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Arts & Entertainment

Faces of DYPAC: Kurt Sebaly

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

Kurt Sebaly is the First Vice President of the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center (DYPAC). He is also the Executive Director of the Penrickton Center for Blind Children.

Bio

Kurt grew up in Detroit and attended Henry Ford High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a Masters degree in education from Eastern Michigan University. He bagen his work at Penrickton 32 years ago when he was brought in to run their education center. His entry into DYPAC was due to his daughter being involved in the theater. Soon, after inquiring into the organizational structure, he was elected to the board.

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What did you want to be growing up?

I wanted to be a history teacher. I have a minor in political science.

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When did you get involved with DYPAC?

I got involved around 1999. My daughter wanted to be involved after her friend got involved. I got involved after my wife nominated me to do some set building. From there, one thing led to another. One component of DYPAC that I admire is the required parental participation.

How does DYPAC fulfill you?

You get to see local kids who might be shy; you actually see them grow and change. We had a bigger kid once come in who didn’t exactly fit in, but he changed into a leader. That’s the cool thing: watching a kid who went through DYPAC come back later and mentor the current crop of kids.

How does DYPAC benefit the community?

It gives kids a chance to grow in a safe environment and interact with other kids who might not have that opportunity. These are regular neighborhood kids who come to the theater and have an opportunity to shine and grow. We also conduct a number of workshops that kids can try out, focusing on a variety of skills and talents.

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