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The chandeliers at the Community Arts Center may be encrusted with crystals, but the true shining lights at the theater are the dedicated corps of ushers, some who have been welcoming and directing patrons almost since the renovated building opened its doors in 1993.
Ana Gonzalez-White, development director of the Community Arts Center, said of the countless hours the ushers have contributed to the theater. "20,000-plus hours, too many to count, and we certainly appreciate our volunteers very much," she said. "We are well aware that their commitment to the CAC is vitally important."
Speaking with some of the more seasoned ushers, they are unanimous in their desire to help people, either by greeting them at the door, directing them to their seats or any other courtesy they can show the people who enter the building anticipating a time of entertainment.
"We're here to help people and to make them comfortable and to make their night special for them," said Sylvia Miller, who joined the group in November 1993, about six months after the theater reopened. Miller added that there are seven people who are still ushering from that time.
"Most of the ushers go out of their way to help people when they see they need help. It's not just certain people, it's anybody that we see needs help," Miller said.
John Hunsinger, who is in his late 80's, has been with the group of volunteers for 22 years. He and his wife, Barbara, who has since passed away, decided to try ushering after they retired from teaching.
"We wanted to do something together. Barbara and I both liked people and we were used to being around people. So I thought that might be a neat idea," he said.
A love of the diversity of programs appealing to all ages offered at the theater plus a desire to serve the community are what drew Susan Baker, another usher who has been at the CAC for 25 years to the position in the first place.
"I'm interested in the arts. I want to give back to my community and I felt it was a good way to do that," Baker said.
Baker's history with the theater goes back even further to the time when it was the Capitol Theater, one of several theaters in the city during the 1950's.
"I worked at the Capitol Theater when I was 14 years old," Baker shared. "We often kid about it. I made 35 cents an hour down here and now I do it for free."
John Hunsinger's brother, Lou Hunsinger Sr., and his wife Doris are also part of the group. At one time, John shared, there were three Hunsinger brothers and their wives, plus a nephew, serving as ushers at the CAC.
"If you add all the Hunsingers that have ushered, you have approximately a hundred years of service," he said.
Although the Hunsingers are related, other ushers, who are unrelated, described the cohesiveness of the group as a family.
"We're like a family up there," Miller said.
That sentiment was echoed many times by this group of ushers who have been together for so many years. They talk about checking on each other during times of illness or just to staying in touch.
"All of us ushers get to be like a family and everybody knows everybody. It's a good group to be involved with," Baker said.
With so many years of service amongst them, the ushers have seen many performers visit the theater, and although they do have their preferences, most of them can't pinpoint one show in particular that stood out.
Doris Hunsinger shared about a visit to the theater by Willie Nelson.
"Our grandson was in the Navy at the time. He was a fan of Willie Nelson's and he went there in his uniform. Willie Nelson singled him out and thanked him for his service, and our grandson was just beside himself," she said.
All noted that the area is fortunate to have a facility like the arts center, as well as a symphony and such an active performing arts community.
Baker said that she has travelled across the country and has not seen anything to match the local gem.
Miller agreed: "Anybody who comes in for the first time can't believe how beautiful the theater is. The art work, the chandeliers -- they feel like they're in a special place."
She said she's been in other theaters and that she believes the local center is number one.
"They're beautiful too," Miller said, speaking of other venues, "but ours compares like number one to me."
The new season of the Community Arts Center begins Friday with a show featuring comedian JIm Breuer. Sponsored by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, UPMC Susquehanna, BB&T and Keystone Advertising Specialties, the show starts at 7:30 p.m.