Fox Theatre Awards $33,000 Grant to The Strand Theatre for Historic Preservation

Fox Gives Helps Preserve Historic Strand Facade, Other Projects

May 2, 2025

MARIETTA, GA | May 2, 2025 – The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre celebrated a significant investment in its future during a special ceremony on May 2, highlighting a $33,000 grant from Fox Gives, the community partnerships initiative of Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. This generous funding supports critical preservation work at the historic Marietta venue, reinforcing The Strand’s ongoing role as a cornerstone of arts, culture, and economic vitality in Cobb County.

The grant is funding essential restoration efforts, including tuckpointing and façade repairs, improvements to the iconic marquee’s roof, and rehabilitation of fourth-floor spaces used for educational programming, performances, and private rentals. These improvements help maintain the architectural integrity of the 1935 structure, while enabling The Strand to continue serving as a dynamic, community-centered arts venue.

“The Strand is not just a stage—it’s a living landmark that connects generations through the arts,” said Taylor Rambo, Development Director of The Strand. “Thanks to Fox Gives and our community of supporters, we can continue our mission of entertainment, education, preservation, and being a true community cornerstone.”

In 2024 alone, The Strand welcomed over 60,000 patrons to more than 180 events and educational programs, generating an estimated $5.4 million in regional economic impact. Its audience footprint extended far beyond Cobb County, drawing visitors from across Georgia, 39 other states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and even internationally.

Leigh Burns, Director of Community Partnerships at the Fox Theatre, applauded The Strand’s leadership and vision. “The preservation of this building is truly an ongoing effort,” said Burns. “We applaud the dedication of every supporter—both those in the room and the countless individuals who’ve championed this theatre over the past two decades.”

This grant marks the third investment from Fox Gives to The Strand, bringing total support to more than $80,000. Since its inception in 2008, Fox Gives has awarded over $4.2 million in direct grants and helped generate more than $7 million in matching funds to support historic theatres and nonprofit arts venues throughout Georgia.

Holly Tuchman, Chair of The Strand’s Board of Directors, reflected on the power of community involvement: “There is such amazing talent in this community… there was a time we weren’t sure we’d be sitting here today. But thanks to this community and organizations like Fox Gives, we’ve not only survived—we’ve grown.”

Andy Gaines, Executive Director of The Strand, emphasized the collective effort behind its success: “None of this would be possible without our sponsors, volunteers, board, and audiences. They’re the ones who keep this theatre vibrant and alive.”

For more information about Fox Gives and the Fox Theatre’s preservation initiatives, visit www.foxtheatre.org.

To experience the magic of The Strand, including events like Lumiere Lounge on the second floor and Brew with a View on the fourth-floor Cobb Terrace, visit www.strandmarietta.org for tickets, upcoming shows, and venue details.

Press Images available on Google Drive here.

A Video of the Event Can be Viewed on YouTube here:

The Event Presentation Can be Viewed on Canva here.

About The Strand: The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (“The Strand”) is a cherished historic venue in Marietta, Georgia, offering a dynamic lineup of live entertainment, films, and community events. Located on Marietta Square, The Strand hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, theatrical productions, comedy shows, and classic movie screenings, drawing more than 50,000 visitors each year. In addition to public performances, The Strand serves as an elegant event space for private gatherings such as weddings, corporate meetings, and special celebrations. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Strand is dedicated to preserving its rich history while providing top-tier arts and entertainment to the community. The theatre thrives thanks to the support of generous donors, sponsors, and patrons who help sustain its mission. Tickets for all events can be purchased at StrandMarietta.org. Stay connected and up to date on upcoming shows and events by following The Strand on social media @StrandMarietta on Instagram and Facebook.

About Fox Gives: Fox Gives is a dynamic outreach program offering historic preservation expertise, consultation, and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and the region. Created by Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, an iconic attraction widely applauded for being a catalyst for positive change in the community, Fox Gives pays it forward, helping other cultural institutions renew, reinvigorate, and restore artistic vitality in their backyards and beyond. Keeping environmental and economic impact top of mind, Fox Gives offers the financial assistance, restoration support and operations mentoring needed to leverage scarce resources and stimulate local economies. Not only that, but it keeps the artistic pulse of beloved communities beating for decades to come. For more information, visit foxtheatre.org and please stay connected on Facebook and Instagram.

About the Fox Theatre: The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 250 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre hosts over 100 annual private events like wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two fabulous ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club, presented by Lexus, is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury bar accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre is a fiercely protected landmark and nationally acclaimed theatre today. The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Casamigos, Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, and Regions Bank. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Notable accolades of the Fox Theatre: 2022 IEBA Theatre of the Year; 2021 Billboard Magazine #1 Highest Grossing Theatre Worldwide (5,000 seats or less); 2021 Pollstar Magazine #2 Theatre Worldwide in Ticket Sales; 2021 Venues Now Magazine #2 Year-End Top Stops (2,001-5,000 seats); 2019 Venues Now #1 Top Stop of the Decade Award for Tickets Sold.

Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

117 North Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060

Box Office Hours

Tue – Thur, 12 pm – 4 pm
Fridays 12pm – 6pm
Two hours before showtime

It is The Strand’s mission to enrich and engage our regional community through diverse entertainment and memorable experiences for all.

The historic Strand Theatre lights up the downtown Marietta square with live theatre, films, concerts, comedy, private events, and more. The Strand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EIN 20-0210688