Crowdfunding campaign launches in Alpena to re-open the Thunder Bay Theatre
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LANSING - The local nonprofit Thunder Bay Theatre in Alpena is ready to bring back high-quality, live theater to Northeast Michigan after two fires and a six-year hiatus. This project will be fulfilled through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Thunder Bay Theatre, Inc. announced on Tuesday, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by Nov. 14, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/tbayt.
"Theatres are public institutions that go beyond being a space for shows; they often provide resources and community programming," said Paula Holtz, MEDC Managing Director for Regional Development. "Thunder Bay Theatre is just that kind of theatre, and we are proud to provide resources for this effort through our PSCP program."
Since 2023, the historic theatre building at 400 N 2nd Ave in Downtown Alpena has been under a monumental $2 million renovation. Every inch of the space has been repaired or restored, and the project is so close to welcoming the community back to the theatre to enjoy high-energy musicals, thought-provoking dramas, kids’ productions, free arts programming, community events, and so much more.
Funding from this campaign will complete the final touches needed to open the doors to the theatre. Specifically, these funds will purchase new stage lights for the auditorium, build a lighting grid and rigging system, purchase new speakers, a compatible sound board, and wireless mics, purchase a new assisted listening system, and fully furnish the lobby so it can be used for year-round gatherings, public events, and arts experiences. In a given year, Thunder Bay Theatre produces a year-round schedule of theater productions including musicals, children's shows, comedies and dramas, and educational programs for students.
"After two devastating fires and a six-year hiatus, Thunder Bay Theatre is ready to rise from the ashes and bring live, professional theatre back to Northeast Michigan," said Anne Gentry, Thunder Bay Theatre Board President. "We're incredibly close to reopening our doors, but we need the community's help to get to opening night. Before we can reopen, we need to purchase a new lighting and sound system for the auditorium, along with furniture for our lobby. Thanks to the MEDC's Public Spaces Community Places grant program, every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar, if we reach our $50,000 fundraising goal. Together, we can complete this renovation and bring Thunder Bay Theatre back to life."
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League and Patronicity, in which residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan.
"As the region's only year-round professional theater, Thunder Bay Theatre is a wonderful community asset," said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. "This restoration process is a great example of investments in infrastructure, both physical and cultural, that will benefit Alpena and northeast Michigan for generations to come. This is what community wealth building is all about."
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of August 18, 2026, the MEDC has provided more than $15.7 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 450 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $17.9 million raised from 81,258 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds.