The Strand Theatre

The Strand Theatre, located at 619 Louisiana Avenue in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a historic performing arts venue that has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural life for over a century. Known as a "Palace of Dreams," the theatre is situated in the heart of downtown Shreveport, anchoring the arts district now referred to as the West Edge. The Strand Theatre boasts a rich history, having been restored to its former glory and serving as a premier entertainment destination since its reopening in 1984. The origins of The Strand Theatre date back to 1900 when brothers Julian and Abe Saenger, who were pharmacists, ventured into the burgeoning world of moving pictures. Their fascination led them to purchase property at the corner of Crockett and Louisiana, where they collaborated with the Ehrlich brothers, owners of the Majestic Theatre, to create the Saenger Theatre. This joint venture marked the beginning of what would become a significant cultural establishment in Shreveport. In May 1923, the Shreveport Times announced the construction of a new 2,500-seat opera house, which would eventually become The Strand Theatre. Groundbreaking took place in October 1923, and the theatre opened on July 3, 1925, with a production of "The Chocolate Soldier." The venue was notable for its air conditioning, a 939-pipe Robert Morton Golden Voice pipe organ, and its status as the flagship of the Saenger chain of theatres. The Strand Theatre experienced significant changes over the years, including the removal of its chandeliers during World War II kilowatt rationing and various architectural modifications in the 1950s to accommodate modern movie formats. Despite these changes, the theatre continued to operate as a movie house until the mid-1970s when it sadly fell into decline. In 1976, the theatre was donated to the Strand Theatre of Shreveport Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, by ABC-Interstate Theatres. Founders Mrs. Virginia Shehee, Mr. Jim Montgomery, and Mr. Judd Tooke played crucial roles in restoring the theatre. After seven years of meticulous restoration, The Strand reopened in December 1984 with a performance by the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra to a sold-out crowd. Today, The Strand Theatre celebrates over three decades as a performing arts venue, hosting touring Broadway shows, concerts, plays, and serving as a home for dance companies. It has been recognized nationally for its grandeur and as one of the top-five glitziest theatres for live performance. The interior of The Strand features ornate box seats, gilt-edged mirrors, deep burgundy and rich gold colors, a magnificent ceiling, and dazzling chandeliers, including the fourteen-foot tall main chandelier. The Strand Theatre of Shreveport Corporation's mission is to preserve the building by managing cultural events that enrich life and promote economic growth in the community. The organization carefully selects shows with broad appeal to serve a diverse community and works to be a part of positive change in Shreveport-Bossier. The Strand Theatre remains a treasured landmark and a testament to the community's commitment to the arts and cultural preservation.