Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Dyba.
Hi Nikki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been in and around Theater most of my life and found it to be a place where I could create , build confidence and find friends that became family. I was homeless at 14 and found it very hard to navigate school, life and forging a healthy path for myself. I found Theater and it literally gave me the place to find my strength, my voice and my purpose. I performed in London and Oxford in England. When I moved to America, I wanted so desperately to create another space for people to come and feel safe and find their voice . I partnered with the USO of NC, Jacksonville center in 2017 and we created family friendly shows that became a huge hit. We would donate a portion of our ticket sales back to our USO and our service members. This was a wonderful partnership. Sadly the USO building was condemned for structural issues and so I had to find another space. It did not take long and I am absolutely thrilled that I was able to open the first ever ” Boutique ‘ Theater here in the states. We have not looked back since and have created so many wonderful programs to include a Teen Outreach program that is very close to my heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When dealing with the Arts , there are always struggles. There are so many outlets that have been closed down or resources that are so expensive they are out of reach for so many. I wanted to bring back the Arts to our youth. The Arts enhance creativity, imagination, boosts memory and focus. Builds confidence and self-esteem and helps our youth process the myriad of emotions they have to deal with. There were many days when I wondered if I could keep the doors open due to show costs, royalties and the immense general overheads. Somehow I always found a way. I am so incredibly thankful to my families and friends that have stepped in to help me fundraise and just be there for me. When you don’t have to walk alone it really helps. I have also been supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and First Bank. These two organizations have held my hand every step of the way!
This is my passion and purpose in life. I have learned through failure at times. But I never lost sight of my vision, purpose and my why.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I run a school of the Arts for youth at the very first ‘ Boutique Theater” . I wanted to create a space where I could run programs and productions that were tailor made for specific age groups. I also wanted to make sure that each production had smaller casts between 10-20 to make sure every single child had a sizeable role and could shine brightly. It is astounding to see the shyest child become the most confident. The child that feels different to feel at home. The child who has trouble interacting , finding their friends. I also work with many who are on the spectrum. I have found that Theater really helps everyone open up, become vibrant and unafraid. For me it is not about the production, but about the growth ,the friendships that transcend any production. I am most proud of introducing my Teen Outreach. As a homeless teen myself, I understand the struggles and the dangers that surround them. The Teen Outreach is a Free 12-14 week program for every teen to experience all aspects of a production from acting, costume design, set design, hair, make-up and stage management. It has been a huge hit and has changed lives . Giving these teens their voices , letting them realize their own strengths and creating a strong foundation behind them is everything we strive for. This is my heart.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was incredibly shy and spent a lot of my time alone. I think that this is where my creativity was born. I created my very own paper theater and would spend hours drawing the sets, coloring in the curtains and creating characters for the next play. I would then line up my toys to be the audience. It was quite hard for me to communicate how I was feeling as I was raised to not show emotions, this was my way of balancing this.
Who knew that decades later, my paper theater became a big beautiful reality. I feel we all know what our passion is as a child and I think it is very important that we see that in our own children and instead of closing it down, nurture it and find a way to create it. It all comes back to purpose and passion. If you are going to make something…. make a difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jpanc.com
- Instagram: jpatheaterco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvillePerformingArts
