The Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre has been a mainstay of the Shelbyville, Indiana cityscape since 1916. With the exception of the transition period beginning in the spring of 2005, the Strand has been in continuous operation since opening in the spring of 1916. It is the only surviving “old” theatre in the city limits of Shelbyville. Beginning in the spring of 2006, a transition team made up of members of the MainStreet board of directors and members of the new not-for-profit Strand Theatre of Shelbyville, Incorporated worked diligently to transfer ownership of the Strand and is assets. The focus of the new group is solely to renovate, rejuvenate and operate the Strand Theatre. On Thursday, October 12, 2006, a media event was held at the Shelbyville City Hall to announce to the public the final transition. Now, the real work began! A project of this magnitude requires participation from the entire community. The Strand Theatre project was set up to allow all who wish to participate to opportunity to do so. Our mantra was if you see the doors open or the lights on, come on in to see what’s going on. This project is truly one of inclusion. The renovation started April 7, 2007. The theatre was completed and reopened as a Performing Arts Center on January 17, 2008. The renovation was made possible by the efforts of hundreds of volunteers of all ages and economic backgrounds. The theatre is now open an fufilling it’s mission to be a venue for the performing arts in Shelbyville and Shelby County. For information about helping out, call 317-392-1713.
