Dina Slawson’s passion is the performing arts. “Ever since I could talk, my parents exposed me to theatre. We constantly went to the theatre in New York City, and on Sundays, we listened to soundtracks of all the major musicals — Funny Girl, Man of LaMancha, 42nd Street....” Her love of theatre followed her throughout grade school, high school and into college and beyond. Slawson participated in school musicals, Shakespearean productions in college and in community theater as well. She sings, she dances, and she writes. In September of 2002, Dina opened The Children's Academy of Theatre Arts, located in Williamsville, NY. It is open year-round to children of all ages — from pre-school to high school.

Academy of Theatre Arts and the ATA Theatre is the only full-time, year-round theatre venue in Western New York created and designed solely for the development and training of children and young adults in the genres of acting, vocal performance and musical theatre dance.  Dedicated to enriching young lives dramatically, ATA provides an extensive year-long program for anyone between the ages of 3 and 18 who has an interest and passion for theatre arts.

Not only does Academy of Theatre Arts excel in theatrical training, but with a generation now losing those communication skills needed to succeed in life, ATA uses theatre as a platform to teach and promote excellence in public speaking, self-esteem, confidence and personal skills. At Academy of Theatre Arts we use current events and real problems our students face to inform our lesson plans. We teach students about the parallels that exist between theatre and reality and how our students can use these skills throughout their entire lives.