About Us

History

Arts Live Theatre (ALT) was founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 1983 and incorporated a year later as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. During its early years, ALT presented performances and workshops developed by individual artists in schools across Arkansas. Between 1995 and 1997, ALT toured original plays as part of Arts on Tour, a program sponsored by the Arkansas Arts Council. Arts Live Theatre reached approximately 300,000 young people with this program which presented plays with subject matter uniquely important to youth.

Arts Live Theatre Today

Since 1998, ALT has focused on strengthening its involvement at home in Northwest Arkansas through its after-school and summer youth theatre training programs, Youthfest productions and Mainstage productions. We have steadily increased our programs to include more classes and more productions. In September 2005, ALT moved into its own facility located in Evelyn Hills Shopping Center in Fayetteville. The new home houses space for classes, rehearsals and offices. In addition, ALT brought on a new artistic education director, Mark Landon Smith, in September 2005.

After completing a 3-year strategic plan in November 2004, Arts Live board members came up with a very ambitious yet attainable plan that includes the following information.

OUR MISSION: Arts Live Theatre (ALT) is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families in Northwest Arkansas by providing professional educational and performance opportunities for young actors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OUR VISION: Arts Live Theatre is a model provider of training in theater arts for children.

Arts Live Theatre (ALT):

Delivers educational programs renowned for high quality and for covering a broad spectrum of subjects in the performing arts, including acting, musical theater, playwriting, and technical theater. ALT is recognized as a leading provider of training in theater arts for children.

Produces a variety of plays and performances year ‘round, both in-house and on location at schools and other remote sites.

Is housed in its own facility, complete with performance spaces, classrooms, offices and ample space for costumes, properties, and production equipment, attracting the finest staff of managers, professional instructors and volunteers.

Is a stable, financially solvent organization with a rock solid base of support in the Northwest Arkansas donor community and enjoys a steady income stream from productions and classes.

Is an independent non-profit organization with strong brand recognition and numerous strategic alliances with other performance/fine/visual arts organizations.

OUR GOALS FOR 2005-2008:

Secure a facility—a physical home and center of our activities that allows ALT to provide more classes and performance opportunities for the youth in our region.

Hire an artistic director and increase the number of productions to achieve the next level of excellence on par with the best youth theatres in the country.

Build a 300-person-strong base of supporters who believe Northwest Arkansas deserves a first-rate youth theater.

Attract positive recognition for our work – Be proactive in generating opportunities to communicate with our constituents and prospective constituents.