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. 

Alexandra Biggs

Alexandra Biggs is a Zoni nominated choreographer that is thrilled to be working in her 6th year with CYT! She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, and is a state certified teacher currently working in the Peoria Unified School District, and with Special Olympics Arizona. She is thankful for the 5 wonderful seasons spent with CYT as a teacher, as well as serving as the HYPE coordinator for the past 2 years. She has been dancing since the age of three, and throughout her diverse training has enjoyed multiple professional successes and opportunities. She feels fortunate to have spent time with many teachers over the years that have made a lasting impact on her life and looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence in dance education she has received to all of her students in the future.

Bertha Alicia Cortes

Bertha Alicia Cortes received her Bachelor's in Theatre Education from Grand Canyon University in 2015. She is currently teaching theatre at The Academies at South Mountain in Phoenix. Previously she taught grades Pre-K through 6th at Black Mountain Elementary School in Cave Creek. Bertha has been the improv coach for CYT Phoenix for two years.

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!

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.

Elizabeth Cook

Gretchen Carpenter

Gretchen is a CYT Phoenix alumnus, having been involved in 24 Mainstage Productions over her ten years as a student in the program. She is a current sophomore at Grand Canyon University where she is studying Theatre Education. She is grateful for CYT and blessed to be a part of the organization as a teaching artist.

Rebekah Varghese

Rebekah Varghese is a theatrical artist, filmmaker, and teacher who has worked in the valley for 10+ years. She has held a variety of positions including teacher, director, actor, cinematographer, producer, writer, editor, production designer, prop builder, gaffer, practical effects creator, and more. She has produced videos from the US to India and worked with various theaters in the Valley including The Phoenix Theatre, Childsplay, Arizona Broadway Theatre, and Arizona Opera. Rebekah is a Zoni nominated artist and owns and operates her own film production company. Her deepest desire is to create stories that highlight the Good, True and Beautiful.

Sara McDermott

Sara graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a BA in Music with emphasis in Music Education and Vocal Performance. She then went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California. Sara has performed in various operas, musicals, choirs, gospel groups, and as a concert soloist. Sara has been a private voice instructor for over 15 years and has been involved with CYT Phoenix as a voice teacher, music director, and show director for over 12 years.

Stephanie Carpenter

Stephanie has been with CYT Phoenix since 2010 when her children became involved in the program. Over the next seven seasons she worked on almost every facet of the program–from publicity and marketing to backstage and production design before becoming Artistic Director. She has three children with her husband of over 20 years and the whole family is involved in CYT. She has a BFA in graphic design and professional experience in both 2-D and 3-D design. As a CYT Mom, she has a heart for the families that are the center of everything CYT does. As an artist, she has a passion for excellence in all of CYT Phoenix's creative endeavors.

Susan Tuten

Susan Tuten has been directing choirs, ensembles, and teaching piano for over 30 years. She especially loves working with kids and youth and helping them develop their voices correctly to avoid bad habits they could have the rest of their lives. She studied choral conducting at Arizona State and has conducted in many church and school venues in AZ and CA. Susan has been a worship leader in various venues, including kids’ camps, Bible Schools, retreats and women’s studies for 30 years. She and Derrick have home schooled their 5 children, 4 of which have been in CYT. This CYT community has meant so much to their family, their walk with the Lord, and their growth as singers, actors, and dancers.