Current Teachers:
Alexandra Biggs
Alexandra Biggs is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education. She is currently serving as the Artistic Director of Dance at Maricopa High School, and holds a state teaching certificate in her field. She has been dancing since the age of three, and throughout her training enjoyed multiple successes in the competitive realm. She has had the opportunity to study at the prestigious dance department at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, as well as spending two wonderful years at Grand Canyon University. 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 A. Cortes
Bertha A. Cortes received her Bachelor's in Theatre Education from Grand Canyon University in 2015. She currently teaches Pre K through 6th grade Drama at BMES in Cave Creek. She is also a company member at Brelby Theatre Company in Glendale. She is thrilled to be working at CYT!
Isaac Wilson
Isaac Wesley Wilson- Was born and raised in Arizona where he began his Musical Theatre education with school and community theatres, various local choirs, and Take Five Dance Academy, where he trained in Musical Theatre, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ball Room, and Tap. After high school, he joined a performance and education based group in California called The Young Americans. While there, he had the opportunity to work with troubled youth from drug rehabilitation centers, juvenile detention facilities, and homeless shelters. He also performed with such stars as Hugh Panaro, Michael Arden and Tony Award Winner Brian Stokes Mitchell. He then took part in a 3 month teaching and performing tour through Germany. He continued his education in the performing arts here in Arizona where he received his degree. He has been performing professionally for years in the Phoenix area as well as on the national level. He has lived and danced in Phoenix, New York, and Los Angeles and he has taught for colleges, theatres, studios, and private individuals. He loves the performing arts, and has loved working with the great students of CYT.
Rachel Stoddard
Rachel has worked in the Valley as a music educator for the past 23 years, directing choirs of all ages, teaching voice and piano lessons, directing musicals and performing in various choral groups and musical theater productions. She works as the Director of Vocal Music for Productions at Dream City Church, sings with the Sonoran Desert Chorale, and serves on the Valley of the Sun NATS Board as a Vice President of Programs. Past choral directing and teaching experience includes Arizona Christian University, Paradise Valley Community College, Scottsdale Christian Academy, Explorer Middle School and Mountain Trail Middle School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District and the Phoenix Boys Choir. Rachel received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education (Emphasis in Voice) from Susquehanna University and a Master of Music Education from Arizona State University. Professional affiliations include the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American Choral Director's Association (ACDA) and the Arizona Music Educator's Association (AMEA).
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.
