CATS (Creative Arts Theatre & School) has a long history of providing a variety of performing arts classes to children and youth in The American Dream City.

The children's theatre's home has been in transition after a fire destroyed its building on Randol Mill Road in 2012. Most recently the nonprofit operated out of building in Downtown Arlington on South Street. When it became clear that a co-location strategy would better serve the nonprofit allowing more resources to be invested in quality instructors and productions, the board began an aggressive search for a new space.

"We are delighted to be calling the Arlington Museum of Art our new home," said Heather Simmons, Executive Director of CATS. "The museum fosters creativity and access to art and we could not imagine a better environment to ignite passion for the performing arts while exposing our students to world-class art."

Tony Rutigliano, President and CEO of Arlington Downtown Management Corporation states, "I was thrilled to learn of the latest collaboration between longtime downtown Arlington arts contributors, and I can't wait to experience the amazing art they produce as a result of this partnership." The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation is a private, nonprofit community development organization whose purpose is to forge alliances between property owners, business interests, residents and the City of Arlington to improve and enhance the economic vitality and overall environment of Downtown Arlington.

With an emphasis on the arts in Downtown Arlington, one can enjoy live music at the Levitt Pavilion, community theater at Theatre Arlington, dance instruction at Miss Persis Studio, and the visual arts at the Arlington Museum of Art. "We welcome the students and families associated with CATS to the museum," said Chris Hightower, Executive Director of the Arlington Museum of Art. "The arts community is collaborative by nature and we see this as win-win opportunity: bringing more people into the museum, while providing a classroom space to a valued partner in the performing arts. We anticipate our patrons will also enjoy upcoming performances by the talented youth of Arlington." The Arlington Museum of Art is located at 201 W Main St. in Arlington.

Registration for the fall semester will be available beginning August 17 on the organization's website at www.creativearts.org. Classes offered will include acting, musical theatre, and improvisation, as well as tap, ballet and jazz. CATS welcomes students aged 3 through 18. Supporters of the organization are encouraged to donate to the Building for Our Future campaign at www.gofundme.com/CATSArlington

The mission of CATS is to develop the potential of young people from diverse backgrounds through performing arts training and performance opportunities. CATS is devoted to training, enriching, and inspiring all youth by igniting within them an enduring passion for the arts. Creative Arts Theatre & School is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit Texas organization.

The Arlington Museum of Art (AMA) is dedicated to champion creativity and to provide access to art for the cultural enrichment and economic development of the community.The Arlington Museum of Art is focused on bringing outstanding exhibitions to the four floors of the facility that inspire, inform and challenge local visitors, as well as tourists from outside the Metroplex. The museum also presents accompanying educational and related programming in order to increase public awareness, appeal to a broader cross section of the community, and establish Arlington as a cultural hub in North Texas. The AMA is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit Texas organization.