From the Mayor of Florence (2025):

"As the Mayor of Florence, I am in full support of C.R.O.W. and its benefit to the greater Florence Area.

My wife, Kathy, and I have attended a number of the C.R.O.W. performances that have been presented

at our Florence Events Center. We greatly enjoyed all those performances!

We quickly realized that Melanie Heard is a skilled and talented Artistic Director of C.R.O.W. She and

her staff work together to not only present polished and professional productions featuring our children,

but they have also uniquely blended the amazing talents of our children with those talents of our

retirement and young adult populations. This has resulted in heartwarming performances!

C.R.O.W. is exceptional because of the selfless work and dedication of Melanie and her unique and

talented staff. They deserve your support!

To find out more about C.R.O.W. go to www.crowkids.com

Rob Ward, "Mayor of Florence"

 

From an OR Advocate for the Arts/ Former OR Arts Commissioner/Vice Chair (2025):

"Since its inception, CROW has committed itself to "raising the bar" on theatre performance - from higher expectations at cast member auditions, all the way through to costumes and set designs. As a result, Florence enjoys some of the most professional children's theatre that is available anywhere.

CROW has now become an integral part of the city's Arts and Culture scene, and Melanie and her team recognize both the cultural and economic impact that the Arts have in our community. Their slogan of "The arts really DO matter" is true, and the Florence community is very fortunate to have Melanie and CROW as active members." -Harlen Springer

Founding member and past President - Florence Regional Arts Alliance ( FRAA)

Founding member and past Chair - City of Florence Public Arts Committee

Former Commissioner and Vice Chair of the Oregon State Arts Commission"

​

From a Former Parent that moved out of the area (2025):

"To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my heartfelt love and recommendation for the Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshop (CROW) and to share the profound impact it has had on my daughter's life. Nine years ago, she had the privilege of performing in a CROW production, and the experience was nothing short of transformative.

At the time, she was a young, aspiring performer with a love for the arts but little experience on stage. The moment she became part of the CROW family, she was embraced by an encouraging and professional team that nurtured her talent, built her confidence, and instilled in her a deep appreciation for the performing arts. Through the guidance of CROW’s dedicated directors and mentors, she developed essential skills such as discipline, teamwork, and self-expression—all of which have stayed with her throughout her journey.

Fast forward to today, and I am incredibly proud to say that my daughter has blossomed into an amazing actor, something that all began with the opportunities and inspiration she found at CROW. The foundation laid by this exceptional program not only helped her hone her craft but also reinforced the invaluable role that the arts play in shaping young minds and futures.

We moved shortly after her performance and were unable to continue our journey with CROW. Despite the distance, the founder’s continued support and encouragement of my daughter has meant so much to us. It’s a testament to the heart and dedication behind CROW.

CROW is more than just a performing arts center; it is a beacon of creativity, inclusivity, and passion. It provides a safe space where children can explore their artistic potential while learning life skills that extend far beyond the stage. I have witnessed firsthand how the arts truly matter—not just for those who pursue a career in theater, but for anyone who wishes to develop confidence, empathy, and a sense of belonging.

I wholeheartedly recommend CROW to any family looking for an enriching, transformative experience for their child. It is a program that changes lives, just as it did for my daughter, and I am forever grateful for the impact it has had on her and so many others."

 

From a Current Parent of a Younger Child (2025):

"We love our C.R.O.W. Family so much!

They have embraced my family wholly and completely as we have stumbled our way into learning how to not only better ourselves as humans, but to join a collective of wonderful individuals doing the same, while also getting to share our own artistic talents, have fun, learn from each other, and inspire others to do the same-all of it. Hannah has opened up so much more in just a few months of interacting with this team of awesome people and my once extremely shy little one has even found the bravery to stand in front of a table of directors and her peers and audition for a role-something I knew she would want to do-but I didn’t know if I’d ever see her find the courage for.

From her first encounter with the amazing and so enthusiastically motivated Tina Ferkey (a fellow mom who made me so comfortable from the get go that my daughter was in good safe hands while she was there) at a CROW summer camp, to her first ever dance class with Tina as well, and on to much more-not only was she praised for how well she followed directions, remembered things she was taught, and for jumping in whole heartedly, but her confidence was raised sky high and so was mine-in my daughter! They’re motivational responses to her abilities and just her efforts she brought forth, and her sheer delight in the course work inspired both of us to do more, dance more, and with confidence that we knew we could even if it was all new for us both and we stumbled a bit-everyone involved with and that runs CROW is so supportive-even when you falter. It’s this inclusion, this sense of you are good no matter what happens and the support to work harder and keep getting back up and trying again-that has me embracing our newly found CROW family 100%

I have found, not only in my research before joining them, but with my own two eyes, that they place huge effort to underlay and uphold unfaltering standards in safety, respect and responsibility at the core of everything that they do at CROW. I see it in their actions, their ways of going about teaching and setting parameters around rehearsals and classes-what’s acceptable and what is not- that they have the safety of our communities youth, not only physically but emotionally as well, and especially, at the forefront of all that they do. This is simply why they do what they do-so it is everything they are built on! It’s the WHOLE point! I have simply been nothing but impressed. I find myself working hard to bring my own best self to their organization, to uphold their standards in myself and teach my daughter to do the same. They have reinforced what I’ve always taught my own children-to include all, and celebrate everyone’s unique contributions, great and small, for each one is important and necessary. I am beyond proud to be a part of the C.R.O.W. Family here in Florence.

We were honored to have our daughter be asked to join the 2024 Holly Jolly Follies, and in doing so she and I got to enjoy not only learning what hard work it takes to put on a professional rehearsed show, but also what it’s like to work together with a big group of people, all in their places and doing their parts, as well as helping each other wherever they can. I got to see her discover what it is to join in something bigger than herself-not only for the joy of doing so, but for providing joy to others-by putting all that hard work up on that stage-and she saw each and everyone of those performers, peers, directors, staff, backstage moms and dads, and so many more sharing their amazing talents with the community-whether on stage or in support if those on stage, and she loved it-it lifted her up and opened her eyes to the world more-and she found her people-her group of like minded folks that just want to keep sharing their own joys with the world around them. I think we could all do with a little more inspiration like that to share our talents and our own joys with the world around us, so it’s my humble opinion, that we need C.R.O.W., and more organizations like them, to help keep us doing that, and to teach our young ones the importance of thriving in your life, no matter what you must persevere through to do so.

As someone once said “The saddest thing in life is a wasted talent.” My husbands veteran Marine grandfather shared his own hard work and talents on stage right here on the same Florence Events Center stage that his great granddaughter has now stood and sang out on while he watched from on high, and I know he’s proud up there to see her raise to such great heights.

Our whole family looks forward to continue working with our CROW Family and the community as we see our daughter and her peers thrive in life, experiencing the joys of dance and acting, in participating in something bigger, and the results of the hard work and determination that it takes to be your best you, as you are, and your potential for so much more.

Thank you for including us, we love you CROW!"

​

From a Former Parent and Local Business Owner (2025):

"Thank you Melanie Heard and CROW!

For nine years you provided my daughters a safe, professional, creative place to learn, express and mature. You have made a lasting impact on them that has strengthened their confidence and character. You have mentored and advised, taught and encouraged them. They are deeply grateful for their CROW experiences. And so am I.

Did they always get the part they wanted? No.

Was that hard? Yes.

Did they have fun? Yes. Were there challenges? Yes. Did they learn that theater is a team endeavor and every part is important? Yes.

Did it stretch their comfort zone and capacities? Yes.

Are they more resilient adults from their experience in CROW? Yes.

I remember when I chose to move from Portland to Florence ~ I had friends and family tell me that my daughters would not have enough opportunity. Well, thanks to You, Melanie, and CROW they had amazing opportunities in the arts that I could not have afforded in Portland.

I want you to know, I count CROW among our community’s best offerings for youth, family and the community at large. I recognize CROW has enriched countless lives, young and old, over the last thirteen years and continues its mission steadfastly. Your dedication and hard work is inspiring.

I write to remind You that there are many people like me who recognize the positive impact CROW has had and continues to have in our community. Thank You for all you do for CROW and for knowing the arts really do matter. You are a blessing to our community."

​

From a C.R.O.W. student during "Frozen Jr.":

"Melanie, Thank you for everything you have done for me!  You have been there by my side ever since I was a little telegrammer.  You were my childhood and you helped me be who I am today.  Thank you for believing in me.  To be honest, I felt like I wasn't good enough to play my role.  But I realized that I have worked so hard for this moment.  I am happy to be a part of the C.R.O.W. family.  C.R.O.W. has made me an amazing person and it is my home."

​

From a C.R.O.W. Parent during "Frozen Jr.":

"Melanie, Man has it been refreshing to be a part of something where the leader expects a lot from people, yet leads with such empathy, love and grace.  I really appreciate the opportunity for my kids.  You are making a difference! Kids need to know that they bring joy to this broken world and that they matter.  Thanks for sparking that joy and belief into this town."

 

From The Executive Director of Spruce Point Assisted Living & Memory Care:

"I wanted to send you a message with sincere thanks for the short performance that your troupe provided for our residents last week. It has been a long time since we have been allowed to have entertainment and I know it has been something that our residents truly missed.
What a talented and professional group of young performers. They were mindful of the restrictions we have in place with distance and Hand-washing rules. Please let us know when we might be treated to such entertainment again. I know that residents and staff would enjoy it very much."
Sincerely, Nikki Saunders, Executive Director

 

From an audience member at "The Holly Jolly Follies":

"Hands down, C.R.O.W. does the best theatre in Florence.  We have seen lots of shows in our day, and this is by far the most entertaining.  They made us laugh, cry, and put us in a wonderful mood, just in time for Christmas.  Thank you, C.R.O.W. for all you do for our community.  Florence would not be Florence without you!"

 

From an audience member at "The Wiz":

"Took my oldest daughter on 4/7.  She had already watched it for a field trip but was so excited to go again.  What an amazing and talented group!  Well worth it to go watch.  Can't wait for the next production." 

​

From a teacher at the Elementary School:

"Thank you C.R.O.W. for inviting Siuslaw Elementary School kids to come and see your incredible production of The Wiz! It was beyond my expectations! You always put on an amazing production, but EVERYTHING about this show was OUTSTANDING! The incredible caliber of your leads and their vocal talent, the phenomenal costuming, the Flight team was beautiful and mesmerizing in all of their acts, the sets and the special effects were spectacular and had all of the kids in awe! Each and every cast member added to the extraordinary show! Thank you on behalf of every one of my students and myself. I am still in awe of the Broadway caliber performances by so many of our young community members!  Melanie Heard, please let your cast and crew know how much this show was appreciated and how proud we are of each and every one of them.  Florence, Oregon is so lucky to have CROW in our community. <3 Florence, Don't miss this show." - S. Graham

 

From an audience member of Opening Night of "The Wiz"

"This production was truly spectacular.  We will never miss another one.  Loved every moment.  Such talent.  AWESOME. Made me cry tears of joy and happiness for all these young talents." 

​

​

From a C.R.O.W. kid:

"In the past, I was a very shy kid. For some reason, I just didn’t get the, “flow” out of conversations, having a really hard time maintaining them. I’m still working on it to this day to be completely honest! C.R.O.W. Has given me that courage to just talk, which is a very needed skill to be successful in life. Also being up on stage for a majority of my life has taught me how hard work does pay off at the end. A very positive way to develop as a child! It also shows that if you make a mistake, just go with it! I’ve made soooooo many mistakes on stage and every time I do and go with it, it helps me grow as an actor and even a person! So, coming from someone who’s been acting almost their entire life, even though it’s a very stressful task/job, it is worth it."

​

From a C.R.O.W. parent:

"Tonight, my child was invited to rehearsal for the Community Choir Concert.  She confidently sang her song, and spoke at length about her involvement in C.R.O.W.  I couldn't be more proud of the little lady she has become.  Thank you, Melanie, for your part in this, and for providing her with this opportunity.  My heart is full."  

​

From a C.R.O.W. teacher:

"About three months ago, I moved from a bustling city to a small, quaint town called Florence, Oregon. It was a scary transition for me as I had no friends and little family in Florence. I soon came to realize that none of that mattered.

​

I began teaching hip-hop at C.R.O.W, a non-profit that I believe is a vital organization in this community. Everyone that’s involved in this organization gives back to the community mainly through arts, but also through volunteering their time and amazing talents. There isn’t enough good I can say about this program that originated and grew in the small community of Florence, Oregon. Congratulations to you Melanie Heard for starting and continuing to build such a great organization for this community!"

 

From an audience member:

"WHAT THE SHREK DO WE CARE? A lot. Florence, Oregon, cares a lot about its kids and the arts. That's why Florence supports CROW, a local organization that invites kids to participate in the lively arts. CROW presented its annual musical April 15, 16, and 17 -- "Shrek The Musical Jr.: -- four jam-packed performances at the Florence Events Center, and it was a spectacular production -- inventive costumes, delightful sets, wondrous special effects such as the fabulous fire-breathing dragon, lively music, laughter, song, and dance, and a cast of 50-some enthusiastic children choreographed to perfection. It was a spectacular performance, eructations and Rat Pack Tappers notwithstanding. Congratulations to everyone involved including the talented cast and their extraordinary mentors, especially CROW director Melanie Heard who believes the arts matter and has instilled that belief in the youth of Florence."

​

From a teacher at the Middle School: 

"As a teacher at our local middle school I've witnessed first hand the difference CROW makes in the lives of our children. CROW kids not only learn to sing, act, dance, and perform on stage, they also develop essential skills that transfer to their daily lives. They gain confidence and make lasting friendships of all ages. CROW kids receive high caliber experiences in the performing arts, and it's free! This is unheard of. I am grateful that CROW has landed in our small town, and that my own two children consider themselves part of the CROW family. "

​

From a C.R.O.W. parent:

"Melanie, I just wanted to say GREAT job in the directing of Shrek Jr. and thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving my children and granddaughter the experience of a lifetime. They were all AMAZING and the experience alone was such a great and memorable milestone of confidence that they all needed and deserved. You are such an AMAZING & big hearted beautiful soul and I admire you so much. Thank you for being you."

 

From an Audience Member: 

"Bravo Melanie and the entire C.R.O.W crew. I have personally gone to every production since C.R.O.W started in our community. I'm in awe how year after year you put on a first class production. The amount of incredible talent in the cast, the costumes were so colorful and well done and the artwork in the sets and backdrops were amazing too. I loved how whimsical the script was and how much the audience reacted to the musical. Please extend our congratulations to your cast and crew for a top notch performance all the way around! Can't wait till the next production. They might need to expand the FEC!"

​

From a C.R.O.W. Volunteer:

"I've watched many kids grow, thrive and excel as a result of CROW.  The CROW family is devoted to the children of this community and to enriching their lives in many ways.  Melanie is a tireless, fearless, creative force in this endeavor. She and CROW deserve all the support they can get!"

 

From one of C.R.O.W.'s volunteer production team members:

"I just needed to put my 2 cents worth in. The hard work and dedication I see in every single CROW kid, every crew member, every production team member and more than just a few parents (you know who you are!) just blows me away! Almost everyone does more than their share, stepping up to volunteer for more, trying to make things better for all. The communication and cooperation is so wonderful to see. People make an effort to get along, get things done, be nice and keep things peaceful for the greater good.

And the kids always amaze me with the way they all get along and support each other. The older ones taking care of the younger ones, taking the time to really listen and talk to them, and include them. It makes my heart sing and gives me hope for a future of caring, responsible, creative, productive, hard working, humble citizens.

#gocrowgo #crowkidsarethebest #ilovecrow #crowrocks"

 

From a Letter to the Editor:

"We in Florence are so fortunate-the Oregon Coast, our public library, City Lights Cinemas, and what may have started off as a diamond in the rough, Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshops (C.R.O.W.), now a certified gem.  Their production of  "Shrek"-last weekend was a sparkling, spectacular success.  The audience applauded in unison.  Way to go, C.R.O.W. and thank you."  - Rae and Pat Stutzman, Florence

 

From the Dean of Lane Community College, Florence:

"Congratulations on another outstanding youth performance.  Your young people performed very well and obviously loved being part of the show.  The costumes, set and special effects were over the top.  I especially liked the "water feature."  It was obvious that you and your wonderful production team are instilling in these children a sense of pride in their work and discipline necessary for performing.  That will stand them in good stead all their lives--and they will have terrific memories as a result of their experience.  Thank you for being a wonderful part of the Florence community." 

 

From an audience member:

"I took my 4 yr. old granddaughter to the show.  Not sure if I had more fun watching her, as I did the show. We will be back to see more shows ! Great job!!"

 

From a CROW parent:

"As a parent, who has been involved with children's theatre for twelve years, I recognize the many benefits of a well-organized and produced theatrical production. I watch children learn, grow, laugh, struggle, encourage one another, and work together. They become part of a magical creation which in turn becomes part of their own life's story.

I am deeply grateful that (my children) and all the children involved had this incredible opportunity. In addition, many parents enjoy new friendships, and an expanded sense of community. I know performing arts offer nourishment for our soul as well as a connection to one another through shared experience.

When I was preparing to move to Florence from Portland, I recall people saying, "your kids won't have any opportunity in a small town." Thank you for opening nights and opening doors."

​

From a local journalist:

"C.R.O.W. was my very first story when I began working full time as a journalist in 2015.  At that time, Melanie and the CROW board were making plans to move into the CROW Center for the Performing Arts. We sat in the living room of the CROW costume designer and heard about CROW's big plans, and even bigger heart. From there, I was invited to attend rehearsals and capture stories and photos of Florence-area youth practicing, perfecting and performing their art. Now I volunteer with CROW whenever possible, whether that is being a model zombie, scaring guests during the Scare-CROW Haunted Maze, painting sets with CROW's amazing set designers or wherever Melanie needs me. That's the joy of CROW. It's a family. It's our family."

​​

From a local elementary school teacher: 

"Again I want to tell you what an amazing show "The Music Man Jr."  was. I loved every minute of it and didn't want it to end. Congratulations to you and all the cast and crew. I feel sad for anyone who didn't get to see it.

Thank you also for not only giving our students the opportunity to be involved with such an amazing production, but also for inviting the Elementary Students to see it. After yesterday at school, I knew I needed to write to you. I was walking down the 4th grade hall near the end of school and heard a group of fourth graders (not cast members) singing "Shipoopi" and just minutes later in the breezeway followed some elementary boys (not cast members) singing "Gary, Indiana!"  It touched me that they were taken by the show as well, and thought you might like to know the incredible impact you had."

​

From a "Letter to the Editor":

"Florence was treated to a spectacular show at the Florence Events Center when C.R.O.W. (Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshops) presented "The Music Man Jr."  Meredith Willson's iconic musical especially geared for youngsters.  Directed by the incomparable Melanie Heard, Florence's kids did the show proud, singing, dancing, and acting with dazzling exuberance, all within two hours.  Egads!  There's so much more to say, such as the delightful, colorful costumes of early 20th century Iowa and the wonderful painted sets...At Intermission, members of the Siuslaw High School band played lively tunes from the show, while theatregoers enjoyed ice cream sundaes.  Suffice it to say, there was no trouble in River City.  Florence kids triumphed with spot-on performnaces thanks to the stunning expertise of Melanie and her accomplished associates, and everyone had a good time.  Shipoopi!"