Be sure to bring your camera when you visit the Strand Theatre, as its beautiful exterior and interior make for great photos. Your exploration of Shreveport’s lively arts district, called the West Edge, should include this famous venue. Whether you prefer drama, dance, musicals or comedy, this lavish theater is the place to see a show that will make your night.
The Strand Theatre represents one of the greatest achievements of two sets of brothers, the Saenger brothers and the Ehrlich brothers, who played a major role in spreading accessible performance and film across the South. The Strand was the jewel in the chain of 320 theaters bearing the Saenger name. See its opulent interior today and imagine what it looked like on the night it opened its doors in 1925, when it was a lavish opera house. It later changed ownership and shifted its focus to movies. Many icons of the golden age of Hollywood, such as John Wayne, attended premieres here.
Visit the Strand Theatre now and you would never guess that it fell into such disrepair in the 1970s that it closed for a period of time. The façade and interior have both been lovingly restored to their former glory. Admire the vintage styling of the marquee outside the building and the pretty domed roof that makes the building so noticeable. Then step inside and immerse yourself in the red velvet and gilt opulence that is so typical of early 20th-century theaters. Marvel at the sparkling 14-foot (4-meter) chandelier that forms the centerpiece of the theater’s interior, and see the interesting murals that bring color and life to the building.
Check what is on well in advance of your visit to the Strand Theatre, as shows here are popular and sell out quickly. Take the time to explore the many other venues in this artistically rich area, which include the likes of the Emmett Hook Center, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium and the Robinson Film Center.
