My Nonprofit Reviews
youththeatre
Review for ARTS/West, Athens, OH, USA
I am a youth theatre writer/producer/director and my group has used the space at Arts/West since the weekend it opened. In fact we were the first tenants! Before Arts/West we were in: 1. An opera house: which was beautiful but too expensive and too large for our budget and needs, 2. An airplane hangar in which the City used to house the recreation center: which was so affordable but not appealing inside or out and was eventually torn down, and 3. A visual arts center: which was beautiful but again too expensive and had no real performance space (no stage, no lights, etc.). So, we've been 'been there, done that' as it were, and Arts/West by far has been the most affordable and accessible venue we have ever had. Thousands of families have benefited from our classes and performances thanks to Arts/West. Simply put: there is no other facility where small non-profit/community arts organizations can go to share their creations with their community. We are so happy and proud to call Arts/West our home and our only regret is that it wasn't around when we first started on 2000! The staff at Arts/West is lead by Emily Prince, a professional with many years experience as a theatre artist and administrator. Emily's creativity and incredible business acumen have made Arts/West a model for this small community. Many organizations can take a lesson from Arts/West on how to cultivate a performing arts facility that showcases the wide variety of artists that our community has to offer. Thank GOODNESS for Arts/West!!
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Their professionalism with all tenants/clients and their keen understanding of the needs of artists of all disciplines.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I couldn't improve upon what Emily and her staff are doing- go team!
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Working with the staff- they are so accomodating and help everyone feel like a big family.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
All ages, both genders and from all walks of life. This place is VERY popular.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Take over the world. :-)
Ways to make it better...
There was a backstage and wings on the stage. But this is simply not possible with the current structure of the facility. The upside to this is that you learn how to sharpen your problem solving skills!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
Size of the current facility. It's always packed, which is a good thing, but sometimes its hard if you are performing on a day or evening when others are using the space. Although most artists are very respectful.
One thing I'd also say is that...
Again, thank goodness for Arts/West. Hundreds of children we have served would have had no theatrical outlet if it had not been for this facility.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
