Wilmington Arts Nonprofit Expands Support for Residents
The local group now serves 200 participants, offering inclusive performing arts opportunities in the community.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Special Needs
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In October 2026, Wilmington resident Dylan Patterson was honored as Extraordinary Person of the Month for his long-term work with Theatre for All. The nonprofit, which provides arts programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has grown significantly since its founding.
Why it matters
Theatre for All provides critical opportunities for creative expression and community inclusion for residents with disabilities. The organization has expanded its reach from 20 participants at its 2014 inception to 200 members as of 2026.
Official organizational figures indicate Theatre for All currently serves 200 participants, a ten-fold increase from the 20 individuals served during its inaugural year in 2014. The specific criteria used for the Extraordinary Person of the Month selection remain officially unstated.
The players
Dylan Patterson
An English instructor at Cape Fear Community College and co-founder of the Wilmington nonprofit Theatre for All.
Jeremy Vest
A long-time friend of Dylan Patterson who met him at a camp on Martha's Vineyard 25 years ago.
Gina Gambony
A co-founder of Theatre for All who works to provide creative arts opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Kim Henry
A co-founder of Theatre for All dedicated to increasing community involvement for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Donna Gregory
A figure associated with the local community who died in 2024.
The details
Theatre for All was established by Dylan Patterson alongside Gina Gambony and Kim Henry to foster community involvement through the performing arts. Patterson, who teaches English at Cape Fear Community College, personally volunteers at two theater classes weekly to facilitate these creative experiences. The organization aims to replicate the supportive social environment Patterson encountered while meeting his friend Jeremy Vest at camp in 1999.
Timeline
In 1999, Dylan Patterson and Jeremy Vest met at a summer camp.
Theatre for All was established in 2014.
Donna Gregory died in 2024.
As of 2026, Theatre for All serves 200 participants.
Dylan Patterson was named Extraordinary Person of the Month in October 2026.
Health Landscape
Theatre for All represents a localized effort to address the ongoing need for social and creative engagement among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Such initiatives operate as vital supplements to the broader framework of support established under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Engaging in community-based performing arts programs can provide meaningful social and emotional benefits for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Residents interested in these local resources should inquire with community centers to determine if such programs are appropriate for their specific needs.
The takeaway
Participation in arts-based community programs may help support social well-being for individuals with developmental disabilities. If you are seeking local inclusive activities, consider discussing available social and therapeutic arts programs with a healthcare provider or a local community advocate.
Further reading
Learn more about local support networks by visiting the Special Needs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WWAYTV3.
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