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!

Current Classes:

Class: Age: Chapter: Location: Day: Time: Start: End:
Acting 2 - Scene Work & Character 8-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Feb 24 Apr 27
Acting for Littles - Seuss-tastic! 4-7 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Thu 5:00pm - 5:50pm Feb 23 Apr 27
Advanced Acting - Acting in Faith 13-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Thu 6:00pm - 7:50pm Feb 23 Apr 27
Broadway Dance Combos 8-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Wed 6:00pm - 7:50pm Feb 22 Apr 27
Highlights from THE GREATEST SHOWMAN 7-14 CYT Phoenix at Shepherd of the Desert
(Spring 2023)
Shepherd of the Desert Thu 4:00pm - 5:50pm Feb 16 Apr 20
Hip Hop 101 11-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Thu 6:00pm - 7:50pm Feb 23 Apr 27
IMPROV Team 10-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 11:30am Mar 04 Apr 27
Intro to Acting 8-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Sat 9:30am - 11:30am Mar 04 Apr 27
Make-up DESIGN 12-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Fri 4:00pm - 5:50pm Feb 24 Apr 27
Sing NEWSIES! 10-18 Phoenix
(Spring 2023)
CYT Studio Wed 6:00pm - 7:50pm Feb 22 Apr 27

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.

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.

Current Teachers:

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!


Bria Clark

I currently work as the Children's Ministry and DCE intern at Shepherd of the Desert in Scottsdale! While, Jesus is my JAM, so are the performing arts! Prior to working in ministry I worked for 6+ years in music and theatre education in West Michigan! I'm excited to work in a world with my three favorite things: Jesus, kids and the performing arts! :)


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.


Dan Stoddard


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.


Elise Palma

Hello! My name is Elise Palma. I am an director and teaching artist at CYT. I love these kids with everything in me and look forward to pouring into them on and off stage!


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 student at Grand Canyon University where she is pursuing a BA in Theatre Education. She is grateful for CYT and blessed to be a part of the organization as a teaching artist.


Nicole Cottrell

I’m a writer and speaker, ministry director, and homeschool mother of three.