Revamped theater returns to Chandler community after summer renovation
The Chandler Center for the Arts is reopening its main stage following a $3 million renovation completed over the summer, giving Chandler residents a first look at updates officials say will improve comfort, safety and the overall theater experience.
City facilities officials and arts center leadership offered a preview of the refurbished space ahead of the venues reopening weekend. The work focused on the interior of the four-decade-old building and included new seating and cupholders, refreshed flooring and carpeting, upgrades to stage rigging and systems, and safety improvements to sprinklers and electrical infrastructure.
- Cost: $3 million
- Age of venue: about 40 years
- Open house: Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., free to the public
- Opening performances: Shanghai Ballets "Giselle" on Friday; Sara Evans on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Mike Hollingsworth, director of Chandlers Facilities and Fleet division, described the project as a hands-on effort for city staff. He told Arizonas Family during the preview that completing the renovation required intensive work from those involved.
“Were really excited about it. It was a lot of gray hair, a lot of lost sleep to get this project done,” Hollingsworth said.
Julianna Crespo, the arts centers general manager, highlighted improvements that patrons will notice first: updated seating with cupholders and a new color scheme intended to modernize the space while preserving what regular visitors value about the theater. She also emphasized the technical and safety work that accompanies the aesthetic updates.
Officials said the renovations included enhancements to the stage and rigging as well as important life-safety improvements such as updates to the fire sprinkler systems and electrical infrastructure. Those upgrades are intended to support a wider range of productions and to ensure the facility meets current safety standards.
Community access and upcoming shows
The arts center is inviting the public to tour the renewed theater during a free open house on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The timing gives residents a chance to view the changes ahead of the venues first scheduled performances on the renovated stage.
The first production on the updated main stage will be the Shanghai Ballets performance of "Giselle," which is set for Friday. Country artist Sara Evans, known for hits including "Born to Fly" and "A Little Bit Stronger," is scheduled to perform on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.
Crespo said she looks forward to welcoming the community back into the theater and learning more about the kinds of shows local patrons want to see. The centers leadership framed the renovation not just as a facility upgrade but as an opportunity to reconnect with audiences after the work was completed.
City and arts center officials have not released additional programming details beyond the initial performances announced for the reopening period. Residents interested in touring the space or attending upcoming events are advised to check the Chandler Center for the Arts website or contact the center for ticketing and schedule information.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project cost | $3 million |
| Open house | Saturday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., free |
| First scheduled shows | Shanghai Ballet's "Giselle" (Friday); Sara Evans (Oct. 25, 7 p.m.) |
The renovated Chandler Center for the Arts now presents a mix of comfort, updated technical capacity and safety improvements aimed at sustaining the venues role as a cultural anchor for the city. Officials are encouraging residents to visit during the open house and to attend events as the center resumes its regular performance schedule.
