Performing Arts Center Drives Students to Shine

A thriving youth thespian scene has been blossoming in downtown Trenton.

The  began in 1998 to offer opportunities for quality arts entertainment to the community and to develop a state-of-the-art space for theater. It started with fewer than a dozen kids, but over the years a couple thousand have gone through the program.

"This program is less about the theater, and more about the development of the kids," said Dr. Noel Jackson, president and founder of the performing arts center.  "Everything is better with art, and to see people work together and give up themselves and their talent for a greater good is an excellent benefit to the community."

In 2000, the center signed a lease with the city of Trenton to manage and maintain the , which originally opened in 1936 as an automobile showroom. To date, the company has put nearly $400,000 worth of improvements into the building, thanks to fundraising efforts. One large gala raised enough money for the marquee that decorates the front of the theater.

Moms and props

Parents also play an integral role in the large-scale productions put on by the company. Everything from building props to designing costumes is handled by  volunteer parents.

"We have people who are very artistic, and they all bring something to the table," said Kurt Sebaly, first vice president of the DYPAC's Board of Trustees. "I'm so amazed at what they do and how they have changed the kids in the program."

The center puts on three to four large productions per year, in addition to Saturday workshops and a summer program that usually fills up as soon as it becomes available.

"At its core, this program gives the kids something positive and purposeful to do with their time," said Debbie Jackson, administrative director. "And they know that there are adults out there who support them."

The next round of six-week theater workshops begins Jan. 8. E-mail dypac@dypac.com for more information.