Theatre by the Bay’s mission is to produce high-quality professional theatre productions at an affordable price, in Barrie. Indeed, prior to the establishment of Theatre by the Bay, residents of Central Ontario would have to look southward to Toronto for professional theatre and such cultural events.

It is also our goal to have a positive impact on the region’s economy by hiring performers and technical staff, wherever possible, from the local area. We will strive to increase job opportunities in the region, generate support for the arts by businesses and individuals locally and across the province and promote arts education.

In addition, we are confident that our high caliber theatrical productions will increase the volume of visitors to Barrie and will positively impact the region’s tourism and service industries.

Why Barrie?
Apart from being one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Barrie is also undoubtedly one of our country’s most vibrant communities. Barrie is home to a wide variety of top-notch events and attractions — including Kempenfest, North America’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market, as well as the world-class MacLaren Arts Centre, home to an impressive Rodin sculpture collection — and now professional theatre!

By bringing Theatre by the Bay to Barrie (which is, incidentally, the hometown of Larissa Mair, our company’s founder), we believe we are adding an important new cultural dimension to both the city and Central Ontario. Easily accessible thanks to its proximity to an excellent network of major highways, Barrie is an important hub for many social, leisure and sporting activities, as well as industrial and commercial enterprises.

Barrie is also close to many smaller communities that don’t offer theatre of this caliber, and bringing Theatre by the Bay to the city has helped us fulfill our mandate of providing professional yet affordable theatre to residents and visitors alike.