Strand Theater Company Opens House 5/21

The Strand Theater Company will celebrate its upcoming fourth season with an Open House on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

This year's Open House has something for everyone. The first half, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., will feature activities suitable for the entire family. Jugglers and face-painters will keep the kids hopping, and their inner Picassos can breathe as they're invited to contribute to a children's mural inside the theater. While the kids get creative, moms and dads can enjoy some BBQ and music from St. Veronica's Youth Steel Orchestra, and get their improv on with Mattie Rogers. Things get a bit more mature from 6:00-8:00 p.m., with a cabaret performance from the Charm City Kitty Club, Kate Guntermann's eye-popping fire-eating, and DJ Charisse brewing up a spicy hot mix of beats.

There will also be a silent auction packed with desirable items, including theater tickets from our colleagues in Baltimore and DC, gift certificates to restaurants and shops, art pieces, personal services, and more. Bid generously and help the Strand kick-start fundraising for its fourth season, the lineup for which will be revealed that very day. And as is tradition with the Open House, there'll be complimentary food and drinks throughout the evening.

"The Open House is a fantastic opportunity for our neighbors and supporters to celebrate with us our plans for the upcoming 2011-12 Season, bid on some mighty cool stuff, get the creative juices flowing, make new friends, and get the next generation excited about the arts," said Aaron Heinsman, the Strand's new Board President. "We are so happy to be able to offer this fun event free to the community, though we'll gladly accept donations. As in years past, the Open House is both a fundraiser and a friendraiser."

Since launching in 2008, the Strand has accomplished so much: presented 12 full-length plays, including five world premieres; offered 75% of the artistic positions on its productions-as playwrights, directors, designers, stage managers, and actors-to women; provided affordable theater space to many organizations and independent artists; and played an integral role in the revitalization of the Station North Arts & Entertainment District. While these efforts have been primarily due to the tireless leadership of the Strand's artistic director, Jayme Kilburn, the Strand's growth couldn't have happened without the support of its hungry, curious, savvy, adventurous, and generous patrons.

The Strand Theater Company is a community theater dedicated to providing opportunities for women artists, writers, designers, and directors. With a focus on producing works new to Baltimore, the Strand hopes to foster a love of theater for a new generation of patrons.

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