Bay City Players Honors Volunteers as 96th Season Kicks Off

Bay City Players, Michigan's oldest continuously operating community theatre, recognized top volunteers for the organization in an event held especially for them.

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Doris Perry of Essexville. Doris has been working with costumes on various shows at Players for the last few years and always does so with such positive and enthusiastic energy that it is contagious. Although Doris works on costumes, she is willing to help out in any capacity such as props or as a dresser backstage.

The Dorothy and Ken Arnett Distinguished Volunteer award is Bay City Players highest distinction. It is presented for intense dedication and work that has provided a source of life to Bay City Players. The recipient of this award not only receives a plaque but their name is put on permanent display in Bay City Players lobby.

This distinguished award was given to Nina Spiess. Nina has been a longtime volunteer of Players in giving of her time, talent, and treasure. Recently, Players was gifted a lovely baby grand piano, an heirloom piece, by Nina that is now proudly displayed in Player's lobby. Nina and her late husband Bob were Players Volunteers for decades with Bob playing in the pit orchestra. Nina made her dynamic presence known in such outstanding roles as Bloody Mary in South Pacific, Golda in Players first production of Fiddler on the Roof, and, of course, Mama Rose in a production of Gypsy.