Don't Miss A Beat, Inc.

In the heart of Jacksonville, Florida, a truly transformative performing arts center is making a profound difference in the lives of countless young people: Don't Miss A Beat, Inc. (DMAB). Founded by Grammy-winning artist Ulysses Owens, Jr. and his family, DMAB is much more than just a place to learn to sing, dance, or act. It's a vibrant community hub dedicated to "enlightening and activating kids through musical theater production and community engagement," ensuring that every child, especially those in "At-Hope" communities, has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and achieve their wildest dreams.

Since its inception in 2008, Don't Miss A Beat has served over 20,000 kids and young adults, proving that through "heart, arts, and community," life-changing experiences are not just possible, but a daily reality. The organization's mission is deeply rooted in blending music, art, academic achievement, and civic engagement to inspire and enlighten children and teens in the Riverside, Brooklyn, and Woodstock communities of Jacksonville. While a recent review highlights an isolated incident regarding guest experience, the overwhelming sentiment from many in the community emphasizes the staff's "unmatched dedication to excellence" and their commitment to nurturing youth. This dedication to holistic development—fostering artistic talent, academic success, and civic responsibility—is what truly defines Don't Miss A Beat as a beacon of hope and opportunity in Northeast Florida.

Don't Miss A Beat, Inc. operates from its dedicated Don't Miss A Beat Community Art Center, nestled within Woodstock Park at 2839 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32254, USA. This location places the performing arts center in a central area of Jacksonville, specifically serving the "At-Hope communities" of Riverside, Brooklyn, and Woodstock. Its presence in Woodstock Park signifies a strong commitment to community-based engagement and accessibility for the youth and families it serves.

The accessibility of Don't Miss A Beat is a key component of its mission for local Floridians. Being situated within Woodstock Park makes it a familiar and easily reachable destination for residents in the immediate vicinity and surrounding neighborhoods. For those relying on public transportation, its location on West Beaver Street, a significant artery, likely allows for various bus routes to provide access. For parents driving their children to programs, the park setting often implies available parking, which is a practical consideration for daily or weekly visits. The strategic placement of the Don't Miss A Beat Community Art Center ensures that valuable arts education, academic support, and community engagement initiatives are within easy reach for the youth who need them most in Jacksonville. This intentional accessibility is vital for fostering consistent participation and maximizing the positive impact on the lives of local children and teens.

• Year-Round Artistic Programs: Don't Miss A Beat provides continuous arts education with a primary focus on Musical Theatre Production. This includes in-depth instruction in Acting, Dance, and Vocal techniques.
• Broadway Experience Programs: DMAB offers specialized "Broadway Experience" programs, including a "Spring Edition" (typically January to May) culminating in a Spring Cabaret, and a intensive "Summer Edition" (usually June to July). The summer program is a six-week camp immersing youth in vocal music, dance, and theatre, often leading to a full-scale musical production.
• Academic Support and Tutoring: Recognizing the importance of education, the center provides tutoring and academic support to enhance educational achievement and improve graduation rates among its youth participants.
• Civic Engagement Projects: DMAB actively involves youth in civic engagement initiatives. These projects are designed to develop a strong connection to their community and teach them how to be responsible and productive citizens.
• Life Skills Training for Adults: The organization extends its impact to adults in the community by offering workable skills training. This service aims to empower adults to provide a safer, healthier environment for their children.
• Youth Development and Talent Cultivation: Through all its programs, DMAB uses the performing arts as a primary tool to facilitate holistic youth development and cultivate individual artistic talents.
• Opportunities for Performance: Students regularly engage in performances, from cabarets to full musical productions at professional venues like the Ritz Theatre and Museum and the Terry Theater at the Jacksonville Performing Arts Center.
• Mentorship and Exposure to High-Caliber Artists: DMAB's programs immerse youth in learning experiences with highly accomplished artists, including Grammy and Tony award-nominated individuals, providing unique opportunities and inspiration.
• College and Career Pathway Support: The center actively supports students in pursuing higher education and careers in the arts, with a proven track record of students gaining acceptance into prestigious performing arts schools and universities.

• Holistic Youth Development Model: Don't Miss A Beat stands out for its comprehensive approach, blending music, art, academic achievement, and civic engagement. This ensures that youth develop not just artistic skills but also strong character, leadership qualities, and a sense of community responsibility.
• Founder's Vision and Artistic Excellence: Founded by multi-Grammy award-winning artist Ulysses Owens, Jr., the organization benefits from a high level of artistic leadership. His commitment to bringing "the world to Jacksonville" through arts and his direct involvement in creating programs ensure top-tier artistic experiences for the youth.
• Focus on "At-Hope" Communities: DMAB specifically targets and transforms the lives of underserved children and teens in Jacksonville's Riverside, Brooklyn, and Woodstock communities, providing opportunities they might otherwise not access. This social impact is a key feature.
• Proven Track Record of Success: With over 20,000 clients served since 2008, DMAB has a demonstrable history of positive impact. This includes 100% student acceptance into local performing arts schools (like LaVilla School of the Arts and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts) and graduates attending prestigious higher education institutions.
• Professional Production Quality: DMAB is known for mounting full-scale musical productions at significant venues like the Terry Theater within the Jacksonville Performing Arts Center, giving students invaluable experience in professional-level performances.
• Dedicated and Encouraging Staff: Despite isolated negative feedback, numerous reviews highlight the "committed, engaged and encouraging" nature of the staff. This dedication is crucial for fostering a positive and supportive environment where young people can truly flourish and "become their wildest dreams."
• Direct Link to Broadway: Through connections with artists like Grammy and Tony award-nominated Phillip Boykin, DMAB provides unique pathways and exposure to the professional Broadway world, aspiring to take kids "from Broadway in JAX... to Broadway in NYC."
• Community Art Center Transformation: DMAB has successfully transformed community centers (like the Edith Brown Ford Center at Woodstock Park) into vibrant community art campuses, demonstrating their innovative approach to utilizing public spaces for artistic and educational development.
• Annual Jazz Festival: The organization hosts the Don't Miss A Beat Jazz Festival at Woodstock Park, providing a free, family-friendly musical event that further connects the arts with the community.

Address: Don't Miss A Beat Community Art Center, Woodstock Park, 2839 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32254, USA

Phone: (904) 385-4001

Mobile Phone: +1 904-385-4001

For families and individuals in the Florida region, particularly those in Jacksonville, Don't Miss A Beat, Inc. stands as an exceptionally suitable and vital resource within the performing arts landscape. Its profound impact on local youth and its commitment to community upliftment make it a deeply valuable institution.

Firstly, its central location at the Don't Miss A Beat Community Art Center in Woodstock Park ensures excellent accessibility for the local communities it primarily serves, including Riverside, Brooklyn, and Woodstock. This strategic placement means that children and teens can easily access high-quality arts education and academic support, reducing logistical barriers for busy Floridian families and ensuring consistent participation in enriching programs.

Secondly, DMAB offers a truly holistic approach to youth development, which is paramount for parents seeking comprehensive growth opportunities for their children. It goes beyond mere artistic instruction, integrating academic achievement, civic engagement, and life skills training. This means that young people are not only becoming skilled performers but also developing into confident, responsible, and engaged members of their community. The consistent praise for the "committed, engaged and encouraging" staff underscores the positive and nurturing environment where youth are empowered to "become their wildest dreams."

Furthermore, the organization's proven track record speaks volumes. DMAB has successfully transformed the lives of over 20,000 youth, with many going on to gain acceptance into prestigious performing arts schools and universities. For local parents, this represents a tangible return on their children's involvement, providing pathways to higher education and potential careers in the arts. The exposure to high-caliber artists and the opportunity to perform in professional venues like the Terry Theater give students invaluable real-world experience right here in Jacksonville.

While a single negative review highlights an isolated incident regarding audience experience, it's crucial to consider the broader context of DMAB's extensive positive impact and its fundamental mission to serve and empower the youth of Jacksonville. For any Floridian family seeking an organization that passionately blends arts, education, and community service to uplift the next generation, Don't Miss A Beat, Inc. is not just a performing arts theater; it's a transformative local institution.

Don't Miss A Beat, Inc.

Don't Miss A Beat Community Art Center, Woodstock Park, 2839 W Beaver St, Jacksonville, FL 32254, USA