Theatre by the Bay has announced its 2026 Signature Season, marking the company’s 25th anniversary with a confident and forward-looking lineup that reflects its continued commitment to elevated, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable professional theatre in Barrie and beyond. The anniversary season also reinforces the organization’s strong mandate to support emerging artists through mentorship, training, and creative development.

Alongside its public programming, Theatre by the Bay continues to expand its artist development pathways in 2026 through three core initiatives. The Producer’s Mentorship Program, presented by Angela Baldwin, supports emerging producers through hands-on professional experience. The Anna Small Theatre Lab, presented by Anna Small, continues to support new work development and playwright mentorship. New for 2026, the Mair Youth Mentorship Program will guide nine young performers through professional theatre training and performance, led by co-founder and Toronto casting director Larissa Mair, providing direct mentorship and real-world experience within a professional production environment.

The 2026 season launches on May 12 with Murder by the Bay, presented by Napoleon, an entertaining and immersive theatrical whodunnit experience that places audiences at the centre of the mystery. Known for its clever twists, playful suspense, and highly interactive format, the production will feature a special surprise guest appearance and continues to grow as one of the company’s most anticipated annual events. Attendance is limited to 150 guests, creating an intimate and unforgettable theatrical experience.

From June 4 to 13, 2026, Theatre by the Bay will present the Barrie Theatre Festival, presented by Tourism Barrie, at the Five Points Theatre. This curated 10-day festival will feature six one-hour professional productions from across Canada, showcasing award-winning national artists alongside exciting new original work. The festival is designed to be accessible, engaging, and welcoming for audiences while strengthening Barrie’s role as a destination for professional theatre.

The summer season continues with an expanded regional footprint as Forever Plaid travels beyond Barrie for a special engagement at the Gravenhurst Opera House from August 11 to 19, 2026, prior to its Five Points Theatre run from August 21 to 29, 2026. Presented by Sandra Ramos, IG Private Wealth Management, this award-winning musical comedy, filled with harmony, humour, and heart, features outstanding professional performers with credits from Broadway, Mirvish and Stratford. Forever Plaid exemplifies Theatre by the Bay’s commitment to delivering polished, professional productions that audiences love while expanding access to high-quality live theatre across the region.

At the Five Points Theatre, the summer season continues from August 19 to 29, 2026, with the renewed and reimagined Young Company: Treasure Island. When a mysterious pirate arrives at the inn run by Jim’s mother, it sets the stage for the adventure of a lifetime. After receiving a treasure map from the infamous Billy Bones, Jim sets off on a journey alongside an unlikely companion, only to discover that members of the crew may not be who they claim to be. Filled with humour, adventure, and heart, this lively pantomime-inspired production celebrates friendship, kindness, and the power of doing the right thing. Created especially for young audiences and the adults who bring them, the production features a cast of nine young performers and serves as the performance component of the Mair Youth Mentorship Program, with participants working alongside professional artists under the direction of co-founder Larissa Mair.

The season concludes on September 28, 2026, with Stars Come Out at the Five Points Theatre, presented by Galina Johnston, IG Private Wealth Management, Theatre by the Bay’s signature cabaret-style VIP fundraising evening. Consistently sold out, the event brings together stars from Broadway, Mirvish, Stratford and television alongside theatre supporters and community leaders in celebration and support of professional theatre in the region.

“The 2026 season represents a clear and exciting step forward for Theatre by the Bay,” said Glenn Coulson, Executive Producer. “It’s about delivering elevated theatre experiences that are professional, accessible and genuinely enjoyable, while building meaningful pathways for artists through mentorship and education. This anniversary year is a celebration of how far we’ve come, and a statement about where we’re going next.”

Doug Jure, Chair of the Board, emphasized the importance of balancing artistic excellence with sustainability and community impact. “This season reflects a thoughtful balance between exceptional entertainment for audiences, a strong and fiscally responsible foundation, and meaningful development opportunities for Barrie artists. Theatre by the Bay continues to strengthen its role in Barrie by presenting professional work while investing in the next generation of theatre creators.”

For Co-founder and Board member Larissa Mair, the season’s emphasis on mentorship is central to the organization’s mission. “Mentorship and education are part of Theatre by the Bay’s DNA,” said Mair. “From working directly with young performers through the Mair Youth Mentorship Program and Treasure Island, to supporting new playwrights through the Anna Small Theatre Lab and emerging leaders through the Producer’s Mentorship Program, this season reflects how we are building both great experiences for audiences and real opportunities for artists.”

Tickets for the 2026 Signature Season are on sale now. Special group packages, student and senior discounts will be available. Audiences are encouraged to purchase early as several productions are expected to sell out.

For more information and tickets, visit theatrebythebay.com.