Staff & Leadership
Doug Neithercott
Acting Artistic Director
Doug is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA in Theater Arts and has been performing locally, nationally, and internationally for the past 30+ years. He has performed with Theater in the Round, The Children’s Theater Company, Mystery Cafe, Brave New Workshop, and CSz Twin Cities home of ComedySportz where he also acted as Artistic Director from 2001 – 2021. Doug came to Youth Performance Company as a college student in 1995, making his YPC acting debut as Pecos Bill in Pecos Bill and Other Tall Tales. Since then, has added teacher, choreographer, director, and now Interim Artistic Director to his YPC resume. Doug is married, has two cats, and is a loud proud Disney Adult.
Sherilyn Howes
Managing Director
Sherilyn has been the steady hand and driving force behind Youth Performance Company (YPC) since 1992. A dedicated and accomplished nonprofit leader, she brings decades of experience in strategy development, program management, and community engagement—while also overseeing the day-to-day operations that keep the organization thriving. Sherilyn’s leadership is defined by her deep commitment to YPC’s mission and her ability to balance big-picture vision with on-the-ground action. Outside of the theatre, Sherilyn embraces another vital role: BoyMom. Whether managing a rehearsal schedule or a soccer calendar, she approaches it all with energy, humor, and an “all hands on deck” spirit. Her blend of professional expertise and personal passion continues to help YPC flourish as a creative home for young people.
May Anderson
Education & Outreach Coordinator
May is a graduate of the University of Evansville with a BS in Theatre Management and Business Administration. Having been deeply involved with Youth Performance Company in various roles—including student, intern, assistant stage manager, performer, and YAC board member—it only felt right to return to the organization that transformed her educational journey. At YPC, May oversees the educational staff, plans and facilitates programming for both the summer and school year, manages social media and marketing efforts, and supervises the Young Artist’s Council. With her expertise in the business side of theatre, she is passionate about creating meaningful impacts through it. YPC was the place that ignited this passion, and she is grateful to now contribute to its mission as a staff member.
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Young Artist's Council
The Young Artists Council (YAC) is a leadership board of teens who are dedicated to the advancement of young artists in our community.
As creative leaders under the age of 21, they are an advisory force for YPC. The council meets monthly and works on a variety of projects in support of Youth Performance Company. They also organize their own shows, which are directed, created, and produced by artists 21 or younger.
Throughout the year YAC also hosts a variety of social activities. From hayrides to holiday parties.
The council members serve a one year term. Each young artist that serves on the leadership council makes a huge commitment of time and service. Each member will dedicate between 10-20 hours a month attending meetings, facilitating projects and doing community service.
2024-2025 Young Artist’s Council Members
Cora Freeman
Solvei Hallstrom
Sam Hierlinger
Aasia Lang
Josie Pearson
James Purcell
Huette Rapheal
Huxley Rapheal
Harriet Spencer
Jacie Knight
Founder
Jacie Knight was a radiant force of creativity, courage, and compassion. In 1989, she founded Youth Performance Company (YPC) with the belief that young people’s voices deserved to be heard, celebrated, and uplifted. For more than three decades as Artistic Director, Jacie led YPC with fearless vision—championing bold new works, socially conscious storytelling, and meaningful opportunities for youth to grow as artists, leaders, and changemakers. Under her guidance, YPC became a vibrant, welcoming space that nurtured thousands of young performers, writers, technicians, and dreamers—many of whom discovered their confidence, their calling, and their community within its walls.
Over the course of her remarkable career, Jacie directed and produced more than 150 productions and wrote 13 original plays for YPC. She was deeply respected for her unwavering commitment to developing extraordinary artists and exceptional leaders from the Twin Cities community while creating powerful, high-quality theatre experiences for families.
Above all, Jacie’s greatest joy was being a mother. Tobias was the center of her universe and her most cherished source of pride. She leaves behind a vibrant community of family, friends, artists, and audiences forever touched by her brilliance, her laughter, her fierce spirit, and her boundless heart. Jacie’s legacy of artistry, justice, and love will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
