Theatre for All Co-founder Wins Monthly Local Award
The Wilmington nonprofit now provides inclusive performing arts programming for 200 local participants.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Special Needs
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Dylan Patterson, a Cape Fear Community College English instructor, received the Extraordinary Person of the Month award in October 2026. This recognition highlights his work co-founding Theatre for All, a local nonprofit that offers performing arts programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Why it matters
The organization provides vital creative and social outlets for Wilmington families by using performing arts to foster community inclusion for participants. Since its founding in 2014, the group has grown significantly to help hundreds of residents find meaningful ways to connect through theater.
Theatre for All now supports 200 participants, a significant increase from the 20 individuals served during its inaugural year in 2014. The nonprofit relies on regular volunteer contributions, including those from its co-founder, to sustain its weekly classes.
The players
Dylan Patterson
An English instructor at Cape Fear Community College who co-founded a local theater nonprofit for individuals with disabilities.
Theatre for All
A Wilmington-based nonprofit that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through the performing arts.
The details
Theatre for All provides opportunities for creative expression and community involvement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The nonprofit was established by Dylan Patterson, Gina Gambony, and Kim Henry to replicate the empowering environment Patterson experienced at a summer camp in 1999. Patterson currently supports these goals by teaching two theater classes each week in addition to his professional teaching duties.
Timeline
1999: Dylan Patterson and Jeremy Vest met at a summer camp.
2014: Theatre for All was established.
2024: Donna Gregory died.
October 2026: Dylan Patterson received the Extraordinary Person of the Month award.
The Home Front
The expansion of Theatre for All tracks with a growing local push for specialized, accessible community programming for families of individuals with developmental disabilities. This growth highlights the increasing importance of community-led nonprofits in supplementing traditional educational and social services.
Families seeking inclusive extracurricular activities in Wilmington can look to Theatre for All for ongoing performing arts opportunities. Parents should check the program's latest class schedule to determine if these theater sessions align with their household's weekly extracurricular logistics.
The takeaway
Empowering local programs often rely on the sustained weekly commitment of founders and volunteers. Families can support community inclusion efforts by researching and participating in local nonprofits that foster creative growth for individuals with diverse abilities.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services at Special Needs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
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