Affordable, Educational, Inclusive

Our Mission

The goal of J-DAPA is to promote a love and appreciation for the arts through involving performers of all ages throughout the Rhode Island Community. We strive to raise funds in an effort to keep costs low for children and adults to partake in theatrical arts. Our goal is to better the lives of the individual members of J-DAPA as well as audience members through fostering an appreciation and education of the arts.

Since its founding in 1998 as an after-school dance program in Johnston, RI, J-DAPA has continued to fulfill its original mission of making the performing arts accessible and affordable and has grown in ways that its founders never could have imagined. In addition to weekly dance, voice, and acting classes, J-DAPA has produced over 10 full-length musicals, three plays, and countless cabarets and self-written works.


Get Involved

Want to join us? Registration is still open for our summer camps, with more information about fall registration just around the corner!

Upcoming Events




Sing for a Future of Hope: A Cabaret

J-DAPA Studio 5 Enterprise Lane, Suite 5A, Smithfield


People Are Saying…

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The production was absolutely amazing. The costumes and performances were amazing. The lighting and stage presence was amazing. And of course all of the instructors, teachers and everyone else that took part were… absolutely amazing. So much fun to watch. And again, I was so pleased with how you got my shy granddaughter to show another side of personality. 
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My daughter loves her class and Miss Holly. You guys do a fantastic job, I am so impressed. I have been recommending you to our friends and family. Thank you J-DAPA!