YPC
The mission of YPC is to offer a theatre program where every child has a chance to feel great about themselves! We offer fun programs appropriate for all different levels of experience. We stress that when everyone works hard and works together, a great performance is sure to follow! YPC is a collaboration of family, friends, alumni, and a group of amazing kids who make the company such a unique and special place.
Meet The Team
Michele Dowling
Owner & Director
Michele Dowling has been organizing kids into large musical numbers for as long as she can remember! As a dancer from a young age, she did choreography for school productions starting in elementary school and continuing through college. Her summers while in college were spent directing musicals for a large community theater in Avalon, NJ. With a BA in English and Marketing from King’s College, Michele participated in theatrical productions throughout college and into adulthood. Becoming a mom of two kids with a passion for theatre is what brought Michele back to directing children’s theatre as a career, and led to eventually creating what is now Young Performers Collaborative. She stands behind every child and believes that all children should have the chance to shine. Owning a family run theatre company is a dream come true for Michele.
Kristen Dowling
Instructor
Kristen is currently a senior at The Hartt School studying for her BFA in Musical Theatre. In addition to rigorous training in voice, acting and dance, Kristen works in stage management, and has an extensive understanding of the technical side of theatre. Kristen loves teaching and directing for YPC, and especially loves teaching the kids music. She aspires to follow in her sister’s footsteps making a living doing what she loves!
Jessica Dowling
Instructor
Jessica Dowling is a New York based singer and actor who grew up in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Jess graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a BA in Theatre Performance and a minor in Musical Theatre. After many years working by her mom’s side at camps, Jessica has been a great addition to YPC, running a variety of workshops, teaching virtual private coachings, and directing summer camps. When not performing, Jessica loves spending her time working with and teaching the YPC kids. She hopes to pass on her love of theatre to them, along with the skill set they need to be successful performers or whatever else they may aspire to be!
Tim Dowling
Sound Engineer
Tim Dowling is Michele's husband and Jessica and Kristen's Dad. These are his proudest credits. Tim is an Electrical Engineer, a pianist, and he runs the sound at YPC! He loves seeing the kids get better and better each year, and always looks forward to seeing them perform!