DYPAC, Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center, represents far more than just the performing arts. Throughout the year, it offers many visual and musical programs, plus offers a summer fine arts program supporting all areas of art. But far beyond those artistic contributions are the personal connections that are made with young people and their families and their solid foundation of spreading kindness. This all-volunteer organization welcomes and embraces all who participate.
That said, we now have another generation of young performers whose parents were original members and want to share this experience with their children. Many of our volunteers were original parents and grandparents who continue to volunteer with the organization in order to perpetuate this artistic and inclusive experience.
I cannot say enough good things about DYPAC. From 6 years old to 18, I grew up doing plays with DYPAC. It not only fostered lifelong friendships, but made me into the confident person I am today. DYPAC is a blessing to those who are involved as well as those in our community who get to enjoy the performances. This organization was monumental to my personal development: it taught me confidence, empathy, diversity, culture, as well as dancing, acting, and singing skills. 10/10 Excellent community, excellent organization.
This organization is a great place for families with young people looking to participate in the arts.
DYPAC is a wonderful organization that brings families and young people together through the performing arts. This community of people truly cares about the young people it serves, and the Downriver area is lucky to have this gem. They build confidence, promote kindness and inclusivity, and give kids a chance to shine!
All three of my kids have been involved with this fabulous organization. The overarching feeling is “family” so even when they “age out” and become “alumni,” many of the kids look for opportunities to return and give back, whether it’s by teching at a show, becoming a counselor at the fantastic summer camp, and many have even been choreographers, musical directors, and directors for the current kids! DYPAC provides so many opportunities for kids of all talent and skill levels, and the quality of all the productions shows how much the kids are valued and supported. There aren’t enough words to describe what an asset this organization is to our community!
DYPAC is fantastic, and my kids are second generation kiddos in this organization! We love youth theatre, and this group is the best. ❤️
DYPAC is a wonderful Youth Theater located in the historic Trenton Theater in Trenton Michigan. Children, teens and young adults can experience auditioning and performing in musicals and dramas, summer day-camp, creating costumes, stage sets and being a part of the back stage crew. The Board members are all volunteers and all monies raised from productions goes in to programming. Be Kind, was their Motto before it was cool. For information about programs and how to get involved, go to www.dypac.org
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DYPAC has been an important part of our families life for over 10 years. Our son has learned valuable life lessons while spending time there. Either preparing for a performance, participating in the summer camp and now teaching at their summer camps. We owe them so much gratitude and love that they have become our home away from home. As my Dad used to say every time he saw his grandson on stage...."Everyone needs a DYPAC in their community."
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i’ve been doing shows at dypac for about 8 years now, in all those years the people and staff has been nothing but kind. the kindness of everyone at this theatre is unmatched, it is one of my favorite parts about dypac. these past two summers i have been lucky enough to work their summer program, where even more children will be able to find their love for theatre in the same place i found mine.
DYPAC (DownRiver Youth Performing Arts Center) is an all volunteer Youth Theater Group located in the Trenton Theater in Trenton, Michigan. Created by Dr. Noel Jackson and his wife Deborah as a safe place for children to participate in plays and musicals.
DYPAC has multiple opportunities for children to learn and enjoy theater; weekend workshops where young children and teens can learn theater skills, several auditioned shows a year, a 5 week summer camp and an annual Christmas Show that welcomes all the children who want to perform.
DYPAC has an all volunteer Board and encourages parent involvement and volunteering. All funds raised go back into programing. Families are not turned away because they can't pay, as scholarships are available for summer camp and show fees.
Children who feel different feel welcome at DYPAC. Children who feel left out feel included at DYPC. Children who are bullied feel safe at DYPAC.
DYPAC's motto is "Be the Star by the Person you are". DYPAC grows wonderful young adults who become instructors, assistants and show directors. Many have gone off to college and successful careers. They return to share the joy of DYPAC with their children.
Come see a show at the Trenton Theater and share the joy of DYPAC.
DYPAC is not just an arts center, it is a family and way of life. I started being involved with DYPAC the summer when I was around 8 years old. Jump to when I'm thirteen, almost too old to do any of the smaller programs I had grown to love. Then I was asked not to attend, but to assist. This year, I am starting student teaching. DYPAC encourages children and young adults to be themselves and grow. With mentor systems in place during major productions and over 20 assistants and teachers during the summer program, children are never without help and teenagers and young adults are never without opportunities to pass what they've experienced down to a new generation.
DYPAC provides kids with wonderful opportunities to learn, share their talents and perform on stage. However, what DYPAC truly provides is an opportunity for each child to be who they truly are, express themselves and find "home" in a judgement-free, inviting environment. The DYPAC staff/mentors are the most giving and selfless people I have ever met. They put the kids first every day. DYPAC creates bonds and teaches these kids lessons that last a lifetime.
DYPAC is an amazing place for kids interested in theater to come together. They accept all children and are a safe haven from bullying. It’s become a second home to us and we couldn’t be more grateful for them!
We are 2nd generation DYPAC performers. The friendships made, the kindness encouraged, and the feeling of home are some of the reasons we love it here. So many children benefit from this program. We are proud to be DYPAC.
DYPAC is one of the best organizations of its kind. DYPAC focuses on the youth in the community, who are often silenced because of their age. It is a place for young ones to grow and not only learn more about their craft, but learn about the importance of teamwork, friendship, and kindness. Children get to experience a loving environment that accepts people from all walks of life, which makes for a wonderful extracurricular activity. As well as learning important skills such as public speaking and confidence, children who participate in DYPAC also have the opportunity to be involved in hundreds of hours of community service. To learn about giving back to your community at such a young age is a privilege. The Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center offers a safe creative outlet for children, and accepts everyone with open arms. I cannot imagine a better environment for children interested in the performing arts. DYPAC changed my life, and I know it will continue to change many others for years to come.
This organization is great to be involved with. The adults are wonderful with the children and know how to help them shine. Every show looks very professional and it's easy to see the kids are having fun. Being involved with this group allows kids to make friends from all around the area instead of only in their school.
Twenty years ago my granddaughter Jessica was in a play. How cute! Her Grandpa -my husband- said "every one should have the chance to get on stage and not be themselves." Since then Jessica has been in countless plays which enabled her to meet other kids from the metro area. I volunteered to sew. What a pleasure to work with all the parents,kids, and to watch them grow to be young adults. At DYPAC they stress - volunteering, being nice to everyone. It doesn't matter how much talent a child has or hasn't everyone is welcome. We are a fun group come check us out. Maybe we can find one of your hidden talents. Maybe you like to paint(scenes,faces) maybe you could help in the dressing room, sell cookies at intermission. We are Family!!! Nancy Eluskie
My daughter went to see the first play DYPAC performed in 1998 and half way thru show she said this is what I want to do. I tried getting her to play sports but it was not her nitch. So, fast forward to 2016 and my husband and I are still very active with DYPAC and feel very proud of organization we help grow.
DYPAC is a seriously amazing group. It serves as a safe haven for youth who choose to not participate in certain negative activities that many youth participate in. It serves as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities in the arts as alumni from the group go on to perform at national levels. It serves as a soft and welcoming place for
young women or young men who are trying to find themselves. The people who are involved in DYPAC are some of the most generous, compassionate, and caring people I've ever met. I have lifelong best friends (who are my family) that I met because I chose to audition for a production with this incredible group. I owe much of my wonderful memories growing up to DYPAC's existence. I cannot say enough good things about DYPAC.
This organization is a dedicated core of ALL volunteers whose goal is the positive development of young people through experiences in the Arts, especially the performance arts. They produce several major productions, have a wonderful summer program, and Saturday workshops, all with ages 5-19, and serving the entire Downriver area in Wayne County. They have also worked tirelessly to renovate the Trenton Village Theatre.They exemplify the "Spirit of the Sense of Community!"