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
A dedicated and accomplished professional with a proven track record of leadership in nonprofit theatre operations, Sherilyn has been keeping Youth Performance Company on track since 1992. Her multifaceted skill set encompasses strategy development, program management, and community engagement, while also taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of Youth Performance Company. Sherilyn wears another hat with equal gusto – that of a mom to a vibrant and busy 9-year-old. Balancing the intricacies of nonprofit theatre operations and the boundless energy of her son, she embodies the spirit of an “all hands on deck” approach in both her professional and personal life.
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
Milo Larsen, Co-President
Harriet Spencer, Co-President
Spike McIlrath, Secretary
Solvei Hallstrom, Treasurer
Madelyn Davis
Lewis Garvin
Nikolas Gruss
Sam Hierlinger
Aasia Lang
Mars Niemi
Clara Nerbonne
Ruby Paulson
Jacie Knight
Founder
Jacie Knight, the Founding Artistic Director has been known for her commitment to developing extraordinary artists and exceptional leaders from the young people of the Twin Cities community while providing the highest-quality theatre experiences for families for YPC’s first 33 years. She directed and produced more than 50 main stage productions and wrote 13 plays for YPC.
Other theatre organizations Jacie has worked with as a freelance director and arts educator include History Theatre, Steppingstone Theatre for Youth Development, Child’s Play Theatre (now Stages), Children’s Theatre Company, Climb Theatre, and Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Jacie has been a fellow with the James P. Shannon Leadership Institute and received her BA in Theatre from Augsburg College. Jacie is enjoying her retirement.
