There are several things on our “to do” list.   This list seems to always get a little longer.  This week,however, we were able to check off one big project.

The Strand stage has gone through a few changes since we opened.  The first major change was courtesy of our friends at Shelby County Players.  They did a production and extended the stage to the south (left as you are looking at it) all the way to the wall.   This gave us much needed room.   The second change was to add a staircase to access the stage along the south wall.  In order to accomplish this we had to remove 2 seats, but is was well worth the trade. 

Since the time of the stage extension, the only way we could access the backstage was to go through the proscenium curtains and use the back stairs.  This was all well and good until March of this year.   In March we started showing films.  Our 20′ x 30′ screen in the down position makes it difficult to get backstage.  We have to walk around the side of the screen, and we are worried that it will get damaged.

After considerable thought, we decided the rebuild the stage right doorway so that it can be used from the new stage.   After all, it is hard to “exit stage right” if you don’t have a way out!  In order to accomplish this, it required us to move the heating and A/C duct work above the door.   Easier said than done.  The problem is that although there are ducts on both sides of the stage, the stage right set are the only ducts that have air-conditioning.   Both have heat in the winter, but only one has cool in the summer.  Whatever we did, we needed to preserve the air flow.

After some head scratching, a plan was devised and work began.  This all involved our resident building maintenance guru Bob S.   His plan was to move the bottom duct up, extend the door opening, modify the stage and build a staircase.   Guess what…it worked!   This week was the week for that list item to be finished.   First order of business was reconfiguring the ductwork.  According to Bob, the person that installed it in 1954 was a master.   The transitions were beautifully formed and installed.  There is a good picture of this on our web site.  He disassembled the bottom section, removed 18″ of duct, and reassembled the pieces.  This not only raised the grill high enough for us to install the doorway, it will also help the audience and performers.  The old duct was just low enough that anyone seated in the first 3 rows on the left would get a steady stream of cold air.  Now with the duct higher, it minimizes that blast of air into the audience.  Also, the performers that sit there on stage don’t get the chilly breeze either.

After the duct was moved, Bob cut the new opening reusing all the existing trim work.   It looks like it has always been there.   The stage was modified for a smooth transition for a staircase, and the stairs were built.  Now you can get from the front of the stage to backstage with the screen down!   Gordon H. will come in this week and get the painting done, and it will be ready to go.  Several people are very happy about his change, top of the heap on that list are stage directors Cindy L. and Cindy H.   It will make it easier for their productions.  After any show, please ask, we would be happy to show you the finished stairs and access.  

This Saturday night we have a return engagement by Travis of the Cosmos.  This local band has played at the Strand several times in the past and sounds great.  If you haven’t been to a rock concert yet, now would be a great time to try it out.  They are being joined by the band Chosen.  The concert starts at 8:00pm.   Our Saturday night late movie will be George Romero’s “The Crazies“.  On Sunday we will show the movie musical “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers“.  The show starts at 2:00pm.  

As August winds down, September is heating up.  We have a full line-up for the coming month at the Strand.   There will be something for everyone.  We might not be the biggest performing arts center, we certainly didn’t spend the most money, we haven’t had any fundraising, but we have kept moving along with our mission… all because of you.   Thanks!

If you would like to volunteer for an event, email to rhonda.schwegman@strand-theatre-shelbyville.org