Welcome to The Bay
The Bay Community Theatre Organization was founded in December 2018 to continue the long legacy of a community-oriented movie house in the heart of Suttons Bay. For more than 70 years The Bay has been a place for the community to come together to enjoy wonderful films and live events.
In late 2018, the family-owned Bay Theatre was set to close permanently. Upon hearing this news, the local community rallied to create a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and take over the operation of the theatre. The new non-profit showed its first film on New Years Day 2019. During 2019, community support continued to grow with enthusiastic movie-lovers, a large group of volunteers and generous donations. Attendance grew 45% in 2019 to more than 17,000 visitors.
In December 2019, the non-profit Bay Community Theatre Organization purchased the theatre building at 214 N. Saint Joseph Street in Suttons Bay.
Our Mission
“Our mission is to enhance the access and appreciation for cinema, performing, and literary arts by providing a local venue for cultural, intellectual, and educational programs, and to maintain and protect the historic Bay Theatre building.”
Our Organization
We operate the theatre with a small paid staff and dedicated volunteers. The organization relies on ticket and concessions sales, theatre rentals, donations, corporate sponsorships, and patron memberships. Members elect the board of directors each year in our annual meeting in February.