater, the venue was quickly remodeled and rebranded after its initial struggles. Local businessmen, including E.J. Schulte, invested over $50,000—equivalent to more than $800,000 today—into transforming the space into what was celebrated as the finest motion picture house in the Rocky Mountain region.
The remodeled Rialto opened to great fanfare on October 17, 1922, with the silent film Nice People, accompanied by a live performance from the Chicago Netto Ladies Orchestra. Designed by Casper architects William Dubois and Leon Goodrich, the theater boasted 800 seats, an orchestra pit, and state-of-the-art amenities like a Carrier Air Washer Ventilating system, providing fresh air every six minutes—a modern marvel of its time.
The Rialto thrived through Casper’s oil boom in the 1920s, becoming the city’s premier movie house. Despite the economic downturn of the late 1920s, it endured, adapting to technological advancements by becoming the first theater in Casper to showcase “talkies” with a Vitaphone sound system in 1928.
Beyond its cinematic contributions, the Rialto has played an integral role in Casper's downtown business district. Its storefronts have housed various enterprises over the decades, including the long-standing Rialto Soda Fountain.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993, the Rialto is celebrated not only for its architectural charm but also for its resilience through the boom-and-bust cycles of Casper's economy. Today, after a comprehensive renovation in 2024, the Rialto continues to serve as a vibrant venue for live performances, comedy, and community events, standing as a proud testament to Casper's rich cultural heritage.
