Graham Powers settling in but not settling

By Ross Boissoneau

Sun contributor

What do hospitals and theaters have in common? More than one might think. At least, that’s the contention of Graham Powers, the general manager of the Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay.

Powers came to his position after working on the hospitality side of healthcare with Parkview Health System in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana. “My professional background is in healthcare management and hospitality. There are a lot of parallels in theater management,” Powers says. Such as the fact they are both community-facing, serve large segments of the populace, and in the case of the Bay and Parkview, both are not-for-profits.

In addition, Powers says he was ready for a change. He grew up in a rich cultural area, his father serving as president of the board of a local National Public Radio station in Indiana. He wanted to utilize his skills and experience, but in a different setting from healthcare

And that setting would include moving to an area rich in both cultural opportunities and the outdoor recreation he and his girlfriend loved. It turned out they found both where he’d spent time as a youngster. “I knew the region growing up. Sleeping Bear, I biked, hiked,” Powers says. “As my girlfriend and I were looking, we wanted a smaller city. Traverse City checked a lot of boxes,” he says.

That’s when a posting for a new GM for the theater in Suttons Bay caught his eye. Even though he had no actual theater experience, he impressed the board enough in his interview – and vice versa – that he was offered and accepted the job. “This is where I want to be,” he says, noting the lifestyle and cultural amenities as well as the job at the Bay. With a symphony and numerous musical groups, theatrical organizations, culinary prowess, numerous wineries, breweries and distilleries – which often feature music – combined with the beauty of the outdoors offering biking, the navigating the waters, the two saw a rich future. And when the temperatures fall, he’s even more excited about diving in to explore. “We’re winter people, love to ski and snowshoe.”

Powers said while he wasn’t familiar with the industry coming in, he’s been a quick learner. That includes continuing to position the Bay as a community hub as well as a movie theater.

That parallels the story of other downtown theaters in smaller communities, such as the Garden in Frankfort or the Vogue in Manistee. Powers says he has good relationships with those and other small-town theaters, from the Lyric in Harbor Springs to the Elk Rapids Cinema. “That’s nice, especially since many are also non-profits.”

Powers says there continues to be opportunities to explore for and at the Bay. He was excited to be hired in time for the launch of the Made in Michigan series, a monthly showing of a film created by Michigan based filmmakers. That included a showing of the film Detroit, the City of Hot Rods & Muscle Cars, with an appearance by director and producer Keith Famie and a car show.

Powers says the film is both a history and an homage to the Motor City, and two shows sold out. He adds that it is the kind of thing he’s looking to continue. “It’s the movie industry,” he says of the Bay, “but it’s a different experience from a multiplex. Live events, movie events – that’s the direction we want to move towards. We have an opportunity to go above and beyond with events (so) we are sustainable.”

The live presentations may range from music to holiday celebrations of all sorts. St. Patrick’s Day with a live Irish band, a Christmas concert with the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, storytelling, multi-media presentations – “We’re always working on different things like that. I’m always looking for new ideas and suggestions.”

There are regular special events too. The Cinema Society meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 1 p.m. to watch a classic film, followed by a discussion afterwards. The films range from classics like Some Like It Hot and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to Jaws and Back to the Future. The screening is free for Bay Theatre members and $2 for the general public.

Then there’s Tuesday Dollar Family Matinees, which take place every Tuesday (of course) at 1 p.m. These movies include things like Shrek, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Harry Potter. And of course, it shows regular first-run films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 and Barbie.

Overall, Powers is thrilled by what he’s seen and what he’s been able to do thus far. And he feels like he’s just getting started. “It’s been such a great opportunity. We’ll see what the future holds. I’m excited.”