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Sandler Center for the Performing Arts

Coordinates: 36°50′32″N 76°08′16″W / 36.8422042°N 76.13773°W / 36.8422042; -76.13773
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The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Sandler Center
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is located in Virginia
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Location within Virginia
Address201 Market St
LocationVirginia Beach, Virginia
Coordinates36°50′32″N 76°08′16″W / 36.8422042°N 76.13773°W / 36.8422042; -76.13773
OwnerCity of Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs
OperatorSpectra Venue Management
TypeMusic venue
Seating typeReserved seating
Capacity1,308
OpenedNovember 3, 2007
Website
www.sandlercenter.org

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts is a $47.5 million[1] performing arts theater with 1,308 seats located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States in Town Center. Commonly known as the Sandler Center, the building opened on November 3, 2007.[2] It has been operated by Spectra Venue Management since its opening. Named after Hampton Roads businessmen, philanthropists, and brothers Steve and Art Sandler.[3] In addition to hosting concerts, comedians, forums, military events[4] and other events, local resident companies call the Sandler Center home: Ballet Virginia, Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Musical Theatre, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Beach Forum, Virginia Beach Chorale, Tidewater Winds, and Symphonicity.

In addition to the 1,308 seat performance hall, the Sandler Center has various rooms throughout the building. The Miller Studio Theatre is a 2,200-square-foot room that can fit 200 (standing room only) to 125 people (seated). This theatre is equipped with ballet bars, sprung floor, and its own lighting. The Bill and Anne Wood Founders Room is a 900-square-foot room that has a private terrace overlooking Virginia Beach Town Center. This room can fit 60 (standing room only) to 50 people (seated). The Sandler Center also has two carpeted classrooms on the second floor equipped with movable tables, chairs, and podiums. Each floor has its own lobby looking out on to the Sandler Center plaza. The grand lobby is 5,200-square-feet.

The Sandler Center is also home to the Sandler Center Foundation. The Foundation is involved in education, community outreach programs and performance underwriting. The Sandler Center Foundation partners with Virginia Arts Festival to underwrite performers such as Renee Fleming, Bernstein on Broadway, and Tony Bennett.[5] Proceeds from Ynot Wednesdays,[6] an outdoor summer concert series, benefits the Sandler Center Foundation. From 2008-2018, $289,000 was donated to the Sandler Center Foundation.[7]

History

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Sandler Center Street View

In 2001, the Virginia Beach City Council began plans to build its own cultural center. The Council began plans to replace the 1000-seat Pavilion Theatre. More than 300 workers and 35 subcontractors had a hand in the construction.

The Sandler Center for the Performing Arts was dedicated in November 2007. Itzhak Perlman was the first artist to perform at the Sandler Center on November 3, 2007.[8]

Volunteers

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Over 200 volunteers work at the Sandler Center. The estimated national value of each volunteer hour is $25.43, as of 2018.[9] This allows the City of Virginia Beach to save on average 500,000 dollars each year.

Noteworthy performers

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  • Itzhak Perlman
  • Renee Fleming[10]
  • Chris Botti[11]
  • Disney Frozen Jr.[12]
  • Family Feud Live Celebrity Edition[13]
  • Melissa Etheridge[14]
  • Tony Bennett
  • BB King
  • Willie Nelson
  • Gladys Knight
  • Wynton Marsalis
  • Savion Glover[15]

References

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  1. ^ Nicholson, David. "CONCERT SERIES INCLUDES TONY BENNETT, 'GYPSY'". dailypress.com. Retrieved 2019-09-20.
  2. ^ Duke, Dan. "Sandler Center for the Performing Arts at 10 years: 4,579 events and 1.3 million patrons, and counting". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  3. ^ Duke, Dan. "Sandler Center for the Performing Arts at 10 years: 4,579 events and 1.3 million patrons, and counting". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  4. ^ "FORD AND KENNEDY PIN 34 NEW CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS". DVIDS. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  5. ^ "About the Sandler Center Foundation | Sandler Center Foundation". sandlercenterfoundation.org. Retrieved 2019-09-20.
  6. ^ Mason, Jennifer. "Fun Stuff | Adults can play in the middle of the week at Ynot Wednesdays in Virginia Beach". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  7. ^ Hodies, Eric. "YNot Wednesdays concert series kicks off 10th season of free performances at Sandler Center". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-20.
  8. ^ Nicholson, David. "CONCERT SERIES INCLUDES TONY BENNETT, 'GYPSY'". dailypress.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  9. ^ "Value of Volunteer Time". Independent Sector. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  10. ^ Vincent, Mal. "Renée Fleming, one of the world's golden voices, coming to Virginia Beach". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  11. ^ Wolgamott, L. Kent. "Jazz trumpet great Chris Botti to perform in Virginia Beach". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  12. ^ Mangalonzo, John (2019-01-25). "Hampton Roads will be 'Frozen' in March". Williamsburg Yorktown Daily. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  13. ^ Staton, John. "Comedian Alonzo Bodden to lead traveling version of "Family Feud" in Virginia Beach". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  14. ^ Rubio, Dave Gil de. "Melissa Etheridge's latest album is a time capsule of a rough time". pilotonline.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.
  15. ^ Holtzclaw, Mike. "Savion Glover taps into his own musical beats". dailypress.com. Retrieved 2019-09-23.