It’s right there. If you’ve ever spent five minutes in the Marietta Square, you’ve seen the neon. It’s a red and gold beacon that feels like it’s been there forever, even though there was a dark decade where the windows were literally boarded up with plywood. The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre isn’t just a movie house. Honestly, calling it a "theater" feels a bit like calling the Atlantic a "lake." It’s an anchor for the entire North Georgia culture scene, and its survival is kind of a miracle when you look at how many Art Deco palaces were leveled in the name of progress back in the 80s.
History is messy. The Strand opened in 1935, right in the thick of the Depression. People needed an escape, and for 35 cents, they got one. But by 2002, the place was a wreck. It was being used as office space and a church, which is fine, I guess, but it wasn't The Strand. It took a massive, community-led $4 million renovation to bring it back to life in 2008. Since then, it’s become this weird, wonderful hybrid of a Broadway stage, a classic cinema, and a rooftop bar that has the best view of the Kennesaw Mountain sunset you'll find anywhere in Cobb County.
What Actually Happens Inside the Strand Theatre Marietta GA?
Most people think it’s just for old movies. Wrong. While they do screen classics—seeing Casablanca there with a live organ intro is a rite of passage—the programming is actually pretty chaotic in the best way possible. You might catch a drag show on a Friday, a local production of Jersey Boys on a Saturday, and a silent film accompanied by the house organist on Sunday.
That organ is a big deal. It’s a Mighty WurliTzer. It didn't actually come with the building; it was meticulously restored and installed during the renovation. Hearing that thing rumble the floorboards is something you just can't replicate with a digital sound system at the AMC.
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The Brew with a View
You can't talk about the Strand without mentioning the Lumiere Lounge or the Terrace. The second floor has this moody, silent-film-era bar that feels like a speakeasy. Then you go up another level. The rooftop terrace is basically the "it" spot for Marietta. If there’s a festival on the Square—like Chalktoberfest or the Christmas Tree Lighting—this is where everyone wants to be. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s arguably the most vibrant part of the local nightlife.
The Ghost Stories and the Architecture
Every old theater has a ghost. It’s a rule. At the Strand, people talk about seeing figures in the balcony or hearing footsteps when the house is dark. Whether you believe in that stuff or not, the building has "vibes." It was designed by the architect Ray Bond, and it’s one of the few remaining examples of that specific 1930s Art Deco style in the Southeast.
Look at the details. The geometric patterns. The heavy use of red velvet. It’s designed to make you feel like the act of seeing a show is an event. We’ve lost that in the era of streaming from our couches. At the Strand, you’re forced to be part of a crowd. You're part of the history.
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Supporting the Local Economy
The Strand is a non-profit. That’s a huge distinction. They aren't trying to beat Cinemark at their own game. They rely on the Friends of the Strand and local donors like the Smith family—for whom the building is now named. When you buy a ticket here, the money isn't disappearing into a corporate black hole in California. It’s paying for the electricity to keep the neon hum alive and providing a stage for the Atlanta Lyric Theatre or local dance troupes.
Myths and Misconceptions About the Venue
People assume it’s expensive. It’s really not. Compared to a touring show at the Fox Theatre downtown, the Strand is a steal. You get the same level of architectural "wow" factor without having to navigate Atlanta traffic or pay $40 for parking.
Another misconception? That it’s only for "old people." While the matinees might skew older, the "Strand After Dark" series and the concerts bring in a much younger crowd. They do "Rocky Horror Picture Show" screenings that get absolutely rowdy. It's a community center disguised as a palace.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning to go, don't just show up five minutes before the curtain. That’s a rookie move.
- Arrive early for the organist. Usually, about 30 minutes before a classic film, the organist will rise out of the floor (literally) and play a set. It’s a spectacle.
- Check the Rooftop Schedule. The terrace isn't open every single night. If there’s a private event, you’re out of luck. Call ahead or check their Instagram.
- Park at the Deck. Parking on the Square is a nightmare. Use the parking deck off Waddell Street. It’s a two-minute walk and saves you thirty minutes of circling the block.
- Explore the Square first. Grab dinner at Mac’s Chophouse or Taqueria Tsunami. The Strand is the centerpiece, but the surrounding blocks are what make the night feel complete.
Why Small Theaters Like This Survive
The Strand shouldn't exist. By all economic metrics of the 1990s, this building should have been turned into a boutique law office or a luxury condo. But Marietta fought for it. It survives because it offers something a smartphone can't: a shared physical experience in a room that has "memory."
When the lights dim and the red curtains pull back, you’re sitting in the same spot where people sat in 1935 to forget about the Dust Bowl. That’s powerful. It’s a tangible link to the past that keeps the city's heart beating.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Calendar: Go to the official Strand website and look for the "Classic Film" series. It’s the easiest entry point for a first-timer.
- Book the Terrace: If you have a group, look into their "Bubbles and Brews" events on the roof.
- Volunteer: If you’re local and want to see the behind-the-scenes, they are always looking for ushers. You get to see the shows for free.
- Donate: Even five bucks helps maintain the WurliTzer. These machines are incredibly temperamental and expensive to tune.
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre is the soul of Marietta. Whether you're there for a cult classic, a symphony, or just a cocktail above the trees, you're keeping a piece of Georgia history from fading into the background. Go see a show. Wear something nice. Buy the popcorn. It matters.