Get to know Theater Works Artistic Director Chris Hamby

Theater Works Artistic Director Chris has been named the Peoria Independent Hometown Hero in the Trailblazer category for his work in bringing theater and art into the community.

The Hometown Heroes Awards are a celebration of individuals who live or teach in the city, and Peoria businesses for their local achievements and distinguished contributions to the community.

Hamby will be honored at an awards luncheon next year.

Get to know him here.

What I like most about living/working in Peoria.

Peoria feels like the biggest small town to me. There are big business, major amenities, a big population but it still has small town charm. The festivals feel like something out of a Hallmark movie. You can actually pick up the phone and reach a council member. People here still know your name and your story. I do not feel like people ever get lost in the shuffle in Peoria.

What do you think you bring to the local community that makes it better?

Theater Works is a proud community theater. That means we represent the community in which we live. You will see people who are teachers, parents, community workers. This a place where people fulfill their passions. They may not make their living as artists but this work is their soul paying work. The arts are a reflection of one’s community and I feel that we are striving every day to help people explore those passions.

What would you tell people about why it’s important to make a difference?

I think it’s important to make a difference because you may not always be aware of the ripples of that work. I have no doubts that the biggest impacts I have made are on those individuals that have never shared that impact. They carry it with them, they remember. It might be as simple as a kind gesture, a smile on a day when they cannot muster up one of their own. Little deeds can have huge impacts. Just imagine what those large deeds are doing for the world around you!

Changes I’d like to see in this area.

The Old Town area where I work every day needs some additional infrastructure. I think it is important to the identity of the city. Peoria has the luxury of retaining the old while looking towards building the new. I know that the city has great hopes for development in Old Town and I look forward to supporting those endeavors in whatever way I can.

My family (what have they taught you?).

Especially my brother and sister have taught me and shown me that you can do and be anything you want to be. Through hard work and clear goal setting no obstacle is too big. Dreams come true but those dreams rarely manifest with lots of hard work to support them.

My interests and hobbies.

My main interests are my dogs, my art collection and travel. I have two Siberian huskies who demand lots of attention and I indulge them in every way I can. They are the most fun I have on a daily basis and make each day interesting. I enjoy collecting art. I have a very specific aesthetic that appeals to me and am finally in a place in my life where I can acquire art that makes me happy, that makes me feel and that I enjoy looking at all the time. My family did not have much money when I was a kid. I never was jealous of people who had things but I always envied people who traveled. I have been quite blessed to see many incredible places across the world as an adult. I still have many more to explore though.

The trait(s) I admire in others.

I think I admire hard work and humility. I can see when someone goes above and beyond and their efforts can be seen. I also respect when someone makes a mistake and can go from that mistake.

There is a lesson in everything we do and experience. I’m finding a lot of people in power positions lately who think that by being the loudest person in the room it makes them right. I’d rather prove my merit with my work. I don’t need to brag about what I do, let me show you what I do.

People who inspired me (and how).

This is actually a long list. My abbreviated list needs to include two special women: Linda Phillips and Cate Hinkle. Linda came into my life as a mentor in my teen years and still continues to support me as an adult. She offers guidance and tough love and has always been a true light in my life. Cate is my managing partner at TheaterWorks. There are days when it seems like no one understands the hard work and dedication to the mission. There are days when it seems like no one wants to work as hard as I do. Then I remember Cate. I remember I’m not alone in making a difference. I’m not alone is carrying the burdens of an organization. I do have someone that works as hard as I do and cares as much as I do. She is a true friend and there is no one I would rather be working so closely with.

My guiding philosophy.

Have more fun!

My advice to today’s youth

It gets better. There are days when you might not be able to see that or feel that but it gets better. Look to the adults around you, they care. They are the proof that it gets better.

Name a couple future goals.

I hope to become involved in some national theater organizations in the next year. I hope to direct some of my favorite shows coming up. I want to continue to shine a spotlight on the great work happening in our community, in Peoria, and in Arizona.