Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville announce naming of the David A. Chan Theatre at the new Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center
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Arts Huntsville and the City of Huntsville are proud to announce the official naming of the David A. Chan Theatre, located inside the newly transformed Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center at the Sandra Moon Community Complex.
Previously the auditorium of former Grissom High School, the revitalized 611-seat venue represents a major milestone in meeting the venue needs of Huntsville’s rapidly growing local arts scene. Invested in and designed by the City of Huntsville, with daily management overseen by Arts Huntsville, the modern proscenium theatre is engineered to elevate every performance. Upgrades include new theatre seating, an upgraded manual and motorized rigging system that expands the venue’s technical capabilities, full audio and lighting systems, custom acoustic tiling, an orchestra shell, full video projection capabilities, and spacious new dressing rooms and backstage areas.
The naming honors longtime arts champion David A. Chan, whose leadership and ongoing patronage, alongside the Chan family and the Pei Ling Charitable Trust, have shaped the local cultural landscape.
“Having watched this space transform over the last year, I am truly thrilled by the design, the thoughtful details, and even the color choices that make this theatre so welcoming,” said David A. Chan. “The City of Huntsville and Arts Huntsville have crafted an extraordinary venue where local talent can shine. It is an incredible honor to have my family’s name attached to a space that will inspire artists and audiences for generations to come.”
“From Panoply Arts Festival and Concerts in the Park to arts experiences across our community, David A. Chan’s and the Chan family’s generosity helps make the arts accessible to everyone,” said Allison Dillon-Jauken, Executive Director of Arts Huntsville. “Their support ensures that families can continue gathering across our city to enjoy the arts and create lasting memories together. We are thrilled to open these doors with the recognition of David A. Chan, and we are deeply grateful for the Chan family’s commitment to helping the arts flourish in Huntsville.”
The City of Huntsville invested $32.4 million in the renovation of the Sandra Moon Community Complex. Building on that significant public investment, Arts Huntsville launched a private fundraising campaign to support additional equipment, furnishings, and enhancements for the performance facility. Arts Huntsville extends its appreciation to the campaign’s founding philanthropic and public-sector partners, led by the Pei Ling Charitable Trust, The Daniel Foundation of Alabama, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. Arts Huntsville also recognizes State Senator Sam Givhan and Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick, who secured funding through their discretionary state and county budget allocations, respectively.
Arts Huntsville’s fundraising campaign for the Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center will continue through the inaugural season. Community members and organizations interested in supporting the venue can explore donor opportunities by contacting Arts Huntsville. 
To celebrate the grand opening, Arts Huntsville invites the community to experience performances in the David A. Chan Theatre at the Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center on Saturday, September 26, 2026, as part of a renewed “Showcase of the Arts.” A Huntsville community tradition dating back to the 1970s, the Showcase of the Arts celebrates the depth and breadth of artistry across the city. Opening with a celebration of arts education featuring young musicians from Challenge Middle School performing in the Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center’s front plaza, the day will feature on-stage performances every half hour from local arts organizations:
Showcase of the Arts Performance Schedule
9:30am Challenger Middle School Jazz Band
10:00am Around the Curtain Children’s Theatre
10:30am Huntsville Community Chorus Association
11:00am Brass Band of Huntsville
11:30am Dance Elan
12:00pm Rocket City Ballet
12:30pm Huntsville Master Chorale
1:00pm Huntsville Youth Orchestra
1:30pm Independent Musical Productions
2:00pm Opera Huntsville
2:30pm Huntsville Ballet
3:00pm Huntsville Concert Band
The Showcase of the Arts is free to attend.
In addition to the performances, the Sandra Moon Event Hall will host information and activity tables by the arts organizations featured across the Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center’s Grand Opening Weekend.
During the Showcase of the Arts, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Sandra Moon Community Complex through guided facility tours led by City of Huntsville Parks & Recreation staff. Tours will depart from the South Entrance Lobby at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., offering guests an inside look at the newly redeveloped community complex and its amenities.
The South Huntsville Library will also celebrate its fifth birthday on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. with a special community event recognizing the project that launched the Sandra Moon Community Complex redevelopment. Guests are invited to join library staff in commemorating the library’s milestone anniversary and the impact the project has had on the South Huntsville community.
Following the grand opening weekend, the David A. Chan Theatre will host a dynamic inaugural season featuring local theatre companies, musical ensembles, school productions, and cherished holiday traditions:
Fall Lineup
- Brass Band of Huntsville Fall Concert
- Around the Curtain Children’s Theatre Fall Revue
- Independent Musical Productions presents Dear Evan Hansen
- Huntsville Community Chorus Association Fall Concert
- Huntsville Concert Band Concert
- Westminster Christian Academy Fall Show
Holiday & Winter Lineup
- Independent Musical Productions presents Come From Away
- Dance Elan presents The Rocket City Nutcracker
- Huntsville Youth Orchestra Holiday Concert
- Huntsville Community Chorus Association Holiday Concert
- The Beasley Brothers Christmas Show
- Rocket City Ballet’s Nutcracker
(Specific performance dates, ticket sales, and additional schedule announcements will be released in the coming weeks.)
For more information regarding upcoming performances, ticket sales, or charitable giving at the Sandra Moon Performing Arts Center, visit the Arts Huntsville website or call 256-513-4296.
For more information on Arts Huntsville and its programs, please visit the Arts Huntsville website or call (256) 519-ARTS (2787). Arts Huntsville can be found on Facebook and Instagram at @ArtsHuntsville.
