Strand Theater to Host Annual Open House, 5/21

This year's Open House on May 21st has something for everyone. The first half, from 4:00-6:00 pm, will feature activities suitable for the entire family. Face-painters, dancing, fight choreography, and cartoonists will keep the kids hopping, and their inner Picassos can breathe as they're invited to contribute to a children's mural inside the theater. While the kids get creative, moms and dads can enjoy some BBQ and music from St. Veronica's Youth Steel Orchestra, and get their improv on with Mattie Rogers. Things get a bit more mature from 6:00-8:00 pm, with a cabaret performance from the Charm City Kitty Club, Kate Guntermann's eye-popping fire-eating, and DJ Charisse brewing up a spicy hot mix of beats.

There will also be a silent auction packed with desirable items, including theater tickets from our colleagues in Baltimore and DC, gift certificates to restaurants and shops, art pieces, personal services, and more. Bid generously and help the Strand kick-start fundraising for its fourth season, the lineup for which will be revealed that very day. And as is tradition with the Open House, there'll be complimentary food and drinks throughout the evening.

SCHEDULE: 

Family Hours include face-painting, BBQ, and children's mural art project.
4:00 pm - St. Veronica's Youth Steel Orchestra
4:15 pm - Keegan Fight Fun
4:30 pm - Zombie Calypso with Ian Jones
5:00 pm - Mattie Rogers Improv Workshop

Adult Hours include silent auction and refreshments
6:30 pm - Charm City Kitties
7:00 pm - DJ Charisse
8:00 pm - Fire-Eater Kate Guntermann
A Word from Jayme Kilburn, Artistic Director
Greetings Friends!

As the Strand embarks upon its fourth season, it is incredible for me to think back on when we first opened our doors on April 20, 2008 for the very first Open House. With $100 put in a Business Account, two other women and I opened the Strand Theater. We started out doing all original works with a budget of approximately $300 a show. I painted the sets myself (shudder) and we all wore many hats to get each production mounted.

Three years later and the theater has grown more than I could have ever believed. The Strand has served over 5,300 patrons. We have provided opportunities for new artists, both by producing works by emerging playwrights and providing low-cost space for local artists. We are the first performance venue for many young actors and directors. And we still rely on the hard work, patronage, and financial support of our friends.

If you are unable to make it to our fourth annual Open House on Saturday, May 21, please consider donating to the Strand instead. Please help us raise $2,500 to continue our mission of featuring works by women. And don't forget to check the website on May 21 to find out what the Strand is producing next season!

 

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