The Brandon Folk, Music and Art Society seeks to redevelop the Strand Theatre Building for use as a self-sufficient Multi-Use Community Performance and Art centre in Downtown Brandon. It seeks to redevelop the second floor and main floor spaces for use by community partners, both commercial and non-profit. BFMAS seeks to generate enough revenue from the second floor and main floor spaces, excluding the theatre, to cover operating costs for the building, and to create an attractive and healthy space using green technology, building materials, and local goods and workers, qualifying for the highest LEED level we can achieve.

The Building Plan

The building has, essentially three components; the first area is the theatre, the second are the immediate areas of lobby, ticket office and hallways, the commercial/retail/and BFMAS Inc. offices which make up the building’s frontage, and  the third is the second floor which houses a 3000 square foot light-filled multi-purpose space which can be sub-divided into three 1000 square foot spaces with acoustic folding walls, bathrooms, theatre projection booth and four office spaces.

The redevelopment of the floor plan reflects the statements of usage we have received from community groups, artists and other potential community partners both commercial and non-profit.  The floor plan provides for maximum flexibility and usage of the facility. The process of refining the building plans to suit community partners will be ongoing.

The Theatre

The theatre area itself is approximately 5000 square feet and has a projected capacity of 250-420 depending on the seating arrangement, and will be capable of accommodating both cabaret/banquet seating (tables and chairs) and formal concert seating in rows.  The flexible seating will also allow an optional dance area or space for pit musicians in front of the stage.

There is a good sized backstage area and to the west two large dressing rooms and a larger green room.  Overflow can access the multi-purpose space on the second floor.  There will also be an elevator in this area with access to lobby, north hallway, second floor and basement. The venue itself will be able to accommodate theatre, acoustic and amplified concerts, lectures, performances, awards banquets, special presentations and other social events.

In the lobby there is a reception area with a bar and a warming kitchen.  We have a verbal agreement with Starbucks Inc. to sell their beverages through our lobby concession.  Food for events will be catered by local restaurants and caterers. This creates more flexibility for event organizers and important community partnerships with businesses. We will acquire a cabaret liquor license which creates another revenue stream. The ceiling of the lobby reaches past the second floor and up to the roof where a large skylight covers the entire area.  This makes the lobby an attractive stand alone space available for rental for smaller events – receptions, launches etc.

Bathrooms for men and women, emergency exits, ticket office and the BFMAS’s main office lead directly from the lobby.

How you can help

Want to help the Strand Project? Contact BFMAS!