Our Misson:

Youth Performance Company empowers youth and inspires social change through BOLD theatre.

Youth Performance Company (YPC), a world class, award-winning theatre, develops and empowers young actors, singers and dancers to reach their artistic potential and become community leaders. Young artists participate in all aspects of creating cutting-edge performances, including writing, directing, building sets and designing costumes. Many of YPC’s artists have gone on to professional careers in the arts or have used their experiences to become leaders in our community.

Our vision is clear: at YPC, we believe in giving youth a voice in the creative process, fostering their leadership skills, and producing theater that exemplifies the highest standard of artistic excellence.

Our History

Retired Artistic Director Jacie Knight founded Youth Performance Company in 1989 with a firm belief that young people are capable of artistic excellence. She had a vision that teens and young adults could have a voice in the creative process, become empowered as leaders, and produce theatre with the highest standards of artistic excellence. YPC continues to keep young artists center stage while holding professional artistic quality as a measure of success.

Families from all over the Twin Cities have come to rely on the fresh and exciting mainstage shows that are produced each season by YPC. In addition, kids from kindergarten through high school enroll in YPC’s classes in acting, singing, dancing, improv, and stage combat.

After their time at YPC as young people, our Youth have gone on to careers in the performing arts, theatre, film, television, business, and even serve as elected officials. Their impact spreads throughout the Twin Cities, the State of Minnesota, the United States, and around the world.

Awards & Accolades

 

2012 MN Council for Nonprofits Mission Award Recipient

2012 MN Council for Nonprofits Mission Award Recipient
Antiracism Initiative

2012 CINE Golden Eagle
DVD – The BoyShow

2012 CINE Golden Eagle
DVD – The BoyShow

Screened at the 2010 Women’s International Film Festival
DVD – Goddess Menses & the Menstrual Show

2009 Ivey Award
Little Rock, 1957

2009 Aware Award – MN CASA
The BoyShow

2009 CINE Special Jury Award
DVD – The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age

2009 57th Annual Columbus Intl Film Fest – Chris Award
DVD – The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age

2009 CINE Golden Eagle
DVD – Goddess Menses & the Menstrual Show

2008 CINE Golden Eagle
DVD – The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age

2006 Ivey Award
The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age

Accolade – Award of Merit: educational/instructional/training
DVD – The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age

Heal One World Festival – Merit of Awareness Award
DVD – The Talk: An Intercourse on Coming of Age

Indie – Award of Excellence: educational
DVD – Goddess Menses & the Menstrual Show

31st Annual Telly Awards – Bronze Telly for Use of Humor
DVD – Goddess Menses & the Menstrual Show

Accolade – Award of Merit: educational/instructional/training
DVD – The BoyShow

From Broadway to Hollywood and spaces in between, individuals at YPC continue to shine in their professional endeavors.