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. 

Allison Hatch

Allison Hatch is excited to share her love of theatre with CYT Phoenix students! She 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 productions 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 before working at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Today, she serves as the Director of Patron Experience at The Phoenix Theatre Company. Allison's love of Shakespeare began in high school when she played Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and she is thrilled to introduce a new generation of students to the humor, magic, and timeless storytelling of one of her favorite plays. When she's not at the theatre, she's a devoted animal lover and proud dog and bunny mom.

Derek Brandt

Elise Carpenter

Elise is a CYT alumni currently attending Grand Canyon University. She is thrilled to be teaching Our Gang this session!

Elise Palma

Hello! I'm Elise Palma, the 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.

Martin Gaxiola

Martin Gaxiola’s artistic career spans time spent with the Phoenix Boys Choir; as a percussionist; performing in musical theater during his academic years; and ultimately starting flamenco at age 21. He has studied with numerous artists locally and in Spain and was the founder/director of CALO FLAMENCO, one of the largest flamenco dance companies in the USA. He has showcased his flamenco talents at the Joyce Theater in NYC and in every state in the U.S. (except Hawaii....but there is still hope!). Recently, Martin performed with recording artists Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes at both Carnegie Hall in NYC and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Outside of flamenco, Gaxiola is a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner. Most importantly, he is grateful to God for the gifts of his wife Emily and five children Rafael, Olivia, Luka and twins Enzo and Mateo.

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.

Precious West

Precious West (she/her) is a professional choreographer, actress and teaching artist. REGIONAL CHOREOGRAPHY: Mesa Encore Theatre, 2024 Shuler Hensley Awards, Actor's Express Theatre, Out Front Theatre. PERFORMANCE: Actor's Express Theatre, Out Front Theatre, Synchronicity Theatre, Warner Bros./Rail Events. EDUCATION: BFA Musical Theatre, Brenau University (Gainesville Theatre Alliance); MBA Marketing, Brenau University.

Rebecca Hendricks

Rebecca’s goal as an educator and flutist in Phoenix, Arizona is to share the love of music and dance through equipping her students to become independent, passionate artists. She holds the woodwinds professor position at Arizona Christian University and teaches at Purely Dance. She also teaches private lessons and performs with Scottsdale Philharmonic. Her extensive background in dance and music performance as well as her faith in Jesus is what fuels her creative teaching. She is so excited to be merging both dance and music into one class at CYT! She believes as Christians, we have the biggest reason to be excellent in the arts. We are creating, not to make our name great, but Jesus’ name great!

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!