Black Box in The Strand

The development of this space would significantly benefit the Boston theatre scene.

As an actor and creative director who lives 10 minutes away from Upham's Corner, there are very few manageable creative spaces in Boston that are also affordable for smaller productions and installations.

Mayor Walsh's recent declaration of Upham's Corner in Dorchester as an "arts innovation district," as part of the Boston Creates initiative, is a critical step towards revitalizing this unique community. This status, however, is not enough. The city must follow through on its aspirational declaration, and commit real resources to supporting local artists in Dorchester. It can do this by supporting Tory Bullock's proposal to host a black box theater in the existing Strand Theater space. Bullock's plan presents the city of Boston with a unique opportunity to lead in its commitment to local arts and diverse communities on several fronts. Providing an affordable, accessible theater space will encourage artists to remain in Dorchester, enriching the city's cultural landscape and exposing audiences to diverse points of view. It will provide a safe, accessible space for the Dorchester community to engage with and learn from each other. And it will ensure that the historical Strand space will remain well used, embued with the vitality and lifeblood that has made Boston a shining star among American cities for decades. I sincerely hope that those tasked with the care and management of the Strand, and of Boston's art assets in general, will make every effort to support Bullock's proposal to invest in a black box theater space within the Strand. Thank you for your consideration.

Love this idea so much! The Strand is such a gem, but you're right - the HUGE space makes it difficult for individual artists or small organizations to present work there. Keep it up!

This sounds like a fantastic idea!! Good luck to Tory Bullock! And to everyone trying to make Boston a more live-able, enjoyable city for all.

City of Boston! Let's do this!!

I used to live on Jones Hill. I dearly wish this space had been accessible to the community, as it will be if this proposal is accepted.

Great idea. 'Specially since with lost the little theatre @ the Piano Factory because the greedy owner wanted to build a build a swimming pool (!).

The company I work for have helped with the city with the Strand over the years. We would love to help you make the Black Box a reality.

Art brings people together and allows for expression of self. Every community deserves to have a space to build and create together.

I'm from Dorchester, I remember growing up and going to the Stand. It's a shame that it's been almost forgotten about. Even though now I moved out of the country it would be nice to be able to go home and see family and be able to go to that iconic symbol of Dorchester. I hope that it'll go through.

The arts need more support, now more than ever.

Yes. City of Boston - it is loooong overdue.

This is great! We need more affordable performance and rehearsal spaces in Boston.

I want to be a part of this. We need this in our community and fast!

I love my hometown..

I have wanted more stuff like this in the Boston art scene for years. Theater is an important backbone of culture here in this town but it is and always has been prohibitively expensive to make art in a city where success is an immediate requirement to be given access to those places necessary to hone artistic talent. This is so important.

HELL YES!!

#makebostongreatagain

When Bostonians in Dot have a community-led neighborhood space to share their creativity and talents with our city, all of us benefit. A city of the arts should mean access to creating and experiencing arts for all of us, not just those of means.