DAPA -- Who We Are

Who We Are

Dakota Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) was established in 2001 in support of the many talented young people in our communities with a passion for music and theatre. Their dreams of an advanced level of performing arts experience and education became reality with the help of dedicated parents, students and professional performers. In 2001, DAPA opened our doors with just $94.00. Since then, DAPA has grown from a 40-person youth orchestra and three acting classes to a 50-person youth orchestra, a large chamber music program, 35 actors in the Plays for Living Theatre Company and a faculty of 11 professional musicians, actors and directors. We give five concerts a year at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science and over 90 Plays for Living Theatre performances in schools across eastern South Dakota. Our goal is to celebrate performing arts through our youth, providing students with a positive outlet for their talents, enhancing their lives and the lives of all those they touch.