For the first time in recent history, The Strand is raising the admission price for some of their movies – but it might not be for the reason you think.
Since the building’s renovation in 2008, the theatre has been able to make select upgrades, but hasn’t had the financial flexibility to turn the heat up on fundraising for a complete sound system overhaul — that is, until recently.
In 2018, The Strand raised $250,000 with the help of the community and was able to claim a matching $250,000 donation from Strand namesake Earl Smith. With that, the remaining balance on the loan taken out to save and restore the historic movie house in the early aughts has been closed. Now that the theatre will be operating from a position clear of debt, they’re setting their sights on the future.
It’s for that reason that The Strand is committing one dollar of every movie ticket sold towards the goal of upgrading the theatre’s sound system to one that can provide the clear and balanced audio experience patrons can expect from a modern theatre and movie house.
The Strand is committing one dollar of every movie ticket sold towards the goal of upgrading the theatre’s sound system.
The movie ticket fund isn’t the only thing The Strand will be doing in service of this project. Funding will be sought from diverse avenues. The movie ticket fund is the first step towards the goal of providing patrons the highest quality experience.
Ticket prices for films in the Silent Movie Series and Indie Film Night will remain the same. Strand Movie Series films will go from $8 for adults and $7 for seniors, students, and military to $9 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, and military. For an opportunity to get movie tickets starting as low as $5, the theatre will be offering a movie series subscription.
In addition to the sound system, The Strand is focused on securing funding to provide assistive listening technology to patrons, a lift from the backstage area (uniquely located underneath the stage itself) to the stage in order to provide better accessibility to those with disabilities, and expanding its existing outreach programs to better bring the arts to traditionally underserved populations — all projects that align with The Strand’s values of inclusivity and community.
ABOUT THE STRAND The historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. The theatre is governed by the Friends of The Strand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and depends on the financial support of private and corporate donors. It is The Strand’s mission to serve the community with cultural entertainment for a diverse audience and to promote economic health in the City of Marietta and Cobb County. For more information and tickets, visit www.StrandMarietta.org or contact the box office at 770-293-0080 or 117 North Park Square, Marietta. Box office hours are from 11AM-6PM, Monday through Friday, and 9AM-12PM on Saturdays. The box office opens two hours before showtime. The Strand can also be found at @StrandMarietta on Facebook and Instagram.