Strand Theatre at dusk

Grinnell College is located in a Victorian-era residential neighborhood in the charming, 150-plus-year-old prairie town of Grinnell, Iowa, population 9,700. “Downtown” is two blocks from campus and offers a plethora of shopping, dining, lodging, and other services, including a regional health center, a farmers’ market, and a single mega-chain discount store. Student cars are allowed, but not at all necessary; most prefer biking and walking.


The Strand 3 Theatre

The Strand 3 Theatre is a great venue for special film showings that you'd like to make available to the general public.  This historic theatre was preserved, renovated and expanded in 2003 through a collaborative effort between a group of local investors, private donors who chose to "buy a seat" to see the old theatre restored, and the City of Grinnell.  The theatre is locally owned by the Strand LLC, a specially-formed company comprised of local investors, of which Grinnell College is proud to be a part.  The theatre is managed by  Fridley Theatres, an Iowa family-owned business. 

 

Eligibility

Any special showing must be a Grinnell College sponsored event.  That is, sponsored by a college department or program - not an individual.

Capacity

The theatre features three auditoriums seating 131, 118 and 86 guests respectively.  Auditorium 3 (86 seats) can be rented for special showings for Grinnell College films.

Planning and Scheduling

  •  Advance Notice/Approval.  Availability is determined primarily by existing bookings and their respective contracts with the film companies.  ***Please be advised that Fridley needs a mininum 3 week notice before a showing and all dates must be approved by Fridley Theatres before being finalized. 
  • Film Drop-Off/Pick-Up.  Films require advance preparation.  Drop off 35 mm film or DVD to the manager at the Strand at least 3 days before date of viewing.

Available Days/Times

  • Special shows are limited to the school year -- summer is reserved for industry new releases.
  •  Monday-Wednesday:  anytime
  • Thursdays:  unavailable
  • Friday-Saturday:
    • Morning-1:30 pm
    • 2:00-4:00 pm
    • 4:30-6:45 pm
  • Sunday:  after 4:15 pm

Price

  • Auditorium Rental Price: 
    • $50 for 35 mm films.  Renter responsible for renting their own film and purchasing copy rights for a public viewing.
    • $250 for digital format.  Rental fee includes set-up and tear-down of Fridley Theatre digital equipment and auditorium rental.  Renter responsible for renting their own DVD and purchasing copy rights for a public viewing.

Advertising

Fridley Theatres is able to advertise the special show on the Fridley Theatre website and with a movie poster at the Strand.  Please provide a PDF of the poster/flyer to alison@fridleytheatres.com for website advertising and drop off poster/flyer at the theatre for display.

Concessions

Concession stand will be open for all attendees.

Reservation Inquiries

All inquiries for movie dates can be submitted via email to Alison Meyer at alison@fridleytheatres.com.  From there, Alison will get approval from the Fridley Theatres corporate office. For any other questions, please feel free to contact Monica Chavez-Silva in the office of Community Enhancement & Engagement.

Past Showings

For examples of how Grinnell College groups have used the theater in the past, please see the Humanities International Film Festival and Parisian Nights pages.