The new executive director at the Astor Theatre says transitioning from the stage to the office is a welcome challenge.

Lesli Chandler says since taking over as Executive Director on July 5, she’s been reacquainting herself with Liverpool and learning what people want from their local theatre.

Born in Liverpool, Chandler’s history with the Astor Theatre goes back to the 1970s and some of the original productions of local theatre company, Winds of Change.

“ I was only very young, but I would accompany my mother who was involved in the shows, to many of the rehearsals on all the shows, sometimes sitting in a rehearsals that probably weren't appropriate for a young child,” said Chandler. “But anytime I could come to the Astor or be in this magical space I would find a way and waiting to be old enough to be on stage.”

After finding that opportunity to step into the limelight with a production of Oliver, Chandler moved to Halifax as a child but returned to Liverpool in her teen years for a year of high school where she reconnected with the Astor Theatre.

“I got involved with the Winds of Change again, working backstage, doing makeup, ushering, volunteering anyway I could,” said Chandler. “And that led me to the Astor, [which] sort of shaped my passion and desire to work in the arts, to be an actor and to be a singer, performer, so I went off to study theatre in Montreal.”

When she completed her education, Chandler spent time as coordinator for the Liverpool International Theatre Festival before enjoying a theatre career in Halifax.

Becoming the Astor’s executive director is a sort of homecoming for Chandler.

She’s grateful for the help she’s received from her predecessor, Jean Robinson-Dexter during her first month’s transition into the role.

Chandler says as she’s been familiarizing herself with the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre, she’s enjoyed watching the students and instructors involved with the summer theatre program.

“I come from a background with working with a lot of youth, so the work that Ashley [Rose Goodwyn] and Lincoln [Inglis] have done with the camps has been incredible. What these children, youth have done -- developing their own scripts, performing in five days -- is really been quite impressive and I'm happy to see that,” said Chandler. “And I really am an advocate for youth experiencing the magic of this place because ultimately, we want them to be the ones that are going to have that same passion that I've grown up with.”

Chandler is settling in and is eager to showcase the productions, films and artists who will be on display this fall.

She looks forward to meeting the community face-to-face when the Town Hall Arts and Cultural Centre’s complete line up is announced at a launch party September 9.

To listen to the full interview with Lesli Chandler, press play below.