A Sherman Excursion

The Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA held an Open House on Wednesday September 25th. The event served to showcase the venue’s newest improvements to its structure as well as to share information about the process in which the theater decides who will be presented upon its stage. A modest number of musicians along with some artists attended the event which began with sharing a conversation with the theater’s owner, Rich Berkowitz, and Booking Specialist Cheryl as they answered questions about the venue over Pizza and Beer.

One of the main topics discussed during the conversation surrounded the controversy of a practice known as “Pay to Play.” The theater has been accused of utilizing this practice and sought to set the record straight. It was explained that “Pay to Play” meant a band would be required to guarantee a minimum attendance through pre-show ticket sales before they could perform in a venue. It was maintained this practice does not occur at The Sherman Theater.

Instead, The Theater says it encourages bands with a small to medium sized fan base to self promote themselves by selling tickets prior to their performance in order to help the band to build a following and to be assured that an audience will hear them play. Selling tickets is also necessary in order to cover some of the cost of putting on a show in a non profit venue as large as the Sherman Theater. The Sherman Theater’s distinction between the “Pay to Play” concept and their criteria of presenting bands with a small to medium sized following seemed to satisfy those who were present for the event.

The Open House event included a tour of the theater’s lobby, balcony, dressing room, and performance space along with a visit to its adjacent Living Room Venue which the Sherman acquired in 2012. This venue serves several functions including a space for performers and VIPs to meet and greet one another prior to or after a show, Art Exhibitions which are free to the public and does not charge hanging fees or commissions to the artists who participate in them, concerts which are modestly priced and allows musicians to perform without pre selling tickets to it, and the weekly presentation of their Open Mic Nights which are free to anyone who would like to attend and/or participate in them. It was mentioned the venue is ideal for bands with a small fan base as the funds to present a show is considerably less than those required to stage a performance in the main Sherman Theater.

As the tour came to its conclusion, a number of side conversations took place in which musicians sought information on how to book their bands either at The Sherman Theater or The Living Room. The event proved to be an informative one with an emphasis repeatedly being made in regards to the Sherman Theater’s desire to help bands and other artists present their work at the venue and the care they put into every show they present. You’ll find more photographs taken during The Sherman Theater’s Open House event in The Special Events 2013 Gallery at  www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151866787260421.636000420&type=3.

The Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, PA first opened its doors on Monday January 7th, 1929 and was presented to the public as “a paradise of architectural splendor.” The first evening program included a live performance given by Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy and a screening of the film titled, “Synthetic Sin.” The theater continued to showcase both live Vaudevillian performances and film presentations until the theatrical form of Vaudeville came to a close and film screenings dominated the programs. This continued until December 28th, 1983 when The Sherman Theater closed its doors.

A few live theatrical productions were presented at The Sherman Theater by local companies from the late 1980s until the mid 1990s but the venue mostly laid dormant until 2005 when Richard Berkowitz bought the building and endeavored to restore it. The venue has presented a variety of performances including concerts given by performers of national and international renown, local bands and musicians who have progressed significantly in their careers, and theatrical productions by local companies. Upcoming events to be presented at The Sherman Theater includes the 3rd Annual Sherman Cage Rage MMA fights on Saturday October 5th, a concert featuring the progressive improvisational band known as Umphrey's McGee www.facebook.com/umphreysmcgee on Thursday October 24th, the Annual Screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” www.facebook.com/pages/Rocky-Horror-Picture-Show/110577322296346 on Saturday October 26th, and Gregg Allman of The Allman Brothers Band www.facebook.com/allmanbrothersband on Tuesday October 29th. You can learn more about The Sherman Theater, their upcoming events, how to perform on their stage, and all they have to offer the community by exploring their website at www.shermantheater.com.