Ushers are the unsung heroes of the theater world.

They know their way around the theater when us patrons don’t have a clue where we’re going.

Charlie Upchurch, the Top Usher at the Strand Theatre, has been helping people navigate the terrain for 17 years.

“I haven’t missed any days since I started,” says Upchurch. “Sometimes, I don’t even know what’s playing, I just show up. I just like being around people.”

The Strand holds a lot of memories for Upchurch. He saw John Wayne there when he was in town for his movie, The Horse Soldiers, which played at the Strand.

“I used to go to all the picture shows there in the ’50s,” says Upchurch. “I remember seeing Gone with the Wind there with my mother.”

All the Strand’s ushers are volunteers. They do it because they love people. And they love live theater.

“When there is a play, I can’t wait to see it,” says Rosemary Short, who has been a Strand usher for 25 years.

“I have been to the Pantages Theater in Toronto and countless Broadway shows, and the Strand is the epitome of grandeur and luxury. It’s the elegance of the building for me. I just can’t explain it.”

When Rosemary escorts a Strand rookie to their seat, she says she doesn’t always sit them down right away.

“What I love is the people who attend,” says Short. “I just feel I can offer something to someone who has never been there before.”

“Don’t sit in the seat yet. Come with me. This is the grandeur. Look up and see the chandelier. It brings you right into the scene that you’re going to be watching.”

“So many people have thanked me for showing them around.”

Caden Ingram, a student at Captain Shreve High School, also loves speaking with patrons of the Strand whenever he ushers shows.

“I love all my patrons,” says Ingram. “I love explaining the history of the Strand and of downtown Shreveport.”

“It’s just a fun experience,” says Angela Roberson-King, who has been a Strand usher for about 10 years.

“I recognize a lot of the regular season ticket holders, and you just never know who else is going to show up!”

Say “hey” to your usher when you go check out the 40^th season.

They will be happy to show you around and point you in the right direction.

It’s their job.

But really, it’s their passion.

The 40th Season of the Strand includes:

LeAnn Rimes Sep 20, 2024

Indigo Girls Oct 12, 2024

A Christmas Carol Dec 8, 2024

Ben Folds Dec 15, 2024

Black Jacket Symphony presents Led Zeppelin IV Apr 5, 2024

The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy Jun 25, 2024

Season tickets were made available to “Friends of the Strand” (Donors) on June 20, 2024.  The general public may purchase tickets beginning July 22, 2024. Ticket Prices are subject to change per show.

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, filled with endless decisions and details to consider. From setting a budget to choosing vendors and designing the perfect look, every aspect of the planning process requires careful attention to ensure a stress-free and spectacular day. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key steps involved in planning the perfect wedding, covering everything from establishing the foundation to ensuring smooth logistics and coordination. We highly recommend that you attend a few bridal fairs such as the events that I Do Bridal produces to help you begin the planning process.

Finding the Planning Style That Feels Right

Some couples like being super hands on with every tiny detail, and others realize halfway through that some parts of wedding planning feel a little heavier than expected. And that’s totally fine. There’s a certain relief that comes when you notice you don’t have to carry every task on your shoulders. A lot of people end up exploring different planning styles, mixing the parts they enjoy with a bit of outside help for the things that eat up too much time or energy.

It’s one reason all-inclusive luxury wedding venues mentioned so often as an easy option, since they already have teams who know what needs to happen and when. But even if you don’t go that route, you can borrow the idea behind it. Let the process feel lighter where you can. Share the decisions, simplify the bits that feel messy, and keep leaning toward the choices that give you more room to enjoy this whole season rather than rush through it.

Colors, Schemes, and Themes

Designing the perfect wedding look involves careful consideration of attire, décor, and stationery. Choosing the wedding dress and attire for the bridal party is a significant decision that reflects the overall style of the wedding. Getting a dress from DevotionDresses will transform your look and make you feel beautiful on your special day.  Designing invitations, programs, and other stationery items provides an opportunity to showcase the wedding theme and create anticipation for the event among guests. Flowers should always be a part of the wedding and add to the overall look and feel that you are seeking.  Colony House can help in that regard.

On the Menu

Crafting a delicious and memorable menu is a key aspect of the wedding experience. Experienced caterers such as those at Superior Steak House, Ernest’s Orleans, Fat Calf, and 2nd Act can help you plan a diverse menu that caters to different dietary preferences ensuring that all guests can enjoy the meal. Tasting and selecting the final menu items with the caterer allows couples to ensure that the food meets their expectations in terms of taste and presentation. Locally-owned Thrifty Liquor suggests adding special touches such as signature cocktails or dessert bars to add a personal and memorable element to the dining experience.  The venue is equally important and should reflect the couple’s personalities. The nature lover may opt for an outdoor setting like Twisted Pine in Marshall, Texas.  Closer to Shreveport-Bossier is Minden’s Estate Les Chenes with its historical charm and numerous amenities. East Ridge Country Club in Shreveport is also a good choice.

Smoothing Out the Details

Ensuring smooth logistics and coordination on the wedding day is essential for a seamless and stress-free event. Creating a detailed schedule that outlines the timeline for the day’s events helps keep everyone on track and ensures that everything runs smoothly. Coordinating transportation for the wedding party and guests, whether through shuttles or car services, helps ensure that everyone arrives on time and safely. Assigning roles and responsibilities to trusted individuals, such as wedding planners or bridal party members, can help alleviate stress and ensure that all tasks are taken care of efficiently.

Registered and Delivered

Managing guest lists and RSVPs is a crucial aspect of wedding planning to ensure a smooth and organized event. Couples should start by compiling and organizing the guest list, considering capacity limitations and personal preferences. Sending out invitations in a timely manner and tracking RSVPs allows for accurate planning of seating arrangements and accommodations for out-of-town guests. Clear communication and organization in this area can help prevent last-minute changes and ensure that all guests feel welcomed and accounted for on the special day.

Your guests will appreciate you taking the guesswork out of gift-giving when you create a bridal registry at a gift shop such as Lewis Gifts, one of Shreveport’s oldest shops, Jolie Blonde, a newer shop, and Bossier City’s Ivy and Stone.

Reception Entertainment

Creating unforgettable moments and entertainment is key to making the wedding day truly memorable for the couple and their guests. Planning special moments, such as the first dance and cake-cutting ceremony, adds a personal touch to the event and creates lasting memories. Selecting entertainment options, whether live music, Spin doctors such as AJ the DJ, or other performers, sets the tone for the celebration and keeps guests engaged and entertained. The latest trend is using fireworks and sparklers for the couple’s send-off. Hiring a professional company like Pyromania Fireworks can create a dazzling and safe display.  Incorporating personalized touches that reflect the couple’s story and interests adds a unique and meaningful element to the wedding experience.

The Honeymoon

Ensuring a smooth transition to the honeymoon is the final step in the wedding planning process, setting the stage for a relaxing and enjoyable post-wedding getaway. Couples should pack and organize essentials for the honeymoon in advance, considering the destination and duration of the trip. Coordinating travel arrangements and accommodations ensures a seamless transition from the wedding festivities to the honeymoon relaxation. Planning for post-wedding tasks such as thank-you notes and name changes allows couples to tie up loose ends and start their new chapter with ease.

Back up plans

Finally, it’s always good to have a Plan B. Handling unexpected challenges and contingencies is a vital skill for couples and wedding planners to navigate any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. Developing a contingency plan for unexpected weather, vendor issues, or emergencies can help mitigate the impact of such situations on the wedding day. Effective communication with vendors and guests in case of changes or emergencies is key to managing expectations and ensuring a smooth transition. Maintaining a positive and adaptable attitude throughout the planning process can help couples overcome obstacles and focus on the joyous celebration of their love.