Headlining Theatre by the Bay’s 2023 season are two world premieres based on compelling local stories from Barrie’s history. The company’s 21st season sees the return of the popular Simcoe County Theatre Festival, the growth of its educational programming and a feature-length documentary film.

Bobbie, by local playwright Trudee Romanek, is the uplifting story of a true Canadian sports icon, Fanny “Bobbie” Rosenfeld. It chronicles her family’s journey as they fled from the violence and turmoil of Russia to the safety of Barrie. It was here that she developed the passion for sport and began her incredible journey to become an Olympic champion. A powerful story of perseverance, passion and triumph in the face of personal and professional adversity. Running from August 30 to September 10.

Icemen, the newest play by Governor General’s Award-winning playwright, Vern Thiessen, is a gritty, edge of your seat, thriller. It’s the height of the Great Depression and two desperate brothers commit an act of vengeance and defiance against their employer who threatens to take away an important part of their livelihood - harvesting ice on Kempenfelt Bay. On stage November 1 to 12.

The Simcoe County Theatre Festival returns with six new productions written, directed, and performed by local artists. A play for every taste, including a stoner comedy, dramas, and even an opera. Put July 12 to 23 in your calendars.

 • Canoe Lake

Written by Megan Adam

Directed by Shanda Bezic

Summer resident Winnie Trainor accidentally meets Tom Thomson when he comes to Canoe Lake to paint. What follows is a poignant tale of wild non-conforming love that ends in the untimely and mysterious death of a Canadian artist.

 • Planet of the Apps

Written by Kristian Diesen

Directed by Stacey Schat

Come meet our middle-aged human as they navigate love, loneliness, golf addictions and the search for validation online. Whether in a mirror or through a screen, what does love look like in the 21st century?

 • Site #420

Created by Black Cat Studios

Directed by Archie Ballantyne

A group of four "stoner" friends finally make time to go on that camping trip together, until one friend goes mysteriously missing.

 • Sophie

Created by Alondra Vega-Zaldivar

Directed by Valeria Bravo Reyes

A one-woman opera that follows the life of a theatre actress. She recounts her life and lustrous career to a room full of reporters, but as the stories begin to unfold, her world crumbles into a brutal reality.

 • Stalling

Written by Michelle Greig

Directed by Betony Main

Two women find themselves in a pub restroom during a funeral wake. As they face the reality of loss, Stalling gives an honest portrayal of love had, love lost, and love stolen.

 • Stiff and Sons

Written by Aidan Gouveia

Directed by Rochelle Reynolds

With their funeral home on the edge of bankruptcy, one family resorts to extreme measures to save their dying business.

On Stage July 12 - 23, 2023

The Five Points Theatre

The Spark Development Series is TBTB’s new script development program. It will provide local playwrights with workshops and mentorship under the guidance of program coordinator, Leah Holder.

Twenty Years by the Bay, a feature length documentary, marks Theatre by the Bay’s 20th season. The film chronicles the company’s history, evolution, and its vision for the future. Directed by Khaleel Gandhi, it features over 20 interviews from company artists, staff members, and community members. It is a touching story about the challenges, triumphs, and heartbreaks that can come with making theatre in regional communities.

“The theme that emerged for this season is around ‘shattering ceilings,’” says Artistic Director, Iain Moggach. “To me, this theme is not just present in our shows, but Theatre by the Bay in general. We are continuing to punch above our weight and defy expectations and people are taking notice.”

For tickets and general information, please visit www.theatrebythebay.com.