Local talent Austin Siebert producted a variety show on August 8, 2008 at the Strand Theatre in Shelbyville.   Along with his former Roncolli High School classmates, Austin and his friends played a variety of music.   Below is Austin on the violin accompanied by members of Section 7.

This week was fantastic at the Strand.  First, Steve F. is getting oh so close to having the center windows and office ready.   The windows are painted and stained and ready for reinstallation.   When completed not only will they look great, but they will work perfectly.    Steve has really done a great job and soon the whole community will see the fruits of his labor!

The local vocal competition "Shelby Idol"  came to the Strand Theatre on August 7, 2008.    This competition, produced by Energy2Action, LLC  was attended by over 315 patrons.   Below is Gretchen Morgan announcing a contestant.    Shelby Idol was the first event to perform in front of our newly installed Grand Drape!   

August 6, 2008 was a very big day for the Strand Theatre.    Today saw the installation of our much anticipated movie screen.   Larry and Paul from Beck Studios arrived about 10:00 am to install our screen.   First order of business was to unload the 32′ crate that contained our screen.  

Around about 10:30pm the screen finally roled down for the first time.   It took quite a bit of effort to secure the structure and provide for the pulleys and ropes.   Big…isn’t it!

Before the crew for Beck’s retired for the night, they installed our Grand Drape.   This little task completed about 12:20 AM.   It was a long day.  

But that wasn’t the only work in the theatre that day.   Pat Turner of P.E.T. Construction was with us all day building the bathroom backstage.   He also installed subfloor in the basement and the off stage areas.   Pat did an excellent job helping us maximize our space.  

The work that was accomplished today is a giant step for the Strand to help meet our potential.   We now have better facilities for our performers, a curtain to make our space more flexible, and a big ‘ol movie screen just waiting for our film series!

On Thursday August 7th, the semi-final round of the Shelby Idol competition will take place on the stage of the Strand.   Competition will begin at 7:00.  Tickets are $2 at the door.   

The Strand is preparing for the time when we need to sell reserved seating for an event.   We have 385 permanent seats in 7 different sections.   The Strand enlisted the help of Dean Everett of Chicago, IL.   Dean spent many years as a professional usher at many of the major theaters in Chicago.   Dean was able to suggest a numbering system that would help us efficiently and effectively guide the audience to their seats.   This is the type of "behind the scene" work that makes our theatre what it is today.   Thank you Dean!

Austin Siebert will produce a variety show at the historic Strand Theatre on Friday August 8, 2008.    This FREE show will be an eclectic mix of many styles of music.   The mostly acoustic show will highlight regional vocal talents. 

The concert starts at 8:00pm and there is no charge for admission.