About the Strand Theater Initiative
The Strand Theater Initiative was created in 2001 as a non-profit corporation to save the venerable old theater from the wrecking ball, with the goal of reviving The Strand as a cultural, education, and community outreach center. Through private and public financial support, The Initiative purchased The Strand in 2002 and completed an exterior renovation in January 2005.
The Initiative raised nearly $3 million toward its capital campaign and major renovations to the theater’s decayed interior took place between 2007 and 2009. With the first phase of construction completed, The Strand’s Grand Reopening took place on July 16, 2009. We hope that you are pleased with the result: a versatile structure, capable of presenting a wide variety of professional theater arts as well as classic, contemporary and independent films. After nearly 25 years of decay and neglect, The Strand now draws patrons from 17 Pennsylvania counties and 17 states due to its unique, eclectic and often-exclusive mix of programming. We’ve hosted such household names as Debbie Reynolds, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Ben Vereen, Mandy Patinkin, The Celtic Tenors, B.E. Taylor and Donnie Iris as well as dozens of Broadway and national touring stars, original artists and nationally recognized tribute acts.
More help is needed, however, in order to move on to the next phase of construction; the creation of a state-of-the-art facility, capable of presenting more intricate and sophisticated full-scale, theatrical productions in the North Pittsburgh region. We seek civic-minded individuals, corporations, and philanthropists, willing to help us with donations and networking. Foundation and other funds are under consideration. With your contributions, you demonstrate to these groups that The Strand enjoys the continued support of the communities that it serves. Please contact us to get involved. We offer a variety of tax-deductible corporate philanthropic support and individual patronage geared to fit any budget. Customized honorariums are also available.