90th Season Celebration and Ribbon Cutting

For 90 years, generations of dedicated actors, directors and volunteers have presented the joy of live theatre in Monroe. To celebrate its 90th anniversary, Strauss Theatre Center will host a ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. August 17 on its stage at 1300 Lamy Lane. 

Originally organized as the Community Players, the group performed The Whole Town’s Talking as its first play in July of 1932 at the Grand Street Theatre. Over the years, the little theatre performed on various stages across Ouachita Parish until Clifford Strauss gave a $50,000 match donation through the Carolyn Rose Strauss Foundation. Those funds led to construction of the current location of the theatre, which was completed in April 1961. Through multiple wars, natural disasters and a pandemic, the people of northeast Louisiana made the performing arts a priority at Strauss Theatre. It is the oldest, continuously operating community theatre in the state.

The 2021-22 season will feature five main stage productions, including Disaster!, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Nunsense, The Odd Couple: Female Version, and Company. Strauss Theatre is a nonprofit organization, and hundreds of Louisianans dedicate countless hours on stage, behind the curtain, in the orchestra pit and in the box office to create the magic of live theatre. 

All are invited to attend the ribbon cutting and to join the theatre as a member. Patrons can purchase memberships at the box office or online at strausstc.com. A special 90th anniversary membership level of $90 gives attendees tickets to three shows of their choice. Purchase a membership here.