State Theatre

This old theatre has been renovated and is a really unique building downtown. The theme is ancient Mayan/​Aztec and features a star-​lit nighttime sky scene on the ceiling. There’s a balcony and floor seating that’s not uncomfortable Toluca back in. The sound and visuals are good, and they can even play reels-​not just digital formats. There’s concession and an old box office. I’ve seen a number of independent films and a concert here. All very good experiences!

This is an old theatre in downtown Bay City. Really a gorgeous building. We were walking down the street after breakfast and I noticed the flyers in the window. One of them was for, what seemed to be, a local independent movie. There was also a special screening of a documentary on the Great Lakes and a showing of ‘Bounty’ all set to line up with Tall Ship Week in nearby Saginaw Bay.
My partner grew up in Bay City and remembered going there as a child and teen, she wasn’t sure if it was still open initially. Turns out it was open, and also open for entry. We headed in, expecting to just check out the lobby and say hi, the owner or manager Paul was inside and when we explained that we were just looking around, he told us to go into the theatre and up on the balcony. We were there at a good time because a group of children would be arriving soon.
I was really impressed with the theater area itself. Very versatile with a curtain, a nice sized stage and a movie screen. Apparently they run movies as filler, with the true passion of the place being plays and live shows (music and comedy). It really did look like a stage that would be excellent to play.
I was very impressed that the balcony was not only present but that we were able to go up onto it, there are many old theaters that simply cannot keep up with the costs of keeping a balcony, nor the costs to remove one. I can remember numerous occasions when balconies have been roped off due to safety, or liability, concerns.
Turns out Wenonah’s Secret, the movie I mentioned, was not only independent and local, it was filmed in Bay City as well. That is an awesome thing to be able to see in a movie theater. Excellent job State Theater!