Q&A: Behind the curtain with the Bay City Players Managing Director

Kady Booth has been the Managing Director at Bay City Players, 1214 Columbus Ave., since August 2023. Graduating from Oakland University in 2022 with her degree in Theater, Booth has been involved in the theater world for as long as she can remember. She was first introduced to Players through stage managing the 2023 summer production of “Newsies.” She now sits on six different committees within Players and serves as the Chair of the Bay Arts and Culture Commission. Booth brings her theater knowledge to the forefront of her job.

QUESTION: The website proclaims the Players as the oldest continuously operating community theater in Michigan. Can you share some of the history of the Bay City Players?

ANSWER: Bay City Players has been part of this community for over a century and it is such an honor to carry this legacy. Players was founded by Emily Grinnell in 1917 when she joined the Musical-Art Club here in Bay City, eventually leading her to suggest that the club stage the plays rather than just read them. We didn’t have a “home theater” until we purchased the former Pines Theatre in 1954. Prior to this, the group of ladies performed their shows on the road in people’s living rooms. Once the group gained more participants, bigger venues became necessary, so they traveled all throughout Bay City, performing at venues such as the Historic Masonic Temple, the Westover Opera Houses, and more. This group even continued to produce plays during both World War I and World War II.

Q: What are some of the most memorable productions in Players history, and what made them memorable? Are there any special shows from your history with the Players?

A: The show that I will always hold near and dear to my heart is “Newsies.” It’s what brought me to Players and it’s the reason I’m now in this position. We have had some incredibly memorable shows within our 108-year history, with stand-outs being our recent production of “Oklahoma!,” and our 2017 production of “Annie,” both of which were completely sold out. If the community supports a production to the point where it is 100% sold out, with waiting lists, then that will always be a memorable production for us.

Q: There are studies and organizations showing the impact of community theaters, such as this statement from the American Association of Community Theatre. How do you see the Players benefiting our community?

A: We work to provide a safe space for quality arts programming to exist. Those that are exposed to the arts, whether as a participant or a patron, have been shown to have improved mental health and cognitive function. Arts education in youth is even more impactful as it also leads to increased college attendance and academic achievement. There are countless studies that showcase just how impactful arts exposure can be for an individual.

As far as how Players benefits our community as a whole, we just recently launched our Together in CommUNITY campaign, aimed at supporting organizations that help the citizens of our community. We have supported the Bay Area Women’s Center, Hidden Harvest, McLaren Prevention Services, and more.

We have existed in this city for over a century, and with such a legacy to carry, it’s important we make clear that we are part of this community and that we work for this community. We are continuously expanding our efforts in this area and we are very excited to eventually launch more partnerships with businesses in Bay City.

Q: How can people get involved in the Players?

A: There are so many ways someone could get involved at Players. You don’t even have to be onstage. We have countless opportunities here, whether it’s in the Front of House, selling tickets at our box office during a performance, running concessions, greeting patrons, or passing out programs, or in the Back of House, running the light or sound board, creating props, constructing or painting the set, and more.

One of the best ways you can be involved at Players is by coming to see our shows. We wouldn’t exist without our volunteers or our patrons.

Q: Tell us about the upcoming season, including how to get tickets.

A: We have a jam-packed season this year and we are so excited to show the community the talent that exists in our city.

• “Dial M for Murder,” Sept. 5-7 & 12-14
• “Art,” Oct. 10-12
• “Ten November,” Nov. 1 & 2
• “A Jukebox for the Algonquin,” Nov. 13-16
• The Friction Theatre’s “Plaid Tidings,” Dec. 11-14
• “Glass Menagerie,” Jan. 23-25 & 30 – Feb. 1
• “Morning After Grace,” Feb. 20-22
• “Peter and the Starcatcher,” March 13-15 & 21-22
• “Anastasia,” April 23-26 & 30 – May 3.

Tickets are $22 and $26 for adults and $12 for students. They are available online or by calling the box office at (989) 893-5555.