About Us

Youth Inspirations Theatre: Where Creativity Builds Confidence and Community

At Youth Inspirations Theatre (YIT), we enrich lives through the performing arts—one student at a time. Rooted in strong family values, YIT brings students and their families together, fostering a sense of community, connection, and shared purpose.

We value every person who walks through our doors and are dedicated to nurturing both confidence and skill in the performing arts. Our mission is to build meaningful relationships with each student, allowing us to support their artistic growth and help them thrive as confident, compassionate members of their community.

We believe in the lasting impact of music and arts education—not only for developing stage presence, but also for enhancing learning abilities and social skills. Whether through productions, classes, workshops, summer camps, or private lessons, we offer a team-oriented atmosphere combined with individualized instruction to meet each student’s unique needs.

YIT proudly produces six performances each year, giving students the opportunity to participate in high-quality, professional-level productions that offer real-world insight into the theatre industry. Whether you’re looking to boost your child’s self-confidence, help them find a creative outlet, or share a meaningful family experience, Youth Inspirations Theatre has something for everyone.

Our Story

Youth Inspirations Theater was founded with one simple belief: every child deserves a place to be seen, supported, and inspired through the performing arts. What began as a vision to offer high-quality arts education with a more personal touch has grown into a comprehensive, one-stop destination for creative expression. At YIT, students explore theatre, dance, music across all instruments, ensemble work, and performance—all within a nurturing, family-focused environment.

We are passionate about enriching lives through the arts by honoring each student’s unique talents, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love for creativity—one student at a time. Our programs are designed to be accessible and convenient for families, without ever compromising the excellence of our instruction or the individualized attention every child deserves.

At the heart of YIT are strong values rooted in inclusion, respect, and community. We proudly welcome students from all walks of life, creating a space where everyone belongs. Here, every child is celebrated for who they are and encouraged to grow into who they are meant to be—on stage and beyond.

Meet the Team

Julie Nottingham

Executive Director / Voice Instructor

Julie Nottingham is the Executive Director of Youth Inspirations Theatre (YIT), where she leads the mission to enrich, empower, and engage young artists through the performing arts. She holds a Bachelor of Music in K–12 Vocal/General Music Education from Butler University and brings extensive experience as a performer, educator, and arts advocate.

Julie has performed in professional theatre, cabaret, and community productions at venues including the Paramount Theater, Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, and American Cabaret Theatre. As a dedicated music educator, she has directed numerous productions and workshops, inspiring students to find their voice and grow creatively.

Under her leadership, YIT has expanded its programs to include musical theatre, vocal and instrumental instruction, and inclusive, community-focused experiences that help students build confidence, collaboration, and creativity.

Luke Lecher

Managing Director

Luke Lecher holds an M.F.A. in Theatre Management from Wayne State University and a B.S. in Business Management from Marian University, where he also minored in Theatre. He is a passionate advocate for the performing arts and previously founded and operated his own production company in southeast Indiana.

Luke brings extensive experience in nonprofit arts management, specializing in strategic planning, program development, and community partnerships. His background in arts marketing and audience engagement has helped performing arts organizations grow and diversify their audiences through a balance of creative storytelling and data-driven strategy.

In addition to his administrative work, Luke has directed more than ten youth theatre productions at schools across Indiana. He currently lives in Indianapolis with his wife and children.

Jeanne Bowling

Voice Instructor / Director / Music Director

Jeanne Bowling is a voice teacher, musical director, performer, and designer who teaches musical theatre at Butler University and directs youth musical theatre. She holds a Master of Vocal Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College and previously taught voice and directed choral ensembles at Marian University and Park Tudor School.

Jeanne is a founding member of Summer Stock Stage, serving as musical director for over 30 productions, and has worked as a music director for professional and educational theatre across Indiana. As a performer, she has appeared with Beef & Boards, Civic Theatre, Indianapolis Opera, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Karlee Ferreira

Head of Dance/Choreography

Karlee Ferreira has been immersed in the world of theatre and dance from a young age, growing up as a competitive dancer and participating in community theatre. Her passion for theatre has been a driving force in her life since she was little, leading her to an illustrious career in the performing arts.

Karlee’s professional experience includes notable roles and performances on Broadway and National Tours. She has served as Dance Captain, Swing, and Understudy for Peggy/Maria for various productions of Hamilton, including the Chicago, Los Angeles (Eliza Tour), and Angelica Tour.

Additionally, she was cast in the Broadway production of In the Heights as a Vacation Swing and performed across the country as a Swing in the First National Tour of Aladdin.

Hannah Bergman

Voice Instructor / Musical Theatre Instructor

Hannah Bergman is a performer, director, and choreographer originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. She has spent the last 6 years working professionally across the country .Hannah has a BFA in Musical Theatre and an Education minor from The University of Tampa.

Some of Hannah’s favorite credits include the National Tour of Robin Hood with Missoula Children’s Theatre and Grease the musical at Myers Dinner Theatre!

She is thrilled to be working as a director, choreographer , and educator with YIT this season! Hannah would like to thank her family and current partner for their love and constant support.

Job Opportunities at Youth Inspirations Theatre

Join our team of passionate, certified, and highly qualified instructors at Youth Inspirations Theatre (YIT). We are proud to uphold a standard of excellence in performing arts education through our classes, productions, and private lessons.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic and dedicated professionals for the following roles:

Summer Camp Instructors
Class Instructors
Private Lesson Instructors (all instruments and voice)
Production Staff (technical and creative)

At YIT, every role plays a vital part in shaping a nurturing, family-centered environment where students of all backgrounds can grow in confidence, creativity, and skill. Ideal candidates will:

Work well with children and families
Be collaborative and student-focused
Embrace inclusive practices
Demonstrate strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
Be passionate about fostering community through the performing arts

If you’re excited to inspire the next generation of performers while being part of a supportive and values-driven team, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us bring the magic of theatre to life—one student at a time.

Internship Opportunities at Youth Inspirations Theatre

Youth Inspirations Theatre (YIT) is proud to support the next generation of educators, directors, artists, and arts administrators through our dynamic internship program.

If you’re pursuing a career in the performing arts, this is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience alongside our experienced educational staff and industry professionals. As a YIT intern, you’ll build essential skills through training, collaboration, observation, and direct involvement with students in classes or productions.

Our internship program offers:

Practical experience in teaching, directing, and production
Mentorship from seasoned professionals
Resume-building opportunities
Real-world experience in a collaborative, family-oriented environment
Networking connections within the arts and education communities

Interns work during weekday evenings, supporting classes and rehearsals in theatre, music, and dance. This program is ideal for high school seniors, college students, or recent graduates looking to expand their experience in the arts.

Ready to make an impact and grow your future in the performing arts?

Apply today and take the next step in your creative journey with YIT!

Inquire Now