The most advanced program Piven offers to our youth performers in 9th–12th grades, Young People’s Company has a long history of seeing outstanding performers and artists emerge from its folds. After an intensive training and rehearsal process, YPC’s annual week-long festival of world premiere story theatre adaptations explores myths, folk tales, fairytales, and modern short stories and is consistently among the highlights of our theatrical season.

Young People’s Company members typically study with Piven for several years before being invited to join this elite ensemble. Company members are adept in all of the skills that Piven trains actors to value: they are dynamic, surprising performers who are sensitive to the emotional needs of the stories they share with our audiences. Company members are sophisticated communicators who confidently share their voices and take bold risks while simultaneously honoring the voices of their fellow ensemble members.

Many Young People’s Company members go on to pursue studies and careers in the arts, often coming back to the Workshop as teachers to share their passion with the next generation of theatre makers. All YPC alumni are valued members of the Piven family, who take into the community lives enriched by the Workshop’s emphasis on the deepest personal expression through focus on the communal experience that is theatre.

YPC THROUGH THE YEARS: a history of our stories

We are staging some of our favorite stories from our history. 

The Trick

Directed by: Jennifer Green

Mainstage 2012:  Directed by Joyce Piven

Adapted by Joyce Piven; Revised by Stephen Fedo

Mainstage 2006: Adapted and Directed by Joyce Piven

YPC 1999: Directed by Joyce Piven

YPC 1991:  Directed by Joyce Piven

YPC 1983: Directed by Joyce Piven

Tatterhood

Directed by: Mikalina Rabinsky 

The Tell-Tale Heart

Directed by: Morven Higgins

The Mixed Up Feet

Directed by: Olivia Avrick

YPC 1980-81: Directed by Joyce Piven

YPC 1975-76: Directed by Joyce Piven 

The First Young People's Company