History

Young People’s Performing Company was founded in the spring of 1982 by Jeffryn and Ty Stephens as a non-profit corporation to provide teaching and performance opportunities in the dramatic arts for young people from kindergarten age through high school.

Over 27 years and more than 700 productions later, YPPC continues to create a community in which young actors and directors learn and explore the theatrical world. In a typical year, we bring more than 25 productions to the stage, including at least two musicals.

Each year since 1985 YPPC has been granted class, rehearsal and performance space in the WTVD theatre in the Durham Arts Council building for our programs. This generous annual grant from the Arts Council contributes substantially our annual program costs.

Many of our students go on to audition for and participate in college and university theatre programs and conservatories. Some have become professional writers, directors, actors and technicians.