Community Benefits
The Strand Theater has fostered a wide range of economic and community benefits, not only to Zelienople, but the entire North Pittsburgh region since its reopening in 2009. Where once a decaying eyesore stood, the renovated theater has beautified Zelienople’s Main Street with its colorful marquee and distinctive facade. The original ticket booth still stands, fully restored, in the same place it has stood since 1914.
The renovation project injected hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy in the first phase of construction alone, and two more phases of work are in the planning stages. Theater patrons provide a boost to other local businesses in the borough. A study called ‘The Arts & Economic Prosperity’ demonstrates that cultural tourists spend an average of $23 over and above the ticket price. In 2023, The Strand drew nearly 25,000 cultural patrons to Main Street, contributing over $575,000 to the local economy, based on the study. The Strand has drawn patrons from 17 PA counties and 17 states since it reopened in July of 2009.
Zelienople now hosts a cultural jewel from which the entire north Pittsburgh region benefits. The Initiative’s non-profit status and civic-minded Mission means that the arts are more accessible to mainstream audiences.
Other charities benefit from having access to The Strand to support their mission goals and objectives. Several benefit concerts and programs have been presented, raising money for local initiatives and global needs. Underprivileged and disadvantaged groups have had free or deeply discounted access to professional-level performing arts. The Strand provides an outlet for Youth-oriented and public education groups to learn about the theater arts.
The Strand Theater Initiative exists for the sole purpose of offering professional-level performing arts center from what was once a local eyesore that had been abandoned for nearly two decades. It is the sincere hope that you will financially support this initiative as it continues to operate in its current capacity while raising the millions needed for the next two phases of the renovation. In turn, an entire region benefits from a cultural jewel that provides entertainment, education, and community outreach.