Our Mission
Dandylyon Drama’s mission is to grow more creative, compassionate, and courageous people through quality and accessible performing arts education.
History
Dandylyon Drama was founded in August of 2009 by Founding Artistic Director Melani Lyons. Here is a message from the founder:
I was happily commuting to the Eastside to direct musicals at middle schools for several years. When my daughter was born in 2008, parenthood changed my lens and I began wondering whether the schools in our local Shoreline School District offered any performing arts in schools apart from music classes. I was shocked to find out that only 2 out of 8 elementary schools had any kind of school play, both thanks to the music teacher working extra hours and supported by PTAs.
The combined excitement of filling the arts gap in my neighborhood, avoiding skyrocketing gas prices, and having more time with my baby daughter led me to launch Dandylyon Drama in 2009. Intending to just be a little business where I directed plays, I sent an email to local PTAs and within a week had 2 coffee dates that led to launching after-school drama programs at Meridian Park and Brookside Elementaries.
Before I could blink, Dandylyon began serving even more schools. I was hiring choreographers, music directors, and teaching artists, as well as giving out scholarships! It became obvious this little company was really a burgeoning nonprofit. Thanks to many amazing early supporters, most notably Kim Ositis and Kris McRea, we were able to navigate becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in order to serve more schools.
Over the last 15 years, we have produced nearly 90 plays and musicals, with twice as many classroom showcases featuring original plays by kids! We’ve nurtured 10 new works to life. We’ve created opportunities for teens and adults with disabilities to create and perform. Camps, classes, clubs… community!
I am most proud of the confident, emotionally resilient people we are launching into our community. I love running into students, alum, and parents each week at the farmer’s market, baseball field, or at schools!
Dandylyon Drama is a Registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our Tax ID is 46-1034745
Our Commitment to Equity and Justice
Dandylyon Drama believes in equity, justice and inclusion for all. We actively welcome and include people of all races, socioeconomic statuses, colors, national origins, religions, ages, sexes, sexual orientations, genders, gender identities, neurological and physical abilities, employment histories, citizenship statuses, and education levels.
Dandylyon Drama is committed to actively listening, learning, training our teaching artists, staff and board, and participating in movements for justice and equity, and dismantling systems of oppression.
Accessibility
We are committed to partner with our students, families, and community to overcome any barriers that would exclude anyone from access to the arts. We can’t wait to collaborate with you on ways to ensure that all of our programs provide meaningful participation.
Two barriers that we have successfully assisted families with in the past are tuition assistance and program accommodations.
Tuition Assistance
We offer “Pay What You Can” tuition on all of our programs. Students may receive tuition assistance every quarter for one program of their choice. Additional program spots may be available but are not guaranteed. Please contact us before the last day of registration to secure enrollment.
Program Accommodations
We know that every student has different needs, and we’re committed to supporting them. Please contact us after registration so we can collaborate with you on the accommodations that will help your child succeed.
We’re happy to provide:
Information about venue accessibility
Interpretation and translation
Visual calendars and visual/verbal communication tools
Large-font materials
Captions
And more — just ask!