Young Professionals Company

Advanced training & mentorship program for teens

The award-winning Young Professionals Company is made up of dedicated theater students–ages 14 and up–who seek advanced training through exposure to a wide range of college-level workshops, professional development, resources, and information.

Productions

Each season the YPs perform three professional shows, selected by teens and produced through support from OCT. Teens receive advanced training and mentorship from local theatre professionals, including directors and designers, while creating thought-provoking and inspiring theatre for teens and adults.

2024–2025 YP Season

Become a YP

Want to be a YP?

The YP Company at OCT is a teen-driven ensemble combining exceptional artistic training and career preparedness with performances designed to inspire and engage an expansive teen community.

  • Young Professionals select, produce, and perform three shows each season. In addition to performance opportunities, YPs can also apprentice as designers, stage managers, or other backstage positions.

  • YPs receive mentorship from OCT's artistic leaders, education team, instructors, and YP Reps. YPs are also invited to attend college-level workshops, master classes, and special events, including local, professional theatrical productions.

  • Teens must apply and audition for the Young Professionals Company every year. In order to audition for the Young Professionals Company, teens must:

    • be 14–18 years old (freshman through senior high school students).

    • have worked on at least 2 productions (professional or non-professional)

    • have at least 2 years of theater training (OCT classes/training preferred)

    If you don't meet requirements but would like more information, feel free to contact Artistic Director Dani Baldwin.

  • Prospective Young Professionals must interview and audition for the company. The sign-up process typically opens in May each year, with informational meetings and auditions occurring over the summer. Offers for accepted YPs are sent each summer in early August.

    Costs
    The cost to participate in the YP Company is $1200 annually. This fee covers all events, workshops, and one training intensive.  Young Professional actors, production team, and apprentices, are paid for their work on YP Productions.

    Financial support is available.

  • I am beyond grateful for the incredible training, social opportunities and genuine care that not only OCT gave to me, but what you yourself gave me. Thank you for constantly encouraging me to be my most authentic self, and for helping me let go of the fear of failure. I wouldn’t be the performer I am today without you and the YP Company.

    —YP Alumni

  • The Young Professionals Company continues to blow me away; the value of the program is priceless.

    —YP Parent

  • The Young Professionals Company not only improved my artistry but more importantly really helped me grow as a person.

    —YP Alumni

  • I can't imagine our lives without the YP Company. There are so many organizations that provide quality services, but when you interact with them, you still feel like a customer. With OCT, I've always felt like I was a part of something.

    —YP Parent

  • I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the YP Company and everything you've taught me regarding professionalism and representation. I was very honored and grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and become a professional in the industry I love most.

    —YP Alumni

  • I am so honored to have been a part of this incredible program. The YP company has been the best part of my high school experience hands-down.

    —YP Alumni

Meet Dani

Dani Baldwin is the Artistic Director of the Young Professionals Company. She built the company after noticing that so many talented, motivated teens had a desire for advanced training and mentorship beyond what is typically offered to them. Since its creation the Young Professionals Company has worked with over a thousand teens, many of whom have gone on to attend their dream colleges, and pursue theatrical passions and careers into their adulthood.

Dani’s passion is to uplift the teen voice, with their needs and feedback being incorporated into all company offerings. She honors their unique gifts and believes in growing a community of supportive artists as they are introduced to the many possibilities theater provides.

In addition to being the Artistic Director of the YP Company, Dani is also an award-winning director, performer, and designer, working both with OCT and other theatre companies around the Portland area.

Ready to apply?

We are now accepting applications for our 2024–2025 Season!