Classes

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.
 

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

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Acting for Littles - Imaginary Creatures 4-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Tue 5:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 08 Feb 02
Ballet Technique - Intermediate / Advanced 13-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 08 Feb 02
Bring ON the Monsters - Building 3-D Puppets and Costumes 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Tue 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 08 Feb 02
Dance for Littles 4-7 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 4:50pm Nov 08 Feb 02
Disney Dance Combos 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Thu 6:00pm - 7:50pm Nov 10 Feb 02
How to Be a TRIPLE Threat! - Musical Theater Basics 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Tue 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 08 Feb 02
Improv 10-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Sat 10:00am - 11:50am Nov 12 Feb 02
Intro to Acting 8-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 11 Feb 02
Sing ANNIE! 8-12 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 11 Feb 02
Sing HAIRSPRAY! 12-18 Phoenix
(Winter 2023)		 CYT Studio Thu 4:00pm - 5:50pm Nov 10 Feb 02

Drop & Refund Policies

Any class dropped after week 2 of classes in not eligible for refunding. If a class is dropped before that deadline, you will be issued a prorated refund or class credit. Please email managingdirector@cytphoenix.org if you have any questions regarding drop and refund policies.
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Curriculum

Curriculum

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

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Showcase

Showcase

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

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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. 

Emmy, 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.
Want to Teach for CYT Phoenix?

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!

Caitlen Spencer

Caitlen Spencer moved to Arizona in December of 2020. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from West Texas A&M University and has years of experience in creative ministry, youth theatre, as well as performing in local and professional venues. She has a passion for developing young singers, giving them an understanding of music, and helping promote healthy voice practices. Caitlen now lives in Tempe with her husband and loves everything creative, including taking care of her small garden. During the day Caitlen is a School Services Rep with Music & Arts, helping provide instruments and supplies for over 150 school music programs across the Valley.

Dexter Tuten

Dexter Tuten is a CYT alumnus, having participated in CYT classes and shows while in High School, and has worked as a teacher for classes, and Stage Manager for many CYT Phoenix main-stage productions.

Haley Gadbery

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 over a decade, 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.

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 25 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.

Victoria Gentry-Swedler

Tori Swedler has been a part of the CYT family since 2014, designing both sets and props and the occasional costume. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art from Northern Illinois University and has been designing and creating sets for over 15 years. In that time she has been nominated for multiple awards and most recently took home a Zoni for props for CYT’s production of Tarzan. Tori is excited to be teaching students the hands on skills that will help them bring their imaginations to life.