CFCC English Instructor Builds Community Through Theatre for All
When Cape Fear Community College English instructor Dylan Patterson boarded a plane two decades ago, he never imagined the flight would change his life.
At the time, Dylan was dabbling in film, writing, and making short films. Seated next to him that day was the director of Camp Jabberwocky, a camp for individuals with disabilities on Martha’s Vineyard.
The two got to talking, and Dylan mentioned his love for filmmaking. By the end of the flight, he agreed to help create a fundraising video.
Meeting Jeremy
“I showed up with all my camera equipment, ready to make a film,” Dylan remembered. “The director said, ‘Well, let me introduce you to your camper.’ I told her, ‘No, I’m not here to be a counselor, I’m a filmmaker.’ And she said, ‘Everyone here has a camper.’ That’s when I met Jeremy.”
Jeremy Vest was just 13 at the time. Jeremy has Williams syndrome, a genetic condition often associated with musical talent, a friendly, outgoing personality, and an uncanny ability to connect with others.
He and Dylan bonded instantly. “It was very, very, very exciting,” Jeremy recalled. “We had a great time, and I’ve loved him ever since.”
The friendship that began at camp grew into something lifelong. Dylan stayed in touch with Jeremy and his family, visiting often.
That summer, Dylan got his first glimpse of how powerful the arts could be in the lives of people with disabilities. Camp Jabberwocky ended with a large-scale musical.
“I was inspired,” he said. “It was full of music, theater, art, and fun. That experience stayed with me.”
Where Theatre for All Began
Over the years, the memory of that camp and his friendship with Jeremy never left him. When Dylan later served on the board of a local nonprofit in Wilmington, he saw an opportunity to bring a similar creative space to his community. In 2014, he pitched the idea of starting a theater class for people with disabilities.
What began as a single outreach program soon grew into Theatre for All, a nonprofit with a mission to empower individuals with disabilities, nurture community, and challenge stereotypes through the performing arts.
“We’re not just rehearsing scripts,” Dylan explained. “We start with broad ideas; the actors help create the characters and story. You end up with shows you’d never see anywhere else.”
For Dylan, the mission goes beyond the stage.
“Many people with disabilities feel isolated, and parents, too. Theatre for All creates community for everyone. Suddenly, you’re not alone. You’re part of something joyful, creative, and supportive.”
Jeremy and his family eventually moved to Wilmington, and he joined Theatre for All almost immediately. “Dylan asked if I wanted to join, and I said without a doubt, yes,” Jeremy said. “It’s a great thing to do, and everyone is awesome. Seeing others have fun is very, very sweet.”
A Milestone Performance
Theatre for All celebrated its 11th year this past May with its largest show, The First Day of Spring, performed alongside the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestras at Thalian Hall. “When we finished the show, and the crowd gave us a standing ovation, it was amazing,” Jeremy said.
Music has always been central to Jeremy’s life. He plays both drums and piano. That love of music led him to Cape Fear Community College, where he has been part of the jazz ensemble under faculty member Benny Hill for an incredible 18 semesters.
“It’s really cool to see new faces each time,” Jeremy shared. “You never know what instruments you’ll have until the first day, but you work with what you’ve got.”
To Jeremy, CFCC’s jazz ensemble and Theatre for All aren’t separate worlds. They’re both places where people come together to create something special. “I see camaraderie, passion, and drive,” he said.
Changing Perceptions
For Dylan, the performances are powerful, not just for the actors but for the audience.
“Overturning stereotypes is one of our core missions. You’re in the audience, sitting in the dark, and you see people with Down syndrome, someone in a wheelchair, or someone with cerebral palsy,” Dylan explained. “That person with Down syndrome is hilarious, and the person with Williams syndrome has a beautiful voice. Pretty quickly, you forget you’re watching a group of people with disabilities and it’s just a talented group putting on a unique performance.”
What began as a chance meeting for Dylan and Jeremy turned into a lifelong friendship. They live just a mile and a half apart, share weekly dinners, and see each other every Saturday at rehearsals. “Jeremy’s like my brother, and his mom is like my second mom,” Dylan said.
Looking ahead, Dylan hopes Theatre for All can one day have a dedicated space for rehearsals, performances, and community gatherings. “That would be the dream,” he said.
Until then, the group continues to light up stages across Wilmington with original productions. Their next show, More Than Words , will be performed December 12–13.
