Testimonials
- I remember how people reacted when they first entered the Chandler Center the summer it opened, in 1989. The elaborate adornments of great chandeliers, sconces, colorful carpets and box seating impressed everyone.
All were excited and everyone thought it was the dawn of a new era for the city, at that time approaching 100,000 residents. Knowing that the facility would host acclaimed artists and would welcome thousands of school children for many decades to come created a special sense of awe.
What is great about the Chandler Center is how alive it feels when you walk in on a show night; how your interest is awakened as you scan the massive lobby filled with happy people. There is a palpable energy and vibration. It is entertaining looking at the stages, but just as importantly, performers have said time after time how connected they feel to the patrons.
Cultural facilities don’t become successful just by opening for business; they do so by earning the respect and enthusiasm of the public by offering great artists and cultivating appreciative audiences. Chandler Center has succeeded year after year in facilitating that coming together of performers and audiences.
- James Baudoin, Manager of the Chandler Center for the Arts from 1988-1997
- As long time volunteers as the Chandler Center for the Arts, my wife and I have seen many changes and much progress at the center. Each of us has over thirteen years and almost 3000 hours of volunteer service.
During that time we have seen improvements to the facility, changes in programming and changes in administration. New carpeting, improved lighting in the theater, and changes in the sound system and stage area have all improved the appearance and appeal of the center to the patrons.
When people come to the center for the first time, they are very impressed with the facility and frequently comment to us about its beauty. The diversity of programs attracts many people of different interests. This brings many new people to the theater on a continuing basis. Each year more programs are performing to sell out crowds. This diversity has made the center a major attraction to the city of Chandler.
Much progress has been made, but continuing progress is mandatory, for if you don’t progress, you stand still. With ever increasing competition in the area, we cannot allow this to happen.
It is essential, then, for the community to support the center in every way possible if it is to remain a viable attraction to the city of Chandler.
- William A. Newlands & Evelyn F. Newlands, long-time volunteers
- When the Center opened in 1989, approximately 50 volunteers were on hand to serve as ushers, ticket takers, and other similar duties during performances. There are about 25 of those original volunteers still working at the Center.
Currently there are 150 “friendly” volunteers on the Center’s call list. The total worked hours accumulated by the volunteers in the 16 years of operation amounts to 122,843 hours. At an hourly rate of $13.75, that would be the equivalent to $1,689,091 in contributions. Individually, there is one couple who have contributed almost 3000 hours each. That would figure out to over $40,000 each.
The Center’s staff has praised the volunteers highly for their professional and faithful service through the years. The Chandler Center for the Arts is the best performing arts venue in the Valley.
- Don Henegar, Treasurer, Chandler Cultural Foundation and long-time volunteer.
- I have lived in Chandler all of my life, and am so grateful to live in a community which has always valued the arts. I appreciate the vision of school and community leaders which made dreams come true with the building of the Chandler Center for the Arts and then the leadership which has brought a wonderful array of performers for all to enjoy.
- Audrey Ryan, life-time Chandler resident.
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