Longview Act

We love Artsview! Not only has it introduced all three of my children to, and given them an appreciation for, theatre, it has given my youngest two opportunities to make new friends, express their creativity and built their confidence, both onstage and in everyday life. My husband and I both enjoy working backstage and being involved in ArtsView has been an amazing way to spend time with our children while working in different areas to bring a show from nothing to a polished, finished product. The shows performed by Artsview rival shows performed in bigger cities. Artsview Children's Theatre provides so many benefits, not only for the children involved and their families, but for the community as a whole. In this fast paced world, having a place to sit back and relax in an audience, watch the wonder on the faces around you, introduce children to the magic that happens on the stage and ecen have a chance to take your turn onstage is an amazing and rare thing!

ArtsView Children's Theatre has touched me in inexpressible ways. Currently, I am enrolled in a university with a double major in history and theatre with a concentration in performance. After I graduate I am hoping to obtain a masters in theatre and move on to work in the theatrical/film field professionally. ArtsView gave me the passion, courage, and opportunity to pursue this dream. I had never thought of myself as an actress or even considered theatre as a career opportunity until I became I involved at ArtsView. Quickly, I found myself falling in love with the craft and the people. ArtsView encourages kids in not only theatre, but also in practical skills such as public speaking, cooperation, and teamwork.

ArtsView is a company that I am in complete awe of and owe so much of my life to. When I first came to ArtsView, I was shy and defensive and unsure of myself. I could count people that I considered friends on one hand and I had very little to look forward to throughout the year. I never in my life would have guessed how quickly all of that could change, and how drastically. Within a couple of weeks I was standing taller, within months I was able to be more open with others. I've learned and grown in a way I can honestly say I would not have if I had done anything other than enter my name on an ArtsView audition sign-up at the end of last year. ArtsView's mission is to change lives, as has been said many times (as well as in their tagline). I firmly believe they achieve that, and in the best ways. Everyone that works and volunteers at ArtsView is professional and caring in the right measurements, and everyone I worked with has become like family in the truest sense. ArtsView and everyone involved deserves all the help that can be given. ArtsView is amazing, and I hope to return to it for much time to come.

My daughter began "acting" at age 8 in an academy. Even though she only had about 3 lines, her first question to me after it was over, "when can I do another play?". Yes, my daughter still acts (flash forward 5 years). She tries out for every production that she can fit in. She has been in show choirs and even added apprentice work. I am simply amazed at how much she has grown as a person in self-confidence, maturity, and in her speaking skills. i credit ArtsView in helping her on that journey. She has experienced disappointment in not making a play, she has had great joy at all the roles she has played, and she has been successful at UIL activities. She continues to grow and learn at every ArtsView experience. The last play she does is always her favorite and she never wants that play to end.

No matter what part you have in a play (ensemble or lead), the kids and staff treat you like you are important. To us, ArtsView is not just a place, it is our Acting Family. i call it family because my child is accepted for she is. Older kids accept younger kids and "show them the ropes". If it is your first time in a play or a production, don't worry. the cast just welcomes you in. You are "one of us".

What started off has something for my child to do in the summer has turned into something that she loves. As a parent, I watch her face light up when it's ArtsView time.

Longview truly has a wonderful asset for the young people in this community. It is a huge blessing to my family.

I am impressed with this organization and I love how bold they are with their mission:
“Changing lives through education, outreach, and the performing arts!” They are changing lives - the children who are involved, the families, and the community at large. Artsview Children's Theatre is making our world a better place.

We have been involved as a family for many years and have seen first hand how my kids' lives have changed. ArtsView has been a place where both of my kids have a safe environment to grow and discover talents, abilities and confidence!

My son loves going to Artsview. His first play was ideal as he was able to learn to memorize lines and perform. His second experience was less exciting for him as he just sat and everyone read from scripts the whole time. The third time he was able to act but had no lines. I have to admit his first play was our favorite out of all of them because he felt like he got to put on a play but it was geared towards younger children. It is hard to drive back and forth every day for two weeks so we are limited to one week camps. I hope that spring time with bring more one week camps where the children get to put on a real play at the end (even if it is only for the family).

The people who work for Artsview are phenomenal. I cannot say enough good things about all of them and how excited they are to teach! What a blessing they are to the community!! My son feels like he has made life long friends there and we love to support the bigger productions as well by participating in the audience. :)

I have be a parent with children involved in Artsview since 2006. I was impressed by Artsview from the first play my daughter was in. They are very professional while being child motivated. Artsview wants the children in their productions to learn as well as have fun. The children want to be involved and strive towards doing their best, because Artsview motivates them to be the best they can be.

ArtsView Children's Theatre has been an incredible blessing for both of my children. At age 13, my son auditioned for one of ArtsView's first performances, Alice in Wonderland, and got the part of Tweedledee. That was it--he was bit and bit hard by the acting bug. It was like a whole new world opened up for him. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to be in many ArtsView productions, which led to his participation in high school theater. Brett, now 20, is studying theater at Oklahoma City University, where he received one of the largest talent awards given by the university, in large part due to the skills he learned at ArtsView.

My daughter has also benefited from ArtsView Children's Theatre and continues to benefit. Regardless of whether she decides to pursue theater in college, she has learned life lessons and skills, like work ethic and self confidence, that will benefit her in whatever career she pursues. ArtsView Children's Theatre provides opportunities for adult/children productions. Through this opportunity, my daughter had the opportunity to work with Jason Richards, an accomplished actor. She was able to learn alot through this interaction.

ArtsView also allows students to participate as interns. My son, at the time in his early teens, had the privilege, under the direction of very competent and skilled adults, of designing the lighting for a produciton. Both of my children have gained significant leadership skills through their participation either as an intern, crew or actor with ArtsView.

Obviously, I am a HUGE fan of this wonderful organization. The positive energy, professionalism and caring spirit of this group permeates everything ArtsView does.

ArtsView Children's Theatre- Longview, TX 75604
Alyssa Brazell- 12

ArtsView Children's Theatre is an amazing learning experience for young and old actors. This theater has many performances that have been performed from famous actors and actresses. I have been coming to ArtsView for 7 years straight. Each academy, full-stage production, traveling troop, and workshop I have been to has taught me so much about acting, blocking, stage lights and sounds, and how the theater works. We have outstanding directors and volunteers who work with each individual until they get it right. ArtsView Children's Theatre is full of fun games, great memories, and strong relationships.

Arts View is a wonderful organization that is a true asset to our community. Their work with our children is amazing. The quality of the shows that are done is amazing. All aspects of their program and productions are of a truly superior level-cutting, acting, direction, costuming, set design and construction, visual and audio effects and production. I have never been disappointed, but always impressed with the levels of performance, especially when you consider the age groups that are involved. The children that participate receive a wonderful and highly educational experience. My 7 year old has been in two productions, loves it, and has benefited greatly from the experience.

I have been an Artsview Board member for three years. For many years prior to that I was aware of Artsview and the great work it was doing in our area. A close friend of ours, Doris Collier had been one of the founding Board members and asked my son and I to become Board members. It was at that point I began to see how much work it took to make Artsview the success it has become. The tremendous amount of work, time and energy the volunteers, as well as, parents and participants put into Artsview is why it has had such a positive impact on the community as a whole, especially the young participants. While non-profit entites, as a whole, our struggling in ths economy, Artviews, through the deligence of its Board, continues to be extremely prudent with the resources and funds it is entrusted with. Those resources and funds are always used 100% to benefit the participants of Artsview. No person is turned away from Artsview because of a lack funds, when tuitions are involved. This prudent care of the business side of Artsview, as well as the positive impact on the community as a whole has afforded Artsview one of best reputations in the community for non-profits. Artsview has reguarly received funding from City of Longview Grants, which are based on merits as well as, our staff/volunteers preparation of the grant requests, not an easy task. While the length and passion of my review may seem intense to extreme, I am involved to such a minor extent compared to many of our volunteers, many of our more involved workers and volunteers obviously fell much the same as I do. I am certain many people in the community feel the same way about Artsview

There is not a stonger collaborative effort in our region that builds a framework for the support of arts through children in our community. Artsview if for children, about children and promotes the development of children as they prepare to engage in a world that requires critical thinking and creative inquiry skills. What greater way to develop these lifelong learning concepts than through the arts!

Artsview Children's Theater provides an excellent arena for children and teens to explore multiple aspects of the performing arts. My grandchildren are developing social, technical and performing skills from their participation in Artsview's training programs and stage plays. Their parents are also able to participate as volunteers, which makes Artsview a marvelous family activity center. I have traveled to Longview from Illinois to see some of the plays which are entertaining and very well done.

Artsview is a wonderful place that encourages the youth of our community to step out of thier box and try something new. The volunteers and staff are wonderful at what they do. It's a great place for the kids to experience all aspects of the theater from the background to the spotlight. The Artsview performances are above expectations for a children's theater. Artsview is Great!

So I was 9 when I worked with Artsview. They really do have everything for all age groups. They always put on a spectacular performance and deserve this $5000. Support the Arts!

This is a beautiful organization that has a wide and lasting impact on our community.

When I think of Artsview Children's Theater, of Longview Texas, I am overwhelmed, in the very best sense. My 14 year old daughter has grown up experiencing everything theater has to offer thanks to a wonderful staff and group of volunteers. We have loved Artsview since it's inception, when our sweet girl first experienced the joy of being on stage in the production, "Nifty Fifties".
She has continued to audition for most of the productions since.
Although our teen has never gotten the lead she has desired, she has gotten a lead in life as she has learned to deal with disappointment. The characters she's wanted to portray often slipped by, however, she has grown in character with each production. The role each dedicated person at Artsview has played in her life has outshown any role she could hope to play.
Artsview has helped us teach our daughter many lessons we could not have otherwise taught her. She has made for herself the experience she has hoped to have, regardless of the circumstances. She has had a wonderful time in every production, regardless of the amount of time she had on stage. I believe the friends she has made will be friends for life and I am greatful for the gift of Artsview. What a dedicated and talented group of individuals! Thank you Everyone!

Artsview Children's Theater has provided a wonderful opportunity for my daughter, Sidney, to express herself through song! She is a great singer, and loves to sing, but her school recently cut their choir program!

We are so greatful to Artsview for filling this "void" in her life! She is a third-time member of Artsview's show choir, which perfoms at many functions and places around our community.

The cost to participate is next to nothing, and the experience is priceless!

I don't have any kids but I take the kids in my neighborhood and my friend's kids to these plays all the time and they absolutely love it. They can't wait until the next one. The children do such a good job and this is such a neat experience for them. It's way better than them sitting in front of a television or video game for sure. We look forward to the season every year and this is our special time together! This is the one thing we always do together that is just with me and the kids and they love that and so do I. Artsview is Awesome!

As a theatre teacher in the area, I've seen Artsview build confidence, acting & tech skills as well as allow students to enjoy theatre! I'm proud suggest Artsview as an outlet for creativity.

In my over two years of being involved with Artsview, I have seen amazing things. The staff and voluteers of Artsview are committed to helping the children reach their highest potential without making them uncomfortable. With Artview's help a lot of these children discover talents they may have otherwise never found or quite simply discover a sefl confidence that will continue to help them throughout life. It's amazing to see the kids faces light up during the performances knowing that their hard work has paid off. The staff and volunteers are committed to making every child's life better for their experience!

I became involved with Artsview Children's Theatre when my son auditioned for a part in "Tom Sawyer." My son was cast as Sherrif Thompkins and our journey with this organization began. I found all the volunteers and professionals at Artsview to be friendly and helpful. Every aspect of the production was very well organized and all the children involved were very well behaved. My son along with the other cast members were coached and taught in a safe, fun and positive environment. Since his experience with Artsview, my son has had a marked improvement in his acting skills and has placed on the UIL All-Star cast two years in a row. I would definitely recommend this program to other parents.

My daughter participates in Artsview and absolutely loves it!. She is 6 and has a gift for "performing" but Artsview gives her, and other children who may not be as outgoing, an opportunity to shine and learn and create in a positive surrounding at an early age. I think this is crucial for development of young children because it develops self-esteem.
I have been amazed at the number of people, including teens, that volunteer and mentor these children. Artsview is just wonderful!

I love to take my children to their plays at least 5 times a year. I also enjoy their performance at one the local festivals called the Multicultural Festival were they perform at annually. I also enjoy their media team's awareness given about their upcoming events. I cant think of another organization in East Texas that promotes through social media and email as well as Artsview. I so enjoy them being a part of this community and if they have any opportunity to grow financially through grants or foundations or donations, I am sure they use it to make their performances and the performers better than ever.

This organization creates an opportunity for children in our area to participate in theatrical events. This opportunity gives them pride, helps them to learn the dramatic talent and provides a chance to make friends. My daughter is 4 and has attended numerous productions. She is looking forward to being old enough to be a part of it but until then she is enjoying being in the audience. I think ArtsView in Longview is an amazing asset to our community!

I worked with Artsview for several years before life moved me away to Fort Worth. There just isn't a children's theater of it's caliber in my area. The volunteers are passionate and well versed in theater background. The theater is wildly flexible and simple at the same time (it's a big empty warehouse building). The common response after every show is the shocked adult patron saying "Wow, that was amazing for a children's production". Artsview's teaching and quality of performance breaks the mold when it come to kids putting on a play.

It's one thing to teach theater and perform but it's an entirely different and more rewarding thing to see shy children come in at a young age and within 2-4 years take the lead role in a play. Artsview is spectacular place of learning and performing and is as an institution evolving into a integral role in the community. Slowly ACT is becoming a new extra-curricular alternative to a traditional sports, choir or nothing-at-all mentality that holds sway in the region.

Artsview so deserves to have a influx in monetary support so that it can take the next step in either equipment or marketing to spread the word around town. After 6 years of existing in a town with 80,000 people it's still common to have people say they've never heard of Artsview. There's just not enough "coin" going into marketing and and the crowds don't think to tell others on their own. It takes passionate volunteers and excited kids to make Artsview happen year after year and unless there is steady backing and little boosts in revenue then this AMAZING (notice the all caps) entity will continue to exist but fall short of it's full potential.

My name is Payton I'm Twelve,These are my feelings about Artsview.
Artsview is more than a theatre,Its a home.They are the kindest people in the universe,They have help me so immensely,I couldn't list them all out.It gives us priotiy,happiness,and personally peace.We all love Artsview,because of the kindness and friends we find and make there.
Thank you for even thinking of helping!