Bay City Players

Bay City Players calls itself the oldest continuously operating community theatre in Michigan, and its story stretches back more than a century. The volunteer-based company stages a full season of plays and musicals in a converted movie theater on Columbus Avenue, and it is one of the best-loved cultural institutions in town. This guide covers its history, its building, the current season and how to buy tickets or get involved.

A history that goes back to 1917

According to Bay County, the company was founded in 1917 by Mrs. J.D. Grinnell of Bay City. A 2017 Associated Press story reported that the group picked March 1917 as its official year of birth, while noting that its lineage could be traced to the Bay City Art Club, which began in 1899. The first season is said to have included The Twelve Pound Note and Riders to the Sea. The troupe kept performing through both world wars, which is part of why it describes itself as Michigan's oldest continuously operating community theatre. In fall 2017 the Players celebrated their 100th season, and the 2026-27 season is numbered the 109th.

A movie theater turned playhouse

The Players' home at 1214 Columbus Avenue began life as a movie house. It opened in 1916 as the Pictureland Theater, with about 360 seats and one screen, and over the years it was also called the Columbus Theater, the Tivoli Theater and, from 1948, the Pines Theater. It stopped showing movies when it closed in 1954. The Bay City Players bought the building in the mid-1950s (Bay County gives 1954, while a theater-history site says 1955) and have staged their productions there since.

Season 109 (2026-27)

The Players' website lists these productions for Season 109:

• The Crucible: October 16-18 and 23-25, 2026.
• The Land of Forgotten Toys: December 4-6 and 10-13, 2026.
• The Savannah Sipping Society: January 15-17, 2027.
• Escanaba in da Moonlight: January 29-31 and February 5-7, 2027, presented by The Friction Theatre and not part of the Flex Pass.
• Finding Nemo Jr.: March 12-13 and 19-21, 2027, an Encore Youtheatre production.
• Guys and Dolls: April 23-25, April 30-May 2 and May 7-9, 2027.

Dates and showtimes can change, so confirm on the theatre's site. We add the dates to our events calendar, where you can send any show to Google Calendar. Earlier in 2026 the calendar also lists Jekyll & Hyde and Leading Ladies.

Tickets and the box office

• Buy online through the "Buy Tickets" link on the Players' website. The theatre also sells a Flex Pass and gift cards.
• Call (989) 893-5555 with questions. Box-office hours are seasonal: a 2026 post said the theatre was closed on Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so check before you stop by.
• Follow the Players on social media for offers. The website mentions a discount for followers.

Get involved

Community theatre runs on volunteers: a 2017 report put the Players' volunteer base at about 400 people. The theatre's website has sections on casting calls, youth programs, relaxed performances, volunteering and ways to support the company. If you are new to town, working on a show is one of the quickest ways to meet people. See our moving to Bay City guide for other ways to settle in.

Make a night of it

• Dinner first: D'Angelo's (1305 Columbus Ave) and Buddy's Columbus Cone (801 Columbus Ave) are on Columbus Avenue, and downtown restaurants are a short drive away. See the Eat page.
• A drink after: try a spot from our Nightlife page.
• More performances: the State Theatre and the Historic Masonic Temple host concerts, comedy and film. See Things to Do.
• Family shows: Finding Nemo Jr. and The Land of Forgotten Toys are good picks for kids. See our kid-friendly day guide.

Sources

Facts come from the Bay City Players website, a Bay County announcement honoring the company, a 2017 Associated Press report and the Cinema Treasures entry for the building. Sources differ on the year the building was bought, and we note that above. This guide is independent and is not run by the theatre.

By the Bay City Guide team · Updated October 2026.