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!
Apply for a Scholarship

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. 
Forms/Submission here

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Dancing through the Summer 8-18 Phoenix
(Summer 2026)		 CYT Studio Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Jun 02 Jul 07
Family Improv 8-79 Phoenix
(Summer 2026)		 CYT Studio Tue 4:30pm - 5:30pm Jun 02 Jul 07

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.
Curriculum

Curriculum

Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions offer ten-week classes for students ages 4-18.

Learn More
Showcase

Showcase

At the end of the ten-week session, each class performs for family and friends.

Learn More
Teachers

Teachers

Instructors are qualified in teaching and/or performing, and strive to be excellent role models.

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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.
Want to Teach for CYT Phoenix?

Current Teachers:

Joanie Colson

Joanie Colson is a highly respected director, educator, and professor whose dedication to excellence and creativity has left a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the broader Theater community. Using her 35 plus years of experience, Joanie combines her deep-rooted values with innovative teaching methods, visionary leadership in every role she undertakes. A native of Phoenix and committed Christian, she is married to Rick, and has one son, Caleb.

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!