Strand Theatre Black Box
A Tory Bullock Vision
After spending my entire life interacting with the Boston theater scene, Something that has always stood out to me is that there are absolutely no places to perform in our inner-city communities. While Hibernian Hall, Strand Theater, and a bunch of other community spaces are all well and good they don't take into consideration that an artist may not always have between 400-1,300 audience members waiting to see their work.
Which often leads to half empty performances and broken spirits.
There is a need and an audience for a small professional multifunction performance space. In the theater world we call it a Black Box.
The Strand Theatre Black Box can be rented for rehearsals, private
lessons, auditions, photo & video shoots, workshops / master
classes, jam sessions, performances, and events. The black box
will be a multi function space that will be able to house and
accommodate a variety of performance styles ranging from performing
to visual.
This will be a hub for talent who want a space to create and perform in
but aren’t in a position to break the bank to do so.
Staffing:
Director of Programs: This position will handle contracts, bookings, and
scheduling. As well as being a visible presence in the Boston arts
scene as to scout acts, build partnerships, and create a steady flow of
activity inside of the black box.
House Manager: This person will be responsible for everything inside
of the black box from a technical perspective. Any questions regarding
lights, sound, tech needs, etc will be handled by this person.
Ideally with the right candidate this can be one position.
Programming/Rental Information and
Rates:
Theatre/Dance/Music Performance:
All Performances require a contract; in order to book the theatre for a
performance it is mandatory that you contact the Director of Programs
via email. A cleaning / security deposit of $100 is due when the space is booked. Total rent is due at signing of contract. The Strand Theatre
does not provide house, stage, or technical crew, however, references
are available. A Strand Theatre liaison is required to attend each
performance.
Audience capacity is approximately 40 seats. Alcohol,
open flames, and the sale of anything are prohibited.
• Use of Theatre per night: $200.00
• Use of stage lights/sound board: add $100.00
• Four performances, lights, and 6 hours of rehearsal time: $600
Rehearsals / Auditions / Jam sessions :
Weekdays before 5pm: $10.00/hour ( 3 Hour Minimum )
Weekdays after 5pm: $20.00/hour ( 3 Hour Minimum )
Weekends: $30.00/hour ( No Minimum )
Video / Photo Shoots:
The Black Box rental fees for a photo or video shoot are greater than
our normal rehearsal rates and vary depending on usage, time, and
equipment. It is possible to rent the black box with use of the stage
lights for a video shoot with the approval of the theater manager (rent
is dependent on usage, $150 flat rate fee applies for use of the lights
and/or sound equipment for two hours, $25 each additional hour).
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
June 12, 2026
Reached 1,000 supporters
April 19, 2017
April 18, 2017
The city officials think they can ignore us because they believe we are too small to demand a dedicated space at the Strand. Prove them wrong by blasting this link to everyone you know because we need to hit one thousand signatures before they can shut us out again.
Reached 100 supporters
April 18, 2017
774 Comments
I am a local theatre professional and couldn't not agree more with the need for small afforadable performances spaces. Especially ones that work *with* the communities that are already there instead of pushing them out.
As a local theatre producer of small shows and lighting designer, I think Boston needs all the black box theatres it can get. Please help us bring this gem of a space into the modern theatre world where it can be appreciated!
It's so important for there to be accessible, local, high-quality theatre available, especially in our lower-income neighborhoods. Theatre should not just be for the people who can afford $40 tickets, or for the people who can afford extremely expensive space rentals.
I grew up in the strand theater. I went to bird street as well and we were always allowed to host functions here. I miss seeing the bright lights on coming down Columbia road. Saw uptown performed here, did a fashion show here. Please listen to this young mans voice and vision.
I hate signing petitions....but I gladly signed this one. When we did the August Wilson readings here a couple of years ago, we pretty much had to invent space because the main theatre is HUGE. There is room for it. There only needs to be will.
YES please make this happen Boston!
Invest in the people who already call this place home!
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Strand Theatre Black Box
A Tory Bullock Vision
After spending my entire life interacting with the Boston theater scene, Something that has always stood out to me is that there are absolutely no places to perform in our inner-city communities. While Hibernian Hall, Strand Theater, and a bunch of other community spaces are all well and good they don't take into consideration that an artist may not always have between 400-1,300 audience members waiting to see their work.
Which often leads to half empty performances and broken spirits.
There is a need and an audience for a small professional multifunction performance space. In the theater world we call it a Black Box.
The Strand Theatre Black Box can be rented for rehearsals, private
lessons, auditions, photo & video shoots, workshops / master
classes, jam sessions, performances, and events. The black box
will be a multi function space that will be able to house and
accommodate a variety of performance styles ranging from performing
to visual.
This will be a hub for talent who want a space to create and perform in
but aren’t in a position to break the bank to do so.
Staffing:
Director of Programs: This position will handle contracts, bookings, and
scheduling. As well as being a visible presence in the Boston arts
scene as to scout acts, build partnerships, and create a steady flow of
activity inside of the black box.
House Manager: This person will be responsible for everything inside
of the black box from a technical perspective. Any questions regarding
lights, sound, tech needs, etc will be handled by this person.
Ideally with the right candidate this can be one position.
Programming/Rental Information and
Rates:
Theatre/Dance/Music Performance:
All Performances require a contract; in order to book the theatre for a
performance it is mandatory that you contact the Director of Programs
via email. A cleaning / security deposit of $100 is due when the space is booked. Total rent is due at signing of contract. The Strand Theatre
does not provide house, stage, or technical crew, however, references
are available. A Strand Theatre liaison is required to attend each
performance.
Audience capacity is approximately 40 seats. Alcohol,
open flames, and the sale of anything are prohibited.
• Use of Theatre per night: $200.00
• Use of stage lights/sound board: add $100.00
• Four performances, lights, and 6 hours of rehearsal time: $600
Rehearsals / Auditions / Jam sessions :
Weekdays before 5pm: $10.00/hour ( 3 Hour Minimum )
Weekdays after 5pm: $20.00/hour ( 3 Hour Minimum )
Weekends: $30.00/hour ( No Minimum )
Video / Photo Shoots:
The Black Box rental fees for a photo or video shoot are greater than
our normal rehearsal rates and vary depending on usage, time, and
equipment. It is possible to rent the black box with use of the stage
lights for a video shoot with the approval of the theater manager (rent
is dependent on usage, $150 flat rate fee applies for use of the lights
and/or sound equipment for two hours, $25 each additional hour).
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
June 12, 2026
Reached 1,000 supporters
April 19, 2017
April 18, 2017
The city officials think they can ignore us because they believe we are too small to demand a dedicated space at the Strand. Prove them wrong by blasting this link to everyone you know because we need to hit one thousand signatures before they can shut us out again.
Reached 100 supporters
April 18, 2017
774 Comments
The Strand has been a vital part of music programs in Dorchester for many years, hosting community shows and orchestra performances. A Black Box Theatre would help smaller groups—chamber ensembles, etc.—have a much-needed space to experiment, and bring new works to life.
I am a local theatre professional and couldn't not agree more with the need for small afforadable performances spaces. Especially ones that work *with* the communities that are already there instead of pushing them out.
As a local theatre producer of small shows and lighting designer, I think Boston needs all the black box theatres it can get. Please help us bring this gem of a space into the modern theatre world where it can be appreciated!
It's so important for there to be accessible, local, high-quality theatre available, especially in our lower-income neighborhoods. Theatre should not just be for the people who can afford $40 tickets, or for the people who can afford extremely expensive space rentals.
I grew up in the strand theater. I went to bird street as well and we were always allowed to host functions here. I miss seeing the bright lights on coming down Columbia road. Saw uptown performed here, did a fashion show here. Please listen to this young mans voice and vision.
I hate signing petitions....but I gladly signed this one. When we did the August Wilson readings here a couple of years ago, we pretty much had to invent space because the main theatre is HUGE. There is room for it. There only needs to be will.
YES please make this happen Boston!
Invest in the people who already call this place home!
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The Strand has been a vital part of music programs in Dorchester for many years, hosting community shows and orchestra performances. A Black Box Theatre would help smaller groups—chamber ensembles, etc.—have a much-needed space to experiment, and bring new works to life.