Bay Street Theatre Announces Community Meeting to Discuss Future Plans, 1/12

Bay Street Theatre has announced it will be holding an "ALL COMMUNITY MEETING" on Thursday, January 12 from 7-9pm to discuss Bay Street Theatre's future plans in 2013. Theatre management and some of the board members will be in attendance to discuss their move out of their 20 year home on the corner of Bay and Main Streets. Everyone is welcome.

Bay Street Theatre has been a Sag Harbor Village arts and community haven for over 20 years. As a professional not for profit regional theatre, Bay Street is a place to enjoy top notch entertainment. In addition, Bay Street became a home for many of the community's needs – from arts education for local students and interns, to the more local needs of low-cost entertainment (such as $5 movie nights), or free evenings of jazz. Over the years, even Santa found a home at Bay Street.

"We are looking forward to a wonderful 2012 season," says Murphy David Artistic Director, "the last in a performance space that we have loved for many years. We are so grateful to have made the wharf in Sag Harbor a home and will truly miss it. That being said change is inevitable and challenges always bring out the best and the most creativity in people. So onward and upward!"

"The fact is, Bay Street is entering adulthood and it's time after 20 years to find a permanent place to call home," says Tracy Mitchell Executive Director. "We must either own our space or hold a very long term lease so that people will know that we're here to stay. This is the next stage in the evolution of any successful theatre. It's not simple, but it must be done so that funders and lovers of the arts will know that Bay Street will remain a part of the East End arts community forever."

The theater is a year-round presence on the East End, offering everything from the Mainstage Season and Comedy Club with its A-list headliners to The Picture Show which serves up classic films from September to May. Bay Street's educational outreach initiatives include the successful Literature Live program which brings classic literature to life on stage for regional schools and the public each fall. Other initiatives include the College Internship program and a musical theater camp for kids during school vacations.

Bay Street also supports the local community in very tangible ways. "Our theater-goers, staff and artists bring business to local restaurants, shops, hotels and bars. And the Theater contributes to the local economy by renting 10 to 12 homes for interns, cast and production crews as well as taking rooms at local hotels. We also purchase everything here from supplies at the hardware store to food at Schiavoni's, Corner Bar and others," says Mitchell.

A true community center, the theater also serves as a space for local musicians, forums, rental space for film festivals and seminars and served as the gathering place for debates and the inauguration. Their latest program "Benefits by Bay Street," held successful fund raisers for Hurricane victims in Haiti and Earthquake victims in Japan.

The Community Meeting is free and open to the public.