The Carolina Theatre: Fostering Love for the Arts

From board members to volunteers, many choose to support the Carolina Theatre and serve the Durham community because of their love of the arts.

The Carolina Theatre recently hosted a seat naming reception hosted by Deirdre Guion, past Board Chair and current Board member extraordinaire. During the evening, Deirdre surprised her mom, Etheldreda Guion, by naming seat G202 in her honor. It was a moment that touched us all very deeply and is a story we will all remember for years to come: 

“Mom, you are the heartbeat behind my love for the arts — the one who orchestrated every dance class, choir practice, piano lesson, band practice and all the performances!! You are truly the wind beneath my wings”  -Deirdre Guion. 

Etheldreda Guion, shared the importance of the arts and community engagement in her own life.

“My journey in the arts began in my youth, where involvement in my High School Drama club and Chorus opened up a new world for me. Getting lead roles affirmed confidence in my abilities and potential, leading to my first, of many, community and even television performances. 

This passion for creative spaces was nurtured further at the Rosenwald Centers in New Orleans, LA, which provided an essential space for Black youth to engage in a variety of classes, including dance, fitness, and drama. I was an active participant there. 

My connection to community arts has been a lifelong commitment. For the last twenty-one years, I have been a proud member of Durham and Dude Senior Cheerleaders. This group, initially sponsored by the Durham YMCA and in cooperation with the North Carolina Senior Games, allows us to share our message of healthy living and physical and creative activities. I’ve seen how our work has influenced many older adults in both our local community and across the state.”  – Etheldreda Guion 

You have probably seen Jeff Gordon and Christy Brooks during one of your visits to the Carolina Theatre as they are constant supporters and longtime volunteers. Having been involved with the theater for almost 18 years, they have many stories to share, but maybe the most meaningful is helping to guide students visiting for the Arts Discovery Educational Series. 

“My wife & I have been active with the Carolina Theatre as either a volunteer, patron or guest since moving full time to Durham in 2008. We try to volunteer as much as possible, it is great to give back to a local non-profit institution such as the Carolina Theatre and interacting with the guests has been a highlight as they are often praising the level of the performance, staff and facility during their visit. 

While volunteering for evening shows is great, this past year has been more rewarding as I volunteered to escort school children at the theatre.  Many of them are seeing a theatre performance for the first time and it really highlights the mission of Carolina Theatre to provide an educational experience. 

We have also greatly enjoyed the live shows.  David Crosby and Aziz Ansari stand out, but my favorite and most memorable was Buddy Guy, who brought such great energy and was unique by performing within the crowd, even venturing up to the first balcony level with his guitar! 

Of course, no visit is complete without popcorn! We hope to see you at the Carolina Theatre again soon! -Jeff Gordon

The magic we create on stage, the education we provide off-stage, and the community connections we foster are all possible because of our dedicated donors. From now until December 31, The Barnes Family Foundation is matching every gift to our annual appeal—doubling your impact, and helping us reach our $120,000 goal. Please consider making a gift.

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