Todd B. Waldo recalls eagerly watching the restoration of the Robinson Theater at 29th and Q streets in Church Hill in 2008.

“I live two blocks from there,” he says. “I still remember the first time I walked by and saw the marquee lights turned on. I was proud of the work. And seeing ‘Robinson’ shining brightly at the front of the building gave me hope.” The newly renovated facility reopened in February 2009 as the Robinson Theater Community Arts Center under the leadership of Executive Director Betsy Hart.

Mr. Waldo says he had moved into the East End community a few years earlier, lured by the charm, diversity and volunteer spirit of the close-knit neighborhood.

“As I started attending events and classes at the theater, I saw the value it was adding to my neighbors’ lives,” says Mr. Waldo, 39.

Mr. Waldo, who is the enterprise engineering manager at Royall & Co. marketing firm in Henrico County, says he was eager to contribute “my time, talent and expertise” to assist the Robinson Theater’s growing imprint on the community. That’s why he volunteers as the president of its eight-member board.

Today, the center provides classes for more than 100 community members from age 3 and up. It also is used for community meetings, weddings, church services, nonprofit fund-raisers, birthday and retirement parties, shows, plays, concerts and more.

It also includes the Richmond Urban Dance studio that takes “the essence of urban dance, brings it into the studio and nurtures it through highly qualified instructors to create new platforms to showcase this raw art form of dance,” Mr. Waldo says.

The 78-year-old Robinson Theater was named for Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a native of Richmond who wowed audiences on Broadway and beyond with his remarkable tap dance skills, dazzling smile and kindhearted ways.

Today, the Robinson Theater stands as a beacon of hope in the East End community that Mr. Waldo calls “a mix of success and suffering.”

“While many things have improved, there are still disparities and daily challenges, some specific to the African-American community in North Church Hill. The Robinson Theater provides a safe and trusted place with programs focused on improving quality of life.”

Mr. Waldo also lends his spare time to community causes as a board member for the Better Housing Coalition, as a member of the Church Hill Central Civic Association and helping organize the Hill Topper 5K run and the annual TEDxRVA community discussions event in Richmond.

He also has published a book of poetry, “The Todd B. Waldo Collection,” and performs as a drummer, percussionist and pianist at Richmond area events.

Meet this week’s Personality, Todd B. Waldo:

Date and place of birth: July 16 in East Orange, N.J. Current place of residence: Richmond’s Church Hill. Alma mater: North Carolina State University, bachelor’s in electrical engineering.

Family: My daughter, Samaya, is 7.

What is the mission of the center: Robinson Theater Community Arts Center is a multipurpose facility that exists to inspire, enable and restore healthy community life to the residents of North Church Hill primarily through arts-based programs. How many full-time and part- time staff does the center have:

One full-time and three part-time employees.

What are some of the unique classes offered: We are unique in that we are the only facility of its kind in the Church Hill community providing classes for Zumba, Taekwondo, yoga, pre-K movement, arts and crafts, hip-hop, step and nutrition classes along with hosting a weekly farm stand in season. What is your dancing experience: Does The Wobble count? I can do that! Who is your favorite dancer: Savion Glover. What do you love most about Church Hill: The personal connections to my neighbors and how we take care of each other. I also love how much people are involved in improving the neighborhood through civic associations and nonprofit organizations.

I would recommend community members come to our center because: I encourage people to attend our classes and community events not just because they are fun and entertaining. It is also an opportunity for learning, growing and investment in a better future for the person and the community. How I unwind: I like to put on my headphones, turn on some good music and go outside to run a few miles. I also enjoy sitting at my piano to play a few of my favorite songs or create something new.

Person who influenced me the most: There is no one person. Over the years, there have been many men and women who have poured into my life and helped me become the man I am today. My Mom taught me to be responsible, work hard and always take care of other people. My Daddy taught me about consequences of making poor choices and the importance of keeping the right priorities. My daughter teaches me more every day about love, affection and joy. My late mentor, Alex, taught me to take risks to pursue my dreams. My loved ones care for me through my laughs and tears and remind me that we are better together than alone.

The book that influenced me the most: “The Mis-Education of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson. What I’m reading now: “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander.

Best time of my life: I am in a great season right now, but I do look fondly back on my time serving students at Hampton University 10 years ago. There also are many treasured memories from the last 20 years of playing music in performances across the country.

My next goal: I want to live in balance between my family, career and community, and continue to find ways to add value and pour into others.