Happy anniversary Thunder Bay Theatre!

Northeast Michigan is a mecca for the arts, and perhaps nothing exemplifies that assertion better than Thunder Bay Theatre. Today it is an anchor to a vibrant local arts community that annually brings in some of the best up and coming talent from across the country.

Like all of us, it has changed a lot in 50 years. And, just as we would like to think we have weathered that time well, the same can be said for TBT. Keith Titus, an arts visionary, understood the potential of what a professional year round theatre could look like. He moved his vision from dream form to reality, and the result of that is the celebration today of 50 years.

Over those 50 years there have been laughs, tears, surprises and shocks. There have been good times and bad.

And wow, has there been the faces. Both local legends and rookie novices “cutting their teeth” have called TBT home over the years.

In short, it has been the place to go for wonderful live professional entertainment.

Over the next several weeks readers are going to learn more about a new capital campaign the TBT board of directors are introducing. It will be a campaign designed to make improvements to the building that houses both the theatre and apartments for its group of resident actors. It is the TBT board’s attempt to start the process of ensuring the next 50 years are as rich and meaningful for Northeast Michigan residents as the first 50.

We always have been a supporter of TBT efforts.

We hope you are too.

Cheers to TBT’s celebration.