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:
5, 6, 7, 8, DANCE! 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Fri 1:30pm - 3:30pm Oct 25 Jan 09
Acting in Faith Advanced Acting 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 25 Jan 09
ADULT Beginner Tap 18-79 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Wed 4:00pm - 5:00pm Oct 23 Jan 09
ADULT Intermediate Tap 18-79 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Wed 5:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 23 Jan 09
Broadway Rhythm 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Sat 10:00am - 12:00pm Nov 02 Jan 09
Contemporary/Lyrical Dance 10-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 22 Jan 09
Intermediate Partner Dance 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Oct 22 Jan 09
Landing the Role 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 21 Jan 09
Let's BUILD a set! 14-79 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 22 Jan 09
Musical Theater - High School Musical 2 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Mon 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 21 Jan 09
Our Gang 4-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Sat 10:00am - 11:00am Nov 02 Jan 09
Our Gang - East Valley 4-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
Crossroads Nazarene Church Tue 4:30pm - 5:30pm Oct 22 Jan 07
Stage Combat 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 22 Jan 09
Stage Combat - East Valley 10-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
Crossroads Nazarene Church Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Oct 22 Jan 07
Storytelling with Ballet 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 6:00pm Oct 25 Jan 09
To Act or Not to Act: Unleashing Shakespearean Drama 10-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Fri 1:30pm - 3:30pm Oct 25 Jan 09
Vocal Mic Drop 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 8:00pm Oct 22 Jan 09
Wicked Wonderful Voices - East Valley 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2025)
Crossroads Nazarene Church Tue 4:30pm - 6:30pm Oct 22 Jan 07

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.


Blair Semon

Blair began dancing at age three and has studied many styles over the years, with the most extensive training in tap, jazz, and ballet. She received her minor in Dance Education from Grand Canyon University in addition to a Business Management degree in 2016. Currently, Blair enjoys teaching and choreographing alongside her corporate day job and is delighted to be part of the CYT family for another season!


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 :)


Elena Conti


Jacob Currie

Jacob is a CYT Phoenix alum, who has stuck around to teach the next generation for the last 5 years. He briefly studied theater and dance at Grand Canyon University, and continues to perform and choreograph at a professional level. He is grateful to remain a part of the CYT community, where he can encourage young performers to grow in their craft and their confidence.


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 with CYT in highschool and really enjoyed the time I got to participate in both classes and mainstage shows. Getting to develop a love of theater in Christian community 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 sits in 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 in elementary/theater ed.


Lizzie Baggleman


Macy Spangler

Hello! My name is Macy Spangler and I am currently a senior at Arizona Christian University studying Music and Psychology. I believe that singing with others is one of the best things that you can do in your life. I love drinking coffee, having meaningful conversations and helping others to be successful at what they are passionate about!


Matthew Church

Matt Church has been building sets here at CYT Phoenix since 2019. He is looking forward to sharing the knowledge he has learned about theater set building with you! Matt is a Christian, Husband and father of 2. He enjoys playing the guitar, recording music, cycling, playing golf, and woodworking.


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!


Shawn Breeden

Shawn has been involved with theater both on stage and behind the scenes for over 30 years. Shawn is married to Autumn since 1999 and they have 4 children. Shawn is a therapeutic coach and owns his own business, Forward Walking.


Thiago Palma

Thiago Palma (CHEE-Ah-goo Paul-mah), commonly called Chee, is a Brazilian-American actor. He was born and raised in Brazil but at the age of 17 he moved to the USA to be an exchange student and learn the English language. Thanks to acting scholarships, Thiago graduated from American universities with a B.A. and M.F.A. degree in theatre and acting. Thiago is known for his work in film and live theatre.