STRAUSS HISTORY For over 87 years Strauss Theatre Center has been one of Louisiana’s leading community theatres. Plays, musicals, dinner theatres and other artistic endeavors are produced by a talented group of hundreds of volunteers and a large, supportive membership, who have continued to be a strong artistic force in Northeast Louisiana, serving thousands of adults and youth. In May of 1932, a group calling themselves “The Community Players” was organized and a charter was approved to formally create The Little Theatre of Monroe. The first play, “The Whole Town’s Talking,” was presented in July, 1932, at the Grand Street Theatre. Over the next several years, the group presented productions at a number of locations in the Twin Cities before finding a home in 1949 at Selman Field in the old Red Cross Recreation Building. One of the most significant happenings during the Selman Field period was the realization of a dream. In the audience of the production “The Pajama Game” was Mr. Clifford Strauss, who, seeing the tremendous success of the show, offered to donate $50,000 through the Carolyn Rose Strauss Foundation for a new theatre if the theatre would match it. Match it they did and then some. The total amount donated by the Strauss Foundation was over $200,000 before the building was finished. The theatre was renamed “Strauss Playhouse” in honor of Clifford Strauss’ father, Fred “Pap” Strauss. In 1967, Chris Ringham was hired and continued in the position of Executive Director for the next 35 years. During Chris’ leadership the theatre experienced extensive growth, both in the number of members and in several major additions and renovations to the physical structure. So, here we are, celebrating our 87th consecutive season and over 400 major productions of theatrical magic. Strauss Theatre Center provides the stage for local talent across all of North Louisiana. With our volunteers and the undying support of all you people who believe in the wonder of live theatre, we look forward to providing a limitless future of highest quality community theatre. NEW AUDIENCE SEATING NEEDED Strauss Theatre was built in the early 1960’s and has had several improvements along the way. There is one very important asset which is in dire need of renovation – your seat! Our audience seating has endured many years of use. It’s time to replace our seats, but we need help with this project. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help meet this very important need. SPONSORSHIPS Area and local businesses have always been the key to the success of any performing or fine arts organization. We at the Strauss Theatre Center always encourage our community to support those businesses that support the theatre. By sponsoring a show, you are helping to keep the community spirit alive plus we are advertising your business to our membership. Other benefits of a sponsorship include: • Your name in the program, on our outside electronic marquee, and all other publicity • Recognition during the curtain speech for your show • Tickets available to you for the current season We are very thankful to all of our sponsors who are the backbone of the theatre and allows us to provide the quality entertainment to this community. For more information about becoming a sponsor, please call (318) 323-6681.
214 NOVEMBER 2018 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM