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'll need the form bellow!
ESA

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:
A Year with Frog and Toad Highlights 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 22 Sep 26
Acting for the Camera 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 22 Sep 26
Acting for the Camera 8-12 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Fri 10:00am - 12:00pm Jul 26 Sep 26
Adult Beginning Tap 18-78 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Wed 4:00pm - 5:00pm Jul 24 Sep 26
Adult Intermediate Tap 18-79 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Wed 5:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 24 Sep 26
Advanced Voice: Into the Woods 14-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Jul 22 Sep 26
Ballet 12-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 26 Sep 26
Finding Neverland Highlights: Intermediate Voice 12-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 26 Sep 26
Intermediate Performative Dance 12-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Jul 22 Sep 26
Jazzy Zazz 8-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 22 Sep 26
Makeup/Hair Design 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 6:00pm Jul 22 Sep 26
Our Gang 5-7 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Sat 11:00am - 12:00pm Aug 03 Sep 26
Readers Theater: Bringing Text to Life 8-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Fri 1:30pm - 3:30pm Jul 26 Sep 26
Roaring Voices: Lion King Medley - East Valley 8-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
Crossroads Nazarene Church Tue 5:00pm - 7:00pm Jul 23 Sep 24
The Room Where it Happens: Hamilton Highlights 13-18 Phoenix
(Fall 2024)
CYT Studio Sat 10:00am - 12:00pm Aug 03 Sep 26

Drop & Refund Policies

Any class dropped after week 2 of classes is not eligible for refunding. If a class is dropped before that deadline, you will be issued a prorated refund or class credit. There are no class refunds for students who audition for MainStage productions, and elect not to participate in the show after casting. Please email our Managing Director, Haley Conte at haley@cytphoenix.org if you have any questions regarding drop and refund policies.

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!

Showcase

Parents, friends, and relatives are invited to attend CYT's Showcase performance on the last day / evening of classes, free of charge! Showcase is the grand finale of each session of classes, at which every class makes a 5-10 minute presentation of something they have learned and rehearsed during the session. Don't miss the action!

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:

Andres Marrufo

Andy is a graduate of Arizona Christian University, receiving a B.A in Music Education and B.A in Modern Worship. Over the last four years, he has been working at Phoenix Christian Preparatory where he serves as the Fine Arts Department Chair, teaches Choir (K-12), Guitar, Worship and Musical Theatre. His other adventures include music directing summer shows, serving as a music teacher for Hawaii Education of the Arts and, of course, enjoying being a performer himself! He has a great passion in sharing in his experiences and love for the Fine Arts, and helping others to discover their love and passion for the arts as well.


Carissa Dalton

Carissa Dalton is a professional actor, writer, director, teacher and mentor. As an actor, she has twenty years of commercial, television, film and stage experience. She has appeared in projects for Volkswagen, Teleflora, Amtrak, Mitsubishi, Sony TV, National Geographic and more. As a writer and director, she co-wrote and directed the feature film All The Dragons, as well as directing thirty short films. As a teacher and mentor, Carissa has worked with dozens and dozens of actors and directors, helping them elevate their acting and directing skills through the CFTN Film Lab—a collaborative class of actors, writers, and directors working to create film organically—of which she is the co-founder and co-director. Carissa is also a well-trained vocalist and dancer, as well as an experienced improv theater performer.


Debra Denise Lanier

Denise Lanier graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in music. She has taught middle school and high school choir. She has performed in over 35 shows and was a member of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in Fayetteville, NC. She has taught and directed for CYT Chicago and is so excited to be teaching for CYT Phoenix.


Dexter Tuten

Dexter Tuten is a theatre director and teacher based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a bachelor’s degree in theatre from GCU. Dexter has over 10 years of experience working on theatrical productions as a stage manager, actor, teaching artist, and director. Previous productions include Matilda the Musical, and The Lightning Thief at CYT Phoenix, The SpongeBob Musical at GCU, and Machinal, a GCU second series.


Diane Haviland

Tap dancing is my passion and I’m excited to join the CYT staff. I have extensive dance training in Tap, Ballet and Jazz and have been teaching and performing for over 25 years. I’m a graduate of Western Michigan University where I majored in Dance Performance and was a soloist in the University’s Ballet Company. A few of my accomplishments include: Dance Professor, Dance team coach and choreographer for the Musical Theatre Department for Southwest State University in MN, NBA Dancer for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the privilege of tap dancing with Gregory Hines for the promotional tour of his move ‘Tap’. Looking forward to tapping with you! P.S. I’m Blair’s Mom :)


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 Gadbery graduated from Grand Canyon University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship and minored in Dance Education. 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 at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts’ Festival of Dance, and Broadway Dance Center in New York City. In addition to multiple performance credits, Haley has been teaching dance for 15 years, and has served as choreographer for over 25 dance and musical theatre productions. 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.


Jenny Lynne

Dance to express not impress. The best thing you can be is kind. Expect nothing, be grateful for everything.


John Terpin

Hi! I got involved in CYT in highschool and really enjoyed the time I got to participate in both mainstage shows and classes. Getting to develop a love of theater in Christian comunity was such a great experience. In addition to CYT I have participated in community theater in the valley and projects of friends and family. I love theater because it is the intersection of so many beautiful disciplines. At its best, it empowers the whole person of each perfomer and brings together communities. I am currently working as a 2nd grade aide at archway north phoenix and would like to a pursue a career teaching highschool drama.


Ryan Ardelt

Ryan Ardelt is thrilled to be teaching at CYT this Fall! Ryan graduated from Grand Canyon University with a BA in Theatre and a minor in dance and has performed all around the valley. Some of his favorite credits include: Rolf in The Sound of Music (The Phoenix Theatre Company), Older Patrick and Ensemble in Mame (Arizona Broadway Theatre), Sammy Splitsole in Tappy the Elf (Tap 24.7), Albert/ Bill in Newsies (Hale Centre Theatre), and Mrs. Bumbrake in Peter and the Starcatcher (GCU). When he is not performing, Ryan also has a passion for teaching, choreographing, and composing. He has taught and choreographed at Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, Actor's Youth Theatre in Gilbert, Arizona Broadway Theatre in Peoria, and several other studios and theaters. He can't wait to teach your kids and is looking forward to what the season has to bring!