The Michigan Theater’s Family-Friendly Film Series has long been a staple of weekend life in Ann Arbor, introducing children and families to the experience of classic and contemporary films in a historic setting. But in the past year, the program underwent a major transformation: it became completely free to the public.
At the center of that decision is Molly Rowan-Deckart, executive director of Marquee Arts, the nonprofit organization that operates both the Michigan Theater and the State Theatre.
At the Michigan and State Theaters, Rowan-Deckart said, “we believe these spaces belong to everyone. Making the series free was a reflection of our mission to remove barriers and ensure that arts and culture are accessible to every member of our community.”
She emphasized that while admission may now be free for audiences, the model depends on behind-the-scenes community investment. “Of course, free isn’t truly free. It takes generous sponsors, donors and a dedicated team to make it possible, and we’re grateful for their support,” she said.
“For us, success is seeing families, students, seniors and first-time visitors share the experience together,” Rowan-Deckart added. “We want everyone to feel that the Michigan and State theatres are their theaters, and offering free programming is one of the most meaningful ways we can live that mission every day.”
A mission rooted in access
Accessibility has long been part of the theaters’ nonprofit identity, but the free Family-Friendly Film Series marks one of its most visible commitments to that goal. The shift removes a cost barrier that can be especially significant for families, transforming weekend moviegoing into a truly open-door community experience.
The response, Rowan-Deckart said, has been immediate and enthusiastic. “The response has been incredible,” she said. One standout example was a seasonal tradition that quickly grew under the new model. “One of the biggest successes was making our annual White Christmas screening free. It quickly became our most attended free family film of the year and brought generations of families together to celebrate a beloved holiday tradition.”
“Moments like that reinforce our mission,” she added. “When we remove barriers to access, more people discover that the Michigan and State theatres are truly their theaters. That’s what being rooted in community is all about.”
Why theaters still matter in the streaming era
In an age when families have endless viewing options at home, the Michigan Theater is leaning into what cannot be replicated on a screen in isolation: shared experience.
“Streaming offers convenience, but it can’t replicate the experience of sharing a film with hundreds of other people in a historic theater,” Rowan-Deckart said. “There is something special about laughing together, holding your breath during a pivotal scene, and applauding at the end. It becomes more than watching a movie. It becomes a shared memory.”
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“Our theaters have been bringing people together for nearly a century, and that sense of community is as important today as ever,” she added. “We believe the best entertainment doesn’t just happen on the screen. It happens in the moments we share with one another.”
That sense of continuity is especially powerful for families returning across generations.
“When someone tells us, ‘I came here as a child, and now I’m bringing my own kids,’ it reminds us that we’re not just showing movies,” Rowan-Deckart said. “We’re helping create family traditions that span generations.”
“For nearly a century, these theaters have been a place where memories are made. It’s a privilege to see those traditions continue, and it’s exactly why we’re committed to keeping the Michigan and State theaters welcoming and accessible for every generation to come.”
Community support behind the curtain
While audiences experience the series as a free outing, Rowan-Deckart emphasized that it is only possible through sustained local support.
“What’s especially meaningful is that they aren’t just sponsoring a movie series. They’re investing in community,” she added. “They share our belief that everyone should have access to arts and culture, regardless of their ability to pay.”
More than entertainment
For Rowan-Deckart, the impact of the Family-Friendly Film Series goes beyond film programming—it is about building relationships and shared memory in a time when much media consumption is solitary.
“I hope they leave with more than memories of a great movie,” she said. “I hope they leave feeling more connected to one another and to their community.”
“In a world where so much entertainment happens individually and on personal screens, there’s something powerful about sharing an experience together,” she added. “These screenings create opportunities for families to laugh together, talk afterward and build traditions that last for generations.”
Looking ahead: a century of storytelling
As the Michigan Theater approaches its 100th anniversary, leadership is thinking not only about preservation, but about continuity and growth.
“My hope is that the Family Friendly Film Series becomes an even stronger community tradition and reaches more families every year,” Rowan-Deckart said. “We want every child in our community to have the opportunity to experience the magic of the movies on the big screen, regardless of their circumstances.”
“We’ll continue finding ways to make the series more accessible, deepen partnerships with local organizations, and create experiences that bring people together,” she said. “If, years from now, today’s children are bringing their own families back to these theaters, we’ll know we’ve done our job.”
Sharing a broader reflection on what the institution represents: “A community theater is about much more than what happens on the screen. It’s about creating a place where people feel they belong.”
“As we approach the Michigan Theater’s 100th anniversary, we’re thinking not only about celebrating our history, but about ensuring these theaters remain vibrant, welcoming, and accessible for the next 100 years. Every family we welcome today, every child who experiences the magic of the movies here for the first time, is helping shape that future. That’s the legacy we’re building together.”
Upcoming family-friendly film series schedule
- The Great Muppet Caper — Sunday, July 19 at 11 a.m.
A lighthearted musical comedy adventure where Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo travel to London to solve a jewel theft, with Miss Piggy hilariously caught in the middle of the chaos. - NYICFF: Little Kid Flicks — Sunday, July 26 at 11 a.m.
A curated program of short films designed for younger audiences, filled with imaginative, playful stories that introduce kids to creative storytelling from around the world. - NYICFF: Big Kid Flicks — Sunday, July 26 at 12:30 p.m.
A selection of engaging international short films for older children featuring adventure, humor, and inspiring coming-of-age themes. - NYICFF: ¡Hola Cine! — Sunday, July 26 at 2:30 p.m.
A Spanish-language shorts program showcasing vibrant stories from Latinx filmmakers that celebrate family, resilience, and imagination. - NYICFF Kid Flicks: Pride — Sunday, July 26 at 4:30 p.m.
A collection of short films highlighting LGBTQ+ experiences, identity, and belonging through a range of global perspectives. - The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie — Sunday, August 16 at 11 a.m.
SpongeBob and Patrick leave Bikini Bottom on a wild road trip to recover King Neptune’s stolen crown, discovering courage and friendship along the way. - Sing — Sunday, September 6 at 11 a.m.
A group of animal performers enters a singing competition that becomes a chance to chase dreams, overcome fears and find their voices. - Hotel Transylvania — Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m.
Dracula runs a monster-only resort until an unexpected human guest arrives, turning his overprotective world upside down in a comedic story about acceptance. - The Lego Movie — Sunday, December 27 at 11 a.m.
An ordinary LEGO figure is mistakenly identified as “the Special” and joins a resistance to stop a tyrant, discovering creativity and self-worth in the process.
