Staff & Leadership
Lauren Diesch
Artistic Director
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.
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.
BOARD of DIRECTORS
2025-2026 Young Artist’s Council
Huxley Rapheal