The Sauk - Trinity Bird

by Elyse Apel

The arts are alive and well in Hillsdale County and at The Sauk in Jonesville, says executive director Trinity Bird, who has a positive outlook on the organization’s future.

Located in the heart of downtown Jonesville, the county’s one and only community theater offers laughter, heartfelt performances, and family-friendly entertainment all year round. Trinity believes that is invaluable.

“The arts enrich the community,” Trinity explains. “The first night of every show is pay what you want because we know that. We do that because we want everyone, no matter their financial means, to be able to come see theater.”

For Trinity, his love for The Sauk all started while writing for a local paper during a high school work-study program. In 1995, he walked into the theater to cover a show.

“I remember thinking how intimate and special the space felt. It was unlike any other theater I’d been in,” he recalls.

Soon after he began volunteering—doing everything from teaching a polka and fixing a broken light board to running lights and drumming in the orchestra. That solidified his existing love for theater and he then decided to pursue a degree in it from Grand Valley State University.

Trinity stayed plugged in at The Sauk though, eventually directing his very first show at the young age of 19. Now, more than 20 years later, he is the theater’s only employee.

“Everybody who comes into this building is a volunteer,” Trinity says. “I have the best job. Everyone who wants to be in the building is here because they want to be in the building, which is great.”

The Sauk is located inside a modest almost-90-year-old building right on Jonesville’s main street. Despite its prominent location, Trinity says he still struggles with getting the word out to the community.

“This building has been here for nearly 100 years, and there are still people who don't even know there is a theater in Jonesville. We want to be able to share what we do with everyone in the community,” Trinity says. “We are the least expensive theater in the area. That is intentional and we are trying very hard to keep it that way.”

Though tickets are affordable, Trinity explains that doesn’t mean the theater sacrifices quality. Quite the contrary, in fact. Going into 2026, the theater’s schedule is already full to the brim with unique productions.

The mainstage season for the theater consists of five large-scale productions, complete with elaborate sets, live orchestras, and full technical crews. This coming year, those performances will include “Arsenic and Old Lace” in February, “The Odd Couple” in June, “Footloose” in August, “Disney’s Frozen - The Broadway Musical” in October, and “Little Women” in December.

Complementing this is the series called SaukSeconds, which features smaller, more experimental works. Those will include “Sauk Shorts” in March, the musical “John and Jen” in April, and Jeff Daniels’s “Pickleball” in August. The theater also hosts a children’s summer show, a 24-hour theatre project, an auction fundraiser, and much more.

All of these productions are open for auditions from the community. Trinity says The Sauk’s doors are always open, no matter your experience level.

“There’s a stigma that community theater is cliquey, but we love new people,” he explains. “Just call. Stop by. Audition. We’ll get you involved.”

New partnerships will also bring additional performances to The Sauk. In October 2026, Young Michigan Dances will perform a dance-theatre performance based on Michigan folklore.

“They provide the dancers, the choreographer, the director and the script. We provide the actors and the technical aspects,” Trinity explains. “While there will be two public performances, we will largely be busing in local elementary schools to come see the show, which we are really excited about.”

2026 will also feature an expanded collaboration with Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company. In the past, the company has performed in November, but in 2026 they’ll be participating in River Fest Weekend in May with a trio of performances including “Buzzed Bard,” “Shakespeare for Kids” in the Wright Street Park, and “Playhouse Creatures.”

Trinity says that none of this would be possible without the 350 to 400 volunteers who pour their hearts into everything at the theater from lighting design and building sets, to ushering guests and gardening.

“We have one woman who comes in just to clean bathrooms,” Trinity says. “Another volunteers as our gardener. If you want to help, we’ll find a place for you.”

Running the theater is not without its challenges. Trinity explains that The Sauk’s aging building continues to be a concern, especially its outdated plumbing and seating.

“This place reminds us every day that it's nearly 90 years old. I’ve learned more about toilets than I ever wanted to know.” Trinity says, laughing. “Yet, every time we’ve needed help, the community has stepped up. Even during COVID, we ended the year in profit. I can’t think of another theater I know of that did that.”

For Trinity, he explains that his fulfillment will always come from getting to share the arts with the local community.

“We want The Sauk to be the community’s theater,” he says.

To learn more about donating, volunteering, auditioning, or buying tickets, visit www.thesauk.org. You can also call (517) 849-9100 or stop by the theater during business hours  at 240 East Chicago St., Jonesville.