Seneca Scout, Volume 38, Issue 1, October 2001 – Front Page Feature Story

Strand Theater renovation involves students

By Pam Kline
Staff Writer

Ever since the Strand Theater in Zelienople closed in the early 1980s, many people have considered it an eyesore, but Ron Carter hopes to restore the Strand to its originally beauty.

In May of this year, Mr. Carter drove past the Strand every time he took is seven-year-old son to football practice. After thorough research, he formed a plan. Mr. Carter would like to buy the Strand and turn it into a non-profit, live performing arts center. He hopes to draw audiences from as far north as Grove City and as far south as McKnight Road.

“There is quite a variety of programming available,” says Mr. Carter. He plans to bring in professional touring groups who cannot fill large theaters like the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. In addition, he would like to have musical performances featuring jazz, blues, and big bands.

However, before any shows can take place there is quite a bit of work to be done. The building must be brought up to current codes, plumbing and electricity must be updated, and many changes must be made to accommodate live theater. In addition, lighting systems and sound systems need to be installed, a back stage area needs to be build, and seating needs to be replaced and added to.

All of the renovations come with a big price tag. The cost of the building is approximately $150,000, a lighting system will cost about $300,000, and the replacement seats may cost up to $120 each. When all is said and done, the project may cost upwards of $1.2 million.

While this may seem like a lot of money, between $2,000 and $2,500 have already been raised. Moreover, with approximately 5,000 residencies in the Zelienople/Harmony area, the $150,000 needed to buy the building can be raised if each residence donates $30. Because The Strand will be a non-profit theater, both public and private funding is available. Mr. Carter has already applied for a million-dollar grant from the Pennsylvania Department for Community and Economic Development. He will receive a response at the end of September or beginning of October.

Whether the grant comes through or not, many private foundations would be willing to support this project if they see financial support from the community. There has been a positive response and Seneca Students are taking an interest as well.

Over the summer,, junior Lindsay Barbati and sophomore Shannon Cuccaro helped

Mr. Carter organize and staff informational booths at Cranberry Community Days, Harmony Dankfest, and Horse Trading Days. Senior Jason Fletcher says, “It’d be cool if they opened it [ the Strand ] because it’d be a place to hang out.” Katie Kniess, a junior, agrees that renovating the Strand would be a good idea because it can be difficult for people who are interested in theater to go to Pittsburgh to see shows.

Mr. Carter hopes to form a relationship with a local business and set up a shuttle service to help accommodate parking. Patrons who ride the shuttles have time both before and after the performances to shop in Zelienople and to visit the local restaurants. All in all the Strand has the potential to be a great asset to the community. “We may not be able to change the world,” Mr. Carter says. “But we can make our little piece of it better.”

Students who would like to help the Strand Theater Initiative can visit the website at thestrandtheater.net or you can e-mail Mr. Carter at thestrand@zbzoom.net.