Since the gates of the Woodlands Amphitheater opened in 1990, for a star-studded performance by none other than Old Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra. Cynthia Woods Mitchell has had a vision to build the premier concert venue in The Woodlands. The Center for the Performing Arts at The Woodlands, a 501(c)3 non-profit (AKA: The Pavilion), was designed in order to achieve the best experience in live entertainment and the performing arts and make the arts accessible to everyone in the community. “We weren’t created for football, basketball or baseball. We were created for the performing arts”, says Jeff Young, who sat down with us recently. He shares a few highlights of his time at Cynthia Woods, favorite moments and most importantly what the Pavillion was created to do.
Recently named President and CEO, Jeff has worked at Cynthia Woods for nearly thirty-four years. He started with operations assistant, backstage security and has managed all the things in between. Each position has had its ups and downs. But, the growth of the organization and getting his hands dirty has been the most rewarding part for him. Today, he feels like what makes the Pavilion stand out is the incredible team involved in achieving the mission.
“The Board of Directors / Full-time staff / Supervisors / Event Staff / Law Enforcement, Volunteers and all our Partners. This is a team sport and we have the world’s greatest TEAM.”
In 2017, the Woodforest Club got a major upgrade in order to accommodate the growing and new generations of season ticket holders. An upgrade that made way for some quality artists to pass through. Lining the black staircase of the club is a gallery style photo wall showcasing some notable performances along with their signed instruments. We asked Jeff about any artist that may stand out to him, for better or worse. He shared a little about Kelly Clarkson whose friendly smile goes beyond just her bubbly T.V. personality.
“Every time she has played the venue she has a meet and greet opportunity for close to one hundred and fifty people and will honestly and genuinely talk and spend quality time with each and every fan. It’s a class move that is so appreciated by the fans. Really fun and amazing to experience first hand.”
Another area of growth for The Pavilion and its mission is the youth scholarships and kids programs. Jeff adds that he believes kids who are immersed in the arts at a young age have a higher probability of being recognized for academic achievement as they grow up. “To date, The Pavilion, through The Pavilion Partner Scholarship Program has given over $2.2 Million in scholarships to young artists in our community pursuing a degree in the fine arts. We are so proud of the talent and success these students go on to have within the arts community.” For those with young kids, they also offer a Mini Maestros Club. It’s a free and fun way to immerse kids in the arts while attending symphony shows. They receive their own badge, special seats, early gate entry and more. Jeff was able to share with us that for the first time in Pavillion history, all seating at performing arts events (symphonies, ballets, operas, etc.) will be free. According to Jeff, this is an effort to truly make their arts accessible to all in the community.
It was a life-long dream of Cynthia Woods Mitchell to build a world class concert venue that made the arts accessible to all here in The Woodlands. Since 1990, The Pavilion has seen many improvements, natural disasters, artists, performances, graduations, upgrades, sing-a-longs and so much more. There aren’t many Woodlands lifers who can say they knew the founders of the community and have had a chance to carry on one of their dreams. To know Jeff Young, is to love Jeff Young. Whether you’ve seen him up on stage announcing weather delays (every 30 minutes). Or, running through the Woodforest Club with a walkie-talkie in one hand saying hi to familiar faces. Always a class act himself, we know that in the hands of Jeff, the best is yet to come for Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Volunteer need: Those who are passionate about the arts and have a desire to share that passion with our community. Volunteers help usher, provide kids activities during pre-performance events and raise funds for scholarships.