Stephen Imler Donates $15K for Theatre Organ Lift
Marietta, GA (December 23, 2009) — Patrons may have enjoyed the sounds of the theatre organ at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in the past year, but they probably had no idea about the backbreaking labor that went into getting the organ ready for each show. Until November, it took approximately four men to lift the nearly 1,000-pound organ into place on a stationary platform.
With a generous $15,000 donation by Stephen Imler of Marietta, The Strand purchased a theater lift, a custom double scissors lift weighing over 3,000 pounds by ECOA Industrial Products of Hialeah, Florida. The lift is capable of lifting up to 4,000 lbs and its table top was designed specifically for the organ pit dimensions. With the newfound accessibility and capability of the organ, the organist doesn't have to work up a sweat before the show begins. Furthermore, it can be raised to a height of 104, which allows the organist or other performers to rise from pit level to stage level.
“I wanted to do something that would make a difference in the performances and to help the staff plan and make changes between events for putting on the show. It can add drama as a working piece, it allows the organ to be used more frequently,” Imler said. “I wanted to make something happen that would excite people to think about the rest of the structure.
According to resident organist Ron Carter, member of the Atlanta Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS) and Strand board member, the lift can reach its maximum height in only 13 seconds but takes 45 seconds to reach its lowest collapsed level. “It's quite a ride!” he said.
Strand patron Shirley Hinton recently discussed what the organ means to her, “I grew up in this area and the organ at The Fox Theatre was an unbelievable amazement to me, I was just mesmerized by it. And when I come to The Strand and Ron plays the organ, it brings back childhood memories to me. I believe it is the biggest thing that's happened to Marietta.”
It took three hours for Superior Rigging to install the lift with heavy-duty lifting stands and chains. The stage apron had to be reinforced before the 4,000-pound lift could be lowered into the pit. The cost of the installation was an additional $3,000 and The Strand is still accepting donations toward this expense. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to Friends of The Strand, Inc. at PO Box 4186, Marietta, GA. It is requested that donors specify on the check if their donation is to benefit the organ lift installation.
At this time, the Earl Smith Strand is one of only three Georgia theatres that have and use a theatre organ on its individual lift for theatre productions. (Atlanta's Fabulous Fox Theatre and The Rylander are the other two). The lift will routinely raise the organ console and organist to various heights depending on show requirements. The Strand regularly offers theatre organ pre-shows before movies and other entertainment which include popular music of various eras and audience sing-alongs. The Strand also will continue offering occasional full feature silent films with organ accompaniment.
“I believe The Strand will just blossom this year. I think it's neat that the children can come down and see the organ. They're just excited to death to do that,” said Hinton. “I think it's going to be the highlight of The Strand Theatre.”
Additional project costs were $700 for special connections and the platform, which was paid for ATOS, the organization that has committed to fully restoring, installing, maintaining, and performing on a historic theatre organ at The Strand Theatre.
The Earl Smith Strand Theatre is a multi-use performing arts and events facility. More information is available at www.EarlSmithStrand.org or 770-293-0080, The Strand box office, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM or two hours before the show. Unless specified otherwise in the description above, tickets can be purchased at The Strand's box office. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta, Ga.
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