5 Things I Learned about the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance

I recently had the chance to sit down with Allie Haines, Membership Manager at the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA), and learn all about this unique organization in Dayton. Here are five things I didn’t know about the DPAA.

1. DPAA is not the same as Dayton Live

Despite the fact that these organizations have different branding, different websites, etc. I still assumed they were one and the same? Now that I know they’re not connected, I don’t fully understand why I always thought they were! They are both nonprofits in Dayton centered around performing arts, but they are different in a few ways:

• DPAA produces performances and directly employs artists
• Dayton Live owns and operates performance spaces in Dayton (e.g. Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex) and presents shows produced by other organizations.

So, they certainly work together, but they aren’t the same.

2. Opera | Ballet | Philharmonic

DPAA is an alliance between Dayton’s classical performing arts: the Dayton Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic. This type of arts alliance is the first of its kind, but that makes sense because Dayton is all about innovation.

This alliance also makes it possible to purchase subscriptions – think ticket packages – to all three art forms. Check out how you can create your own subscription.

3. Dayton³

DPAA performances are all Dayton by Dayton for Dayton. The organization is based in Dayton, many of the directors, conductors, choreographers, etc. are from Dayton and they employ the artists from Dayton and southwest Ohio. They then put on performances in Dayton for Dayton audiences (though fans of live performances anywhere are welcome, of course).

Actually, there have been several times I’ve attended a show with DPAA and realized part way through that an acquaintance, coworker, friend, or even family member is a part of the show.

4. Donations Keep it Running

The DPAA exists because of its generous members. I assumed the tickets were how the DPAA funds itself, but it turns out that ticket sales only account for 30% of their total budget. That’s why it’s so important for fans of the classical performing arts to donate to DPAA. Plus, donors get great membership perks like access to the donor lounge (at a certain membership level) and valet parking.

Becoming a member of the DPAA by making a donation is well worth your investment. It’s an investment in your own entertainment and an investment in our community. I think it’s easy to take our wealth of cultural opportunities for granted in this town because we’re so used to them being a part of Dayton. Unfortunately, like everything else, Covid-19 did a number on the DPAA. And, as with everything we love about Dayton, it won’t continue without us.

5. ‘The Arts are For Everyone’ is More than a Tagline

Experiencing live performances in person is so different than watching on a screen. These art forms, pieces of music, and stories have survived and been passed along for centuries and should definitely continue to be shared.

I definitely used to feel like I had to dress to impress at any and all live performances, but in reality, you’re welcomed just as you are. I have had to run late and show up in jeans and a more casual look, and no one has ever batted an eye.

Plus, there are some unique opportunities to see DPAA performances inexpensively – or even free. $5 tickets are available and you can “check out” a ticket from the Dayton Metro Library by calling the box office. Learn more here.

See you at the show!

Attend a show and bring a friend, relative, maybe someone young who hasn’t seen a performance like this before – and don’t be afraid to check out a new type of performance than you’ve seen before.

I think Allie Haines said it best: “The arts tell us something about ourselves – about our humanity – that we need to learn. It’s a gift.”