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Arts & Entertainment

Faces of DYPAC: Debbie Jackson

Faces of DYPAC is a series of profiles focusing on the people who make up the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center.

Debbie is the administrative director for the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC). She is married to Dr. Noel Jackson, the founder of DYPAC.

Bio

Debbie grew up in Wyandotte, Mich. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in special education from Wayne State. Her oldest son was 11 when he enrolled in a community theater project. This led her to see the extreme benefit theater holds for kids. She and her husband  thought it would be best if there was a theater group for young people in their area.

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What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to be a teacher, but an artist would have been my fantasy.

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When did you get involved with DYPAC?

1998. I handle all of the finances, administrative duties and marketing for DYPAC. I do whatever needs to be done.

How does DYPAC fulfill you?

It’s all about seeing young people gain confidence. We have a lot of kids with a lot of talent. This group adds stability and helps them grow as people.”

The value to me is being able to use art and theater as a medium for developing young people. Theater gives everyone the ability to be positive.

How does DYPAC benefit the community?

The whole project started as nothing but an idea, but it has grown thanks in part to a generous community. We have a wonderful venue and through generous donations of time and money, we have remodeled the theater to fit our needs.

DYPAC is all about the kids. It provides them an opportunity they didn’t have before. And it’s an opportunity for families to be involved with their children. We can’t survive without the help of families. It’s amazing to find this raw acting talent in our community.

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