A place for children

Dear Editor:It is understandable that in order to create housing above the first story, comes almost the entire demolition of the Avenue Theatre. It is possible, however, to preserve the fa?ßade and develop a theatre that can serve our community in ways that can reward and satisfy. What I have envisioned is a performance hall. Past children in Downey grew up and belonged to the Children's Theater. The arts are beneficial for young people. Why couldn't there be a dinner theater, or a place for young people to perform? I have been a dance choreographer for Gallatin Elementary and Griffiths Middle School for six years now, and I hope to give them a place to shine for audiences in the upcoming years. It doesn't stop at dancing either. There needs to be a place where people can get their bands together and perform Friday and Saturday nights. Some days should be dedicated to karaoke nights for the young and young at heart. Indie movies could also be shown, and films of all different sorts can be available for the many diverse people throughout the community. Comedy and improvisation groups also need to have a place to perform. The Chameleon Comedy improvises for the community and many different audiences and only made $48 profit because of the costs of renting out the Downey Theatre. There should also be halls where the art and literature pieces of Downey residents are on display for many viewers visiting the Avenue. We can also throw in children's plays, drama plays, and give people a chance to learn about the arts as well. On top of that, there is also the option to rent out the place for parties, anniversaries, baby showers, and the list goes on. We have been told that the city bought this building in order to save it. Please do save it and reshape it so that it continues to shape our city as it has done for the last 80 years. Winston Churchill once said, "We shape our buildings, and then our buildings shape us." I believe the same is true for our communities. - Briana Koeppe, Downey

********** Published: June 26, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 10