Michigan Theater Foundation - Organizational History
The story of the historic Michigan Theater is an example of a community’s vision, creativity, and determination succeeding over the bleakness of decline, indifference, and decay. It is a drama of successful rebirth, initiated by active community involvement, nurtured by a unique mix of cultural programming and sustained by dynamic community support.




Today, the Michigan and State theaters are open 365 days a year and nearly 360,000 people attend events annually. The MTF also serves over 7,100 paid members. In addition to its stewardship of the facility, the MTF’s programs include being a community gathering place for organizations like the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, University Musical Society, The Ark, and University of Michigan departments and clubs; an exceptional film exhibition space and a venue for a variety of live-on-stage attractions like the Not Just for Kids series of children’s theater productions, concerts on the restored Barton Theater Organ, and silent-era films presented with live musical accompaniment. This combination of community service, media arts, and performance programs is arguably unparalleled anywhere in diversity, quality and scope – especially for a market the scale of the Ann Arbor area.
