Located in the heart of the Galatyn Park Urban Center in Richardson, the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations stands as a cultural beacon. Leading this celebrated venue is Ally Haynes-Hamblen, who stepped into the role of executive director in September 2022 following the retirement of her friend and longtime performing arts colleague Bruce MacPherson.
Acknowledging the center’s two decades of success, Haynes-Hamblen sought to expand its reach. She engaged an outside agency to analyze the center’s database of 170,000 patrons — examining ZIP codes, ticket-buying patterns and demographic information. The analysis showed a relatively diverse audience, but given Richardson’s cultural richness, Haynes-Hamblen saw tremendous opportunity.
“We have an expansive, unrestricted canvas to work with. The possibilities for exploring various genres are limitless,” she says.
To reach new audiences, the Eisemann Center introduced mariachi performances and folklorico dance — traditional forms originating in Mexico. This season also features Bharatnatyam dance from Indian master artist Priyadarsini Govind, as well as a multilingual cabaret by French-Chinese-American chanteuse Jessica Fichot, performed in Chinese, French and Spanish. These additions have resulted in a more than 50 percent increase in new audiences — and there’s much more to come.
Haynes-Hamblen says she was “born to do this work” and expresses deep pride in the Eisemann Center team, describing them as outstanding professionals who bring creativity, knowledge and dedication every day.
With a bachelor’s degree in theater and mass communication and a master’s in business administration, Haynes-Hamblen’s career spans roles from costume shop manager to associate producer of national tours, theater manager and director of cultural affairs for the city of Las Vegas. She now draws on those experiences to shape programming that elevates both the Eisemann Center’s profile and the arts scene across Richardson and North Texas.
Beyond its performances, the Eisemann Center has a strong community outreach mission — bringing artists into schools, community centers, faith venues and more. Haynes-Hamblen cites a 2017 University of Pennsylvania study that found the arts positively impact health, safety and education.
Additional research shows the arts may reduce recidivism and support economic equity by attracting companies and retaining talent. That’s why the center is such a valuable resource — hosting recitals, graduations, corporate meetings and some of the world’s finest performing artists.
Haynes-Hamblen’s goal is twofold: to continue delivering performance excellence and to double the number of community members who feel welcome.
“Art can heal and unite communities in both traditional and nontraditional ways,” she says. “Richardson and North Texas is a great area for the arts and an exceptional lifestyle. I want people who visit the Eisemann Center to say, ‘I can’t wait to come back.’”
Information about the Eisemann Center Presents 2025–26 season is available at www.eisemanncenter.com. Tickets for all shows are on sale now both online and through the ticket office at 972-744-4650.
