About CYT Classes

CYT offers classes for students ages 4-18 throughout the school year. Classes include drama, voice, dance, and behind-the-scenes training in makeup, costumes, tech, and more. Classes are held for two hours once a week and run for ten consecutive weeks in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Class sizes are small and offer supervision both inside and outside the classroom. Each session culminates in a high-energy showcase to demonstrate to family, friends, and fellow students the skills acquired. 

Parents send their children to CYT classes to learn, and that’s exactly what they will do! At the end of a CYT session, your student will come away with a new or improved skill in the area of emphasis. During the last week of class, a high-energy showcase is presented by each class to show other students, family, and friends all they’ve learned.
 

A Look into our Specialty Classes: Foley/Voice Over

Scholarship Application

The purpose of CYT Phoenix's scholarship fund is to provide full or partial scholarships for one class to qualified applicants during one session at CYT Phoenix. Please note, scholarships are for class tuition only. We are happy to be able to provide scholarship opportunities for families in need through our scholarship fund!

Need ESA Attestation Form?

Did you know you can use ESA funds for CYT classes if you are homeschooled or in a private school? You can find the forms for this years sessions at the top of this page under PDF's.

Forms? What Forms?

Every season, students and volunteers need to fill out a new set of forms. These forms work for the whole season, so once you've filled them out you are good till next summer. Please have each individual involved fill out a Media/Liability Form, sign a commitment to character, and a transportation form. Volunteers background checks and training lasts for 3 years. 

Once filled out, please upload online before class begins. 

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
10-Minute Plays 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 21 Sep 22
Audition Prep 8-18 Phoenix
(Summer 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 5:30pm - 6:30pm Jun 02 Jul 07
Classical Vocal Performance: Phantom of the Opera 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 20 Sep 21
Dance Technique 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 6:05pm - 8:00pm Jul 21 Sep 22
Dancing through the Summer 8-18 Phoenix
(Summer 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Jun 02 Jul 07
Dramaturgy: The World of Annie 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 20 Sep 21
Intro to Flamenco & Improvised Dance 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 21 Sep 22
Leading Worship 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 24 Sep 25
Making Music Dance 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 21 Sep 22
Musical Theater: Beauty and the Beast 8-14 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 24 Sep 25
Musical Theater: Mary Poppins 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 20 Sep 21
Our Gang 5-7 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 10:30am Aug 01 Sep 26
Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 12-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 11:30pm Aug 01 Sep 26
Sketch Comedy 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 6:05pm - 8:00pm Jul 21 Sep 22
Stitching Stories: Costume Sewing Basics 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 11:30pm Aug 01 Sep 26
Teen Ballet Technique 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Fri 5:00pm - 5:55pm Jul 31 Sep 25
Visualizing Music: Tap 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Tue 6:05pm - 8:00pm Jul 21 Sep 22
Youth Ballet Technique 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2026)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 4:55pm Jul 31 Sep 25

Drop & Refund Policies

No class changes or drops will be processed after the second class week. Any class dropped after week 2 of the class has passed is not eligible for refunding. If a class is dropped before the 2nd class has passed, the class will be eligible for either a prorated refund or class credit. There are no class refunds for students who audition for MainStage productions, and either elect not to participate in the show after casting, or are not cast in the show. If a class is dropped prior to week 1, a tuition refund will be issued minus a $20 processing fee for the drop. Please email our Managing Director, Haley Conte at haley@cytphoenix.org if you have any questions regarding drop and refund policies, or to request a class drop.

CYT is a one of a kind organization in that it accepts kids just as they are, and not only includes them but builds them up through encouraging them to do things that they never thought they could do – the confidence and self-esteem that this instills in them is priceless.  The topping on the cake to all of this, is it is done through a Christ centered atmosphere.  This is what I really love about CYT – is that it gives all the credit to Christ and makes Jesus and His efforts the central focus.  I don’t think there is another organization in the valley that offers this.  God is blessing CYT and it is an honor to be a part of it. 


Emy, parent

Curriculum

CYT offers a wide variety of classes, and they all enable students to gain valuable theater arts training, develop confidence, and make friends! There are currently over 50 different curriculum materials available in a variety of musical theater areas. Please note these classes vary per session. Check the Classes page to see what’s available now!

Teachers

A CYT teacher’s mission is to train and instruct students in such a way as to promote the development of character, self-esteem, and confidence. CYT teachers are qualified and experienced in the area in which they teach. They have been trained in the CYT methods of instruction and agree with the CYT values and outcome goals.  All CYT teachers have been background checked and adhere to our CYT Mission and Values. Our teachers truly care about their students and provide a constructive and fun environment for them to learn.

Current Teachers:

Allison Hatch

Allison Hatch is thrilled to be directing Shrek the Musical with CYT Phoenix! A lifelong theatre lover, Allison holds a Bachelor's Degree in Acting and has worked across the country in roles ranging from performer to educator to arts manager. Allison has directed several youth shows and taught acting and audition intensives for students of all ages. She previously toured Colorado schools as part of Kaiser Permanente’s educational theatre program. Most recently, Allison worked at Radio City Music Hall in NYC before moving to Phoenix, where she serves as the Director of Patron Experience at The Phoenix Theatre Company. She’s a huge animal lover, a proud dog mom, and can’t wait to bring a swamp-load of heart and hilarity to the CYT stage!


Derek Brandt

Derek Brandt is a follower of Jesus, a devoted husband to Sarah, and a proud father of four. He serves as the Pastor of Sunday Experience at Scottsdale Bible Church. Derek is passionate about raising up the next generation of artist leaders in the church, helping them discover how their creativity can serve both the beauty of the Church and the mission of God.


Elise Palma

Hello! I'm Elise Palma, the new Artistic Director at CYT. As a director and teaching artist, I have the utmost love and dedication for the talented kids at CYT. It brings me immense joy to pour my heart into nurturing their growth, both on and off the stage. I believe in the transformative power of theater and its ability to provide a safe space for self-expression and personal development. Together with our team, I am committed to creating captivating productions while infusing character development into every aspect of CYT. I am grateful for this opportunity to lead and inspire these remarkable young performers. Let's embark on this artistic journey together!


Haley Conte

Haley Conte holds a BS in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Dance Education, and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from Grand Canyon University. In addition to studying dance techniques and teaching principles, she had the opportunity to perform in GCU’s Ethington Dance Ensemble in works by both faculty and guest artists. Before attending GCU, Haley enjoyed dancing competitively and then furthering her training at Walkerdance Ballet Theater’s conservatory style program in North Carolina. She is trained in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, and tap and has had the privilege of studying under master teachers in festivals and master classes at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. In addition to multiple performance credits, Haley has been teaching dance and choreographing for 16 years. Haley is excited about teaching the next generation of artists and strives to provide an atmosphere in which her students are challenged to grow in their art form, as well as individuals.


Jami Kratz

Jami Kratz is so excited to be teaching at CYT, although her picture might not show it :) She is an energetic, ambitious, bubbly senior at GCU who will graduate with a BA in Theatre Education. She grew up doing theatre within the valley and enjoys all aspects in theatre including being an actor, improviser, scenic designer, electrician, carpenter, and director. She loves teaching her passion to students and getting to bring up the next generation of theatrical artists! As an actor, some of her favorite credits include: Harriet in Emma (Arizona Christian Theatre), Snoopy in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (MoezArt Productions), and Miss Lark/Chimney Sweep in Marry Poppins (Ethington Theatre). As a scenic designer, she most recently designed for CYT’s production of Shrek the Musical, and last spring her design of Ethington Theatre’s Ada and the Engine took her to nationals for the KCACTF. She can’t wait to see what God has in store for this season!


Julie Church

Julie Church is one of the most amazing humans on the planet. She is so kind hearted and encouraging, but also has 17 shows of experience and knowledge on what it takes to be able to do quick fixes in the moment.


Lyndsey Huff

Lyndsey is a Creative Writing teacher with a B.A. in English Literature from Arizona State University. Her students have won awards in multiple categories for both their creativity and skill. She enjoys teaching all genres of writing, and is especially excited to equip students to become confident in their technical abilities and originality within playwriting.


Megan Messmer

Almost nine years ago, I auditioned for my first show ever at CYT, and I discovered my love and passion for theater and specifically dance. Now, I am currently working towards an AFA in dance and, after that, a BFA in dance. I believe dance is such an incredible gift from God. It deserves to be studied, practiced, performed, and used for God's glory, and I plan to do just that and help others to do so as well. I have trained and am currently still training in modern, ballet, hip hop, jazz/musical theater jazz, contemporary, and tap. I am super excited and thankful to be back at CYT to teach the wonderful art that is dance!


Michelle Fortin

Michelle Fortin firmly believes that laughter is one of life's greatest gifts. Her comedy content has earned more than 40 million views online, and she has performed for live audiences across the country. With a background in television news, media production, and performance, Michelle loves helping students build confidence, think creatively, and embrace the joy of being completely ridiculous on stage. When she's not teaching at Grand Canyon University or volunteering with CYT, she can usually be found cheering on her kids, creating content, or finding ways to turn everyday moments into comedy. Michelle is excited to help students discover their unique comedic voice and learn that sometimes the biggest risk is not committing fully to the bit.


Sydney Laffitte

Sydney Meyers is a recent graduate in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University who grew up doing CYT. She has been teaching private voice lessons for five years as well as performing around the valley. She is so looking forward to teaching the students and glorifying God through theater! Crowns for Jesus! Sing for the King!