Our History

The dream began in January 2001.

Theatre by the Bay was created to bring professional calibre works of theatre to beautiful Heritage Park in the City of Barrie. In August of 2002, Theatre by the Bay opened its doors inviting people from across central Ontario to enjoy Shakespeare in the park with the successful production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. In 2003, Theatre by the Bay enticed over 10,000 people from across central Ontario, Canada, and the United States to enjoy Romeo and Juliet and an enthusiastic Young Company musical, Treasure Island.

Not looking back Theatre by the Bay has enjoyed one successful season after another. Our Young Company has entertained thousands of children and adults alike with shows such as Peter Pan and Tinkerbell's Summer Adventure, Robin Hood (The Musical), The Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Snow White's Summer Adventure, Sleeping Beauty's Summer Adventure and Cinderella's Summer Adventure.

Our Main company has presented nationally reviewed and critically acclaimed productions including the William Shakespeare plays noted above in addition to As You Like It and The Comedy of Errors. Not afraid to broaden the scope of entertainment here in Barrie, Theatre by the Bay also has presented two hit musicals in past years, with the Tony Award nominated show Pump Boys and Dinettes and the hilarious show Glorious! based on the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins.

For 2010, Theatre by the Bay will present William Shakespeare's humorous and witty The Taming of the Shrew. There was so much success with Larissa Mair and Glenn Coulson collaborating on Peter Pan and Tinkerbells's Summer Adventure selling at 100% we will be presenting Aladdin and Jasmine's Summer Adventure. This classic tale will be sure to delight those aged 3 and up! We look forward to seeing you this August!

Theatre by the Bay is a non-profit organization with charitable status that relies on the generous financial support of sponsors and advertisers who share the belief in bringing live theatre to Barrie. Now in the ninth year of production Theatre by the Bay has earned a reputation for producing high calibre theatre. Without your help, Theatre by the Bay would not be able to bring such affordable, professional entertainment to our community. Together we can keep the dream alive.

Thank you for supporting the arts!