The best professional collectives of the Altai province were gathered into the Barnaul troupe, which was named the first State theater. He opened his first season on the stage of the People's House (now the building of the regional philharmonic society) in November 1921. It received the status of the Altai Regional Drama Theater in 1937, a new building according to a standard design - in 1972, the name of an outstanding countryman - in 1991. In 2006, a major reconstruction of the theater building was carried out. The main hall is designed for 711 spectators, the experimental stage - for 183 people.

The performances staged by the "drama" participate and become laureates of major Russian festivals, touring the cities of Siberia. The annual repertoire includes more than 25 performances in a very wide range: different eras and genres. The theater has a museum exposition, guided tours and art exhibitions.