Location: Saint Paul, MN
Categories: Arts, Executive
Salary range: $55,000 – $62,000 per year (room to grow)
Benefits: Medical, Retirement
Job type: Full Time, Exempt
Reports to: Board of Directors
Supervises: Staff, Contractors

Employment & Internships

Artistic Director

About Youth Performance Company

Youth Performance Company (YPC) is a world-class, award-winning theater that empowers young people as actors, dancers, singers, and more. Working side by side with professional artists, young artists at YPC develop critical lifelong skills and are empowered to reach their artistic potential. Young artists develop leadership skills by participating in all aspects of creating cutting-edge performances, including writing, directing, building sets, and designing costumes, becoming leaders in the process. Families from all over the Twin Cities rely on the fresh and exciting mainstage shows produced each season, including annual shows dedicated to themes of social justice. In addition, young people from kindergarten through high school participate in acting, singing, dancing, improv, and other classes at YPC.

YPC is guided by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do; a dedication to theatrical excellence; a focus on social justice; and the growth of youth through leadership and community building.

Position Summary

The Artistic Director (AD) is the creative and inspiring force behind Youth Performance Company. The AD has an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for youth, especially teens, and theater. The AD determines and drives the artistic vision of the Company while upholding its mission.

The AD will develop, coordinate, and oversee the direction of the season, including all shows, classes, and special programming. The AD develops and manages the annual budget and hires and supervises administrative and artistic staff. A crucial element of the AD’s role is fundraising, and developing and sustaining relationships with YPC alumni, families, donors and community allies and stakeholders. The AD is the inspirational and highly professional face of the company. The AD is invested in the communities YPC serves, and in the practice of equitable and inclusive practices in all aspects of their work. The AD is passionately committed to the power of youth, mentoring young people, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for them.

Compensation and benefits

Starting salary range is $55,000 – $62,000, with medical benefits.

Responsibilities

Hire, supervise, and evaluate personnel, including administrative, artistic, and educational staff
Develop, implement, and evaluate all artistic and educational programming for the year
Develop annual budget with input and approval of the YPC Board
Work collaboratively with staff and contractors to provide programming of the highest quality of artistic output
Act as a spokesperson for the organization via speaking engagements, public and social appearances and at fundraising events and one on one solicitations
Foster the development of good relations with other cultural organizations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate
Attend monthly Board of Directors meeting to provide updates and answer questions
Direct at least one production per season
Work directly with youth to foster positive and impactful youth development.

Qualifications

Proven record in theatrical direction/production
Proven ability to work with and inspire groups of youth aged 9 – 22
Experience in stewarding and building a comprehensive fundraising strategy to fund multiple YPC programs.
Demonstrated success in management operations, including budget, development, and staff and facilities management
Accomplished negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills
Proven ability to respond creatively during uncertain times in the performing arts
Demonstrated commitment to advocating for and implementing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in all areas of leadership, including program selection and evaluation, performance practices, production, casting, contracting, budgeting and community outreach
Demonstrated commitment to social justice as evidenced not only in casting and hiring, but in selection of programming materials, and fostering of safe space for all
Knowledge of non-profit marketing and communications including the role of social media

To apply please send

Resume
Cover letter
Three references with contact information

Email your application or reach out with questions to: Patrick Kozicky at YPCBoardofDirectors@youthperformanceco.org

Application deadline: January 31, 2026

Employment & Internships

If you ever want to share your theatre passion and skills with young people, you might be a good fit for a position at YPC as an artist educator, designer, technician, builder, musician or interested collaborator. Our current roster includes artists from the stage, on-camera, dance, physical theatre, improv, circus arts, musicians, choreographers, playwrights, music directors, storytellers, creative dramatics educators and more.

Our opportunities include:
• Long-term school partnerships
• Short-term school residencies and workshops
• Community enrichment classes
• Pre and post-show workshops
• Acting Conservatory

Please send resumes and cover letters to info@youthperformanceco.org

Internships:
Anyone interested in an internship should send a resume to info@youthperformanceco.org

Check back for other opportunities which may arise from time to time. Youth Performance Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.