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Theater is a dying art form. We face the very real possibility that in
the near future it will no longer be able to sustain itself. Younger generations are losing interest. Theater faces competition
from big budget movies and the easy accesibilty of television. The tireless work of the actors and stage crew
hardly seem worth the effort when performing for a house of fifteen or so individuals. There is no money in it, and yet people
still dedicate their lives to it.
We do not want
theater to be kept alive simply because it is part of our past and embedded in our culture. Rather we believe it has remarkable
power to affect change in the human spirit. Theater is alive. The audience participates in a way that is unique to any
art form. For two hours, a room full of people dedicate themselves to listening to a story of the human experience. Sometimes
an audience will walk away changed, with a new set of ideas, and sometimes they will walk away upset, completely disagreeing
with the playwright's point of view. Either way, the performance has invoked an emotion. At least, that is how we think
theater should be.
The Strand dedicates itself to using new theater
techniques, and throwing the book out on old conventions. Our productions bear relevance in today's world. We seek
to reflect the new balance of power in our current society with more roles for women as actors, playwrights, directors
and designers.
Welcome to the Strand
Theater Company!
Our Mission:
Our mission is to create innovative theatre for the purpose of securing a new generation of theatre go-ers.
As well as putting an emphasis on works that highlight the feminine perspective.
The Strand Theater Company puts an emphasis on producing plays
written by women and with roles for women.
The
New York State Council on the Arts conducted a study on women in theater and found that in 2002 only 17% of plays produced
in America were by women. Women directors only represented 16%. This gives cause to
the noticeable under representation of women roles in theater stage plays.
The Strand Theater Company realizes the importance of procuring a new generation of theater patrons.
Much has been written about the aging population of theater
patrons and donors and the lack of younger theater patrons. The Strand Theater Company will produce contemporary theater that
is socially relevant today. We believe our mission will invite, engage and sustain a new generation of theater patrons.
The Strand
Theater Company will produce contemporary theater.
Although we believe all plays are relevant, we would like to produce plays that are socially
relevant to the community today. We believe our mission will invite, engage and sustain a new generation of theater patrons.
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