about us
THUMBCOAST LIVE THEATERS - A Michigan Arts Destination
Our mission is to provide professional quality, affordable performing arts in a rural community, attract tourism to drive economic impact in the region, and provide an educational element that encourages people to discover and develop their gifts and promotes a lifelong affinity for the arts. Our founder, Kathy Vertin, envisioned this area becoming an arts destination in a beautiful setting within an hour of most of Metro Detroit and acted on that vision in 2012 with the purchase of a storefront in downtown Marine City, followed by a second venue in 2014 in the historic Marine City Bank building. Three years after the initial investment the operation became self-sustaining and was converted to a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a board of directors. That same year, the Riverbank Performing Arts Academy launched and the vision was realized. With the support of a very loyal and engaged patron base, a host of committed and talented staff and performers, and generous advisors and donors, we continue to grow and advance the arts.
OUR VENUES
THE SNUG THEATRE
Our first venue a 98-seat professional performing arts space, located in a quaint storefront on the river in downtown Marine City is now home to Riverbank Performing Arts Academy, where we offer professional training in all aspects of performing to all ages. With a dedicated space, the Academy can now offer year round educational programs taught by credentialed arts professionals. We are excited to offer K-12 theater, dance, and music training, as well as special adult programs for those who want to polish up or develop latent talents.
RIVERBANK THEATRE
Our 180-seat venue, Riverbank Theatre is located in the historic Marine Savings Bank building in downtown Marine City, Michigan. With its bank vaults and early 1900s architecture still intact, theatre- goers will feel as though they are stepping back in time. Riverbank accommodates patrons with tiered and box seating and features state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology. There are no bad seats and the size provides an intimate theater experience.
THE BOARDWALK THEATRE
The overwhelming support from theatre-goers, local businesses, sponsors, and donors prompted Riverbank to expand once again with the addition of a new, 12,000 sq. ft., 370-seat venue in downtown St. Clair, a riverfront town immediately upriver from our existing facilities. This venue will include professional features such as dynamic lighting, projection, and sound systems, and a fly which will enable greater staging versatility. The added capacity will accommodate the higher demand for big name musicals and plays that audiences love without sacrificing the up close and personal experience we have always offered. We think this is the perfect size and location to continue the vision for creating an arts destination on the River.
GALLERY
