Chandler Center for the Arts Gets Ready for Its Next Act

After nearly four decades as a home for the performing arts in Chandler, Chandler Center for the Arts is getting ready for its next act. The Center will reopen its doors in October following a $3 million renovation designed to improve the experience for audiences and artists while maintaining the character of the nearly 40-year-old venue. The reopening celebration begins October 17 and continues for more than a week with performances, community events and opportunities to explore.

The renovation includes new theater seating, refreshed interior finishes and upgrades to the stage and rigging. The first weekend of performances on the renovated Steena Murray Mainstage will feature internationally acclaimed Shanghai Ballet and multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans.

“CCA has been part of this community for nearly 40 years, and what excites me about this reopening is that we’re honoring that history while creating a better experience for the audiences and artists who will shape its future,” said General Manager Julianna Crespo. “We want everyone to come through these doors, see what’s changed and feel that this is their Center.”

The reopening also highlights several local arts organizations that have longstanding connections to CCA. Ballet Etudes, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this season, presented its first Nutcracker at the Center. C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona will return for its 27th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival, while the 33-year-old Chandler Symphony Orchestra begins its first season under newly named conductor Chuck Stewart.

The celebration officially begins October 17, with the 13th Annual Center Stage Gala, Murder on the Tumbleweed Express. The western-themed fundraiser will combine a murder mystery with live performances, dining, auctions and immersive experiences, with proceeds supporting CCA programming and community engagement. On October 21, CCA will host Ordinary Folks, Extraordinary Tales, a free storytelling event hosted by playwright, composer and CCA Artist-in-Residence Ashli St. Armant.

Presented in partnership with Chandler Museum, the event will showcase stories developed through community storytelling workshops led by a storyteller from South Mountain Community College. Participants will take the stage to share their experiences as part of St. Armant’s three-year artist residency, which will culminate in March 2027 with the world premiere of her new theatrical work, The Yellowroot: A Juke Joint Cabaret.

The renovated Steena Murray Mainstage gets its first major test October 23, when Shanghai Ballet performs Giselle. The internationally acclaimed company will bring the classic ballet to the newly updated stage. On October 25, the focus shifts to country music when Sara Evans takes the stage. The multi-platinum artist will perform some of her biggest hits as part of the opening weekend. In between those performances, CCA will open its doors to the broader Chandler community on October 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. for a free celebration and open house.

Visitors can tour the renovated theater, meet Crespo, enjoy refreshments and take part in family activities. Guided tours will offer a closer look at the new seating, refreshed interiors and stage and rigging improvements. Guests can also learn more about the Center’s Adopt-A-Seat program. For a venue that has spent nearly 40 years hosting artists, arts organizations and audiences, the reopening marks an investment in a familiar Chandler gathering place while creating a refreshed space for the performances, artists and community members still to come. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit Chandler Center for the Arts.