DELAWARE — The historic Strand Theatre invites the community to a special screening of the powerful documentary What It Takes, a film directed by Jeff Shulman, on Thursday, April 30, at 6 p.m. followed by a live panel discussion.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department, Delaware Public Health District, and Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board.
Ticket prices are $8.50 per person for general admission, $7 per person for students, and $6 for children, older adults, and military. Community members, educators, healthcare professionals, families, and anyone interested in learning more about substance use and recovery are encouraged to attend.
What it Takes is making its Ohio and Midwest premiere at the Strand and explores the realities, challenges, and resilience surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) and recovery, offering a deeply human look at what it truly takes to overcome adversity through personal stories and lived experiences.
After the film, the curated panel will provide an opportunity for deeper reflection, audience engagement, and a shared commitment to addressing one of the most pressing issues facing communities today.
“This event is about more than a film — it’s about bringing people together,” said Tracey Peyton, managing director. “At the Strand, we believe in the power of storytelling to foster connection, reduce stigma, and strengthen our community.”
Panelists include Delaware County Sheriff Jeffrey C. Balzer, Community Engagement Coordinator Lisa Dooley of the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, Bailey Hilliard, Inmate Programs Manager at the Chesterfield County Jail in Virginia (where part of the film was made), and Loraine Maguire, VP, Southeast Healthcare.
The evening’s moderator is retired jurist Scott VanDerKarr who spent 20 years on the Franklin County Municipal Court and has had a deep and evolving commitment to addressing SUD within the justice system.
The Strand Theatre established in 1916 is one of the 10 oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the country showing first-run films. The nonprofit Strand has also been recognized nationally for its Sensory initiative and is a recent recipient of the Quality-of-Life Award given out by the Delaware Chamber of Commerce to a nonprofit group that makes significant contributions to the community.
Strand Theatre is also the recipient of the Historical Theatre of the Year Award,
presented by Heritage Ohio, and Main Street Delaware’s business innovation award, both in 2021 for their efforts during the pandemic.
Located in the heart of Delaware, Ohio, the historic Strand Theatre has long served as a cornerstone for arts, culture, and community connection. Through film, live events, and educational programming, the Strand continues its mission to be a gathering place where stories are shared and community is built.
