Why The Avalon Theater Is the Beating Heart of Marysville’s Arts Revival

By Derek SchwynHost, The Good Stuff Podcast

When people think of community change, they often picture big infrastructure projects or new businesses moving in. But sometimes, the most powerful transformation starts with a spotlight, a stage, and the people who believe in its potential.

In a recent conversation on The Good Stuff Podcast, I had the chance to sit down again with

Ryan Bowie, Executive Director of the Avalon Theater, to talk about the progress, challenges, and exciting vision for the Avalon—one of Marysville’s most dynamic cultural spaces.

And let me tell you, the Avalon isn’t just a theater. It’s a community engine.

🎭 A Stage for All Seasons

Since stepping into his role a few years ago, Ryan has been on a mission: transform the Avalon into a true cultural hub. Gone are the days of a one-note movie house. Today, the Avalon blends classic films, live theater, children’s performances, concerts, and even a dog circus (yes, really).

This year alone, they’ve expanded their live programming to include:

• It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical

• Charlotte’s Web and The Outrageous and Twisted Tales of Poe for school field trips

• An upcoming Candlelight Concert series

• Holiday favorites like White Christmas and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Plus, they’re working with schools, nonprofits, and professional performers to ensure the arts stay accessible and diverse.

💰 What It Really Takes to Put on a Show

Most of us buy a ticket and enjoy the magic. But behind the scenes? There’s a hustle happening. As Ryan shared, showing a single holiday film like White Christmas can cost $350—for one night. A live performance like A Christmas Carol? Over $3,900 just for royalties, costumes, and props—not including utilities or staffing.

And let’s not forget: the Avalon is a nonprofit. Every ticket, every sponsorship, every membership is vital to keep the curtain rising.

“The Avalon, like any nonprofit, is always a month away from just going away,” Ryan said. “We put on a great face, but it’s always life or death behind the scenes.”

That’s not drama. That’s reality.

📍 Why Staying Local Matters More Than Ever

Ryan also touched on something we all need to hear: gratitude for what we have. Marysville’s arts scene may not look like Columbus or Nashville—and it shouldn’t. Its strength lies in its community roots, the local talent, and the people who choose to show up.

“If we don’t support what we have here, they’re not going to survive. And the new ones won’t come,” he noted.

The Avalon is helping to redefine what it means to have meaningful, high-quality cultural experiences without leaving town. And it’s creating a space where everyone—kids, parents, artists, and newcomers—can find their place.

💡 How You Can Get Involved

The Avalon recently launched a comprehensive Wish Book & Sponsorship Guide—a Sears-catalog-style booklet that shows exactly how you can support the theater.

📘 Inside, you’ll find:

• Funding needs for specific productions (like t-shirts for the children’s choir)

• Sponsorship opportunities with real perks (think free tickets, buy-one-get-one shows)

• Volunteer roles

• Membership benefits that go beyond “your name in the program”

Explore the Wish Book at avalontheater.org/wishbook

✨ Final Curtain Call (for Now)

If you’ve ever said, “There’s nothing to do in Marysville,” let this be your invitation to rethink that.

The Avalon is alive, evolving, and waiting for you. Whether it’s for a classic movie, a concert, a wedding, or just a night out, this historic gem is doing more than entertaining—it’s enriching the community in deep and lasting ways.

➡️ Sign up for the Good Stuff Newsletter for updates on uplifting local stories, interviews, and ways to get involved.

🎟️ Visit AvalonTheater.org to buy tickets, become a member, or sponsor a show.

Because when you support the arts, you’re not just buying a ticket. You’re investing in your town.And that, my friends, is the good stuff.