Riley Sardinha
Arts and Entertainment Editor
As the pandemic continues, more local businesses are forced to shut down. At a time when some of us are starting to lose hope, the Sherman Theater is here to be a marquee-lit beacon in the darkness.
The Sherman Theater on Main Street is well-known to most ESU students for hosting so many major names at such low prices. Musicians from a variety of genres have taken center stage in the past, including: Megadeth, Deftones, Papa Roach, Blues Traveler, 311, Kansas, Sean Kingston, and even Weird Al Yankovic!
More than concerts, this intimate theater also boasts a 1,200 capacity for movie screenings, stage plays, public speaking events, business conferences, private parties, and weddings.
Affectionately called “The Sherman” by Stroudsburg residents, the theater first opened Jan. 7 in 1929, with famous vaudeville comedians Laurel and Hardy as its debut act.
It’s a staple of local Stroudsburg culture. After a few changes of owners, the switch from private to non-profit cemented it as such.
It would be a shame to see it go, and that’s why workers at the Sherman have been doing everything they can to keep it afloat.
Rebecca Ashdot, a junior at Northampton Community College’s Monroe campus, began working there June 13 this past summer. As an avid music lover, she had been going to the Sherman for years. She even saw her first ever concert there; the Original Misfits line-up on Oct 30 back in 2015.
Ashdot performs as her own one-man-band at the theater; playing the roles of hostess, usher, concession stand worker, and waitress for audience goers in the VIP boxes.
“I haven’t seen much in terms of big improvements, but employees have been getting raises, including me.” Ashdot explains “And we’re trying to make changes to what we sell at the concession stand and how we can efficiently work it out.”
The Sherman tends to follow the philosophy of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ when it comes to navigating the pandemic. They’d rather focus on bigger things and improve upon what they already have.
One solution was to start the “Concerts on the Creek”, a series of outdoor shows sponsored by ESSA and held in their Bank & Trust Park on 200 Palmer Street. This is a great way for concert-goers to enjoy some great live music and get some fresh air while avoiding the overcrowding problem.
The Sherman also has a trailer of sound equipment for easy transport so they can set up at other local events. It recently made an appearance at this past Stroudfest, one side fitted with LEDs to advertise sponsors and future shows.
The Sherman appeals to all walks of life, and no matter what music the average East Stroudsburg University student likes. Whether it’s Blue October, Gojira, or Black Veil Brides, everyone is bound to find interest in at least one of their shows.
As more people are getting vaccinated and the mandates lift a bit, music fans can file into the theater once more.
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